Historical &amp; Contemporary Perspectives to Conflict &amp; Migration (IRDR0040)

This module analyses historical and contemporary perspectives on forced migration and the range of theories on conflict and violence that causes these events. Lectures will examine key events and ideas that have contributed to forced migration, including: the Rohingya Exodus, the Syrian civil war, the conflict in South Sudan, and longer historical perspectives from the Second World War and the Partition of India. The issues of gender-based violence and human trafficking will be examined. Seminars and tutorials will be used for discussion groups and feedback sessions. 

The module aims to advance students’ understanding of historical and contemporary perspectives on conflict and migration. The module aims to introduce students to a range of theories in conflict and migration so that they will be able to analyse the root causes of different types of conflicts and violence, such as direct violence, structural violence and cultural violence. The module will also introduce students to the concept of gender-based violence and its consequences. They will gain a sound understanding of the pull and push factors of migration; the situations of refugees and internally-displaced people (IDPs); and IDP and refugee relationships with their host community. This module is a unique opportunity for students to acquire knowledge through interdisciplinary approaches. The module will use literature from a range of disciplines and approaches.

This module gives an introduction to anatomy and development of motoneurons and neuromuscular junctions, the development of different motoneuron types leading...

Motoneurons, Neuromuscular Junctions and Associated Disease (CLNE0020)

This module gives an introduction to anatomy and development of motoneurons and neuromuscular junctions, the development of different motoneuron types leading to differences in their physiology and functional characteristics. The course also gives an overview of the most important diseases that affect either the neuromuscular junction or motor neurons and lead to diseases affecting the motor system as a whole, including motoneuron disease (MND), Spinobulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) and rare diseases of the neuromuscular junction, such as Myasthenia Gravis.

This module aims to give you a sound understanding of the anatomy and function of spinal motoneurons and neuromuscular junctions and a comprehensive overview of the clinical features and scientific understanding of diseases affecting motoneurons and neuromuscular junctions.

By the end of this course you will understand the anatomy, development and functional characteristics of different spinal motoneuron subtypes and their interdependence with innervated muscles for the maintenance of intact neuromuscular junctions and correct functioning of the neuromuscular system. You will also be able to understand the underlying pathology, genetic background and current research trends in motoneuron diseases and diseases of neuromuscular junctions. You will be able to understand and interpret neurophysiological assessments and characteristic histopathology in neuromuscular junction diseases; you will be able to critically evaluate the validity of disease models for the development of future therapies and to understand the difficulties designing clinical trials in NMD.