Last Thursday the L6th psychologists were very fortunate to be visited by our guest lecturer, Dr Guy Sutton. Dr Sutton is the Founder of Medical Biology Interactive and is an Honorary (Consultant) Assistant Professor in the Division of Psychiatry at University of Nottingham having held previous academic appointments at Manchester and Cambridge Universities.

Students began their day with a series of lectures on the workings of the brain. This included a detailed introduction to the structures and functions of different brain regions, neural transmission, plasticity, and functional recovery of the brain after trauma and the impact of drugs on the brain. After break he moved on to discuss the latest advancements in brain imaging techniques used to measure brain activity, before moving on to a fascinating discussion of the recent research into brain computer interfaces and the potential uses these may have in the treatment of patients with neurological disorders. The students were fascinated to learn about the possibilities of brain-computer interface technology and the legal and moral implications of such research.

The day finished with a sheep brain dissection where students were able to identify (and hold) various parts of the brain. This helped them consolidate their prior learning and was also an opportunity for students to ask any questions they had (and they had many!). It was a fascinating day and the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Mrs L Wilson, Head of Psychology