On Friday 24th January, the Lower 6th Psychology students were treated to a fascinating day of lectures from Guy Sutton, an Honorary Special Lecturer in Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham Medical School and the Director and Founder of Medical Biology Interactive.
They spent the day learning about the workings of the brain in a number of different behavioural areas, such as the anatomy of the brain and neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to change in response to a person’s experiences throughout their entire life. The fact that no two brains are the same were especially emphasised throughout the day, as well as the value of fMRIs in helping us to understand the brain as we do today.
They went on to discuss the effects that drugs such as cannabis and ketamine can have on a person’s brain and consequently their behaviour, and even what happens in the brain after death. They also explored scientific advancements that are set to come about in the next few decades as a result of research into neuroscience, such as neurobionics or even replacing gaming controllers with neural implants, so we are able to achieve things just by thinking.
After lunch, the students were treated to the unique opportunity to watch the dissection of a sheep brain and even being allowed to hold it as the different major structures within it were passed around the classroom.
The last session was on “The Shattered Mind”, in which the students delved into the criminal brain and they discussed the ethical questions of whether criminals truly are in control of their own actions, or whether it is their brain or damaged parts of their brain that control them. They looked at many case studies, truly fascinated at the way in which even a small change to the chemical or physical structure of the brain can result in dramatic changes in behaviour.
Guy Sutton was a passionate and engaging lecturer who ensured that there was never a dull moment throughout the entire day. He made even complex topics easy to understand and we were very grateful for everything he had to offer us.
By Emily Parsons
