Biology: Dr Cranium’s Crazy Nervous System: An interactive lecture into the brain and it’s twelve cranial nerves by Adam Holder, The University of Sheffield

This session is for Year 12 &13 students who are either studying Biology at AS/A2, or have an interest in studying any medical or health science based degree at University. The one hour session will briefly cover the brain, its anatomy, function and formation, and will also talk about each of the twelve cranial nerves, which are the key connection between the brain and the rest of the body. The topics covered in the session will be applicable to a vast array of students and hopefully they will enjoy learning about the body’s most prized organ through the use of a wide range of presentation skills, including conventional lecture style teaching, the use of videos, images, and interactive demonstrations – including optical illusions, and ‘mind tricks’ that will have students and teachers alike itching to demonstrate their new knowledge to their peers. The resources used and the format of the session is designed to immerse the students, and encourage them interact with both their classmates, and the lecturer. Quick quizzes will be set, along with videos and practical demonstrations to challenge the students to use their brain to learn more about how it all works.

The session will be run by Adam Holder, a 4th year Dental Student at the University, who is an experienced peer educator and mentor, and who is looking to study a Phd in Dental Public Health and Education upon graduation. The bulk of his first two years at the University were spent learning about human anatomy through the use of lectures, seminars and dissection classes. He is a long term volunteer on the ADOPT scheme, which is an outreach project run by the University of Sheffield aiming to encourage A-Level students from backgrounds less associated with dentistry applicants to apply to pursue a career in Dentistry.

Suitable for: Year 12 & Year 13

Preparation/Pre-reading: There is no pre-reading required for this session. It would be helpful, however, for students to prepare questions in advance relating to studying this subject area at university. These questions may cover, for example, the application process, course structure, and university lifestyle.