On March 21st our A-level psychologists enjoyed an introductory tutorial in neuroscience, delivered by Dr Guy Sutton. As well as being the director and founder of Medical Biological interactive (MBI), Dr Guy Sutton is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nottingham Medical school. The day was packed with thought-provoking and current research that pupils can apply to their A-level topics.

The students spent the day looking at the role of the brain in many behaviours including schizophrenia, OCD and offending behaviour. They also covered basic brain anatomy and neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to rewire following trauma or illness.

Dr Sutton discussed the role the brain plays in schizophrenia, including the role of neurochemicals, genetics and the interaction between genes and the environment in schizophrenia, and the role of drugs in treating schizophrenia.

During the workshop, students carried out a dissection of a sheep’s brain. Then continued by looking at the key structures in a brain, how neurochemicals affect the brain and the effect of drugs such as cannabis and ketamine on the brain.

The talks covered research into the brain development of Romanian adoptee studies and the ethical implications of human brain organoids.

The discussions on the anatomy of the brain and the methods of studying the brain offered a brilliant and in-depth insight into the biopsychology topic that the students will be covering next. This was accompanied by the students watching a sheep brain dissection and further discussing split-brain research. The session concluded by exploring the neuropsychology of criminality and the effects of brain damage on behaviour.

Dr Sutton was incredibly enthusiastic, and the students were fascinated and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The content provided challenging and stimulating discussions that can now be discussed further within the classroom.

Students gave the following feedback.

“A great day, it was extraordinary to learn about the future of neuroscience”. -Freya

“It was interesting to learn more about the future of neuroscience in criminal law, and it was fascinating to listen to stores of people whose cases had been overturned by neuroscience evidence”. -Daisy

“I had an incredible experience participating in Brain Day. It was fascinating learning about the brain in such great depth and obtaining a greater understanding of its influence on behaviours. The expertise of Dr Guy Sutton has accelerated my interest in neuroscience and psychology greatly”. -Sophie

Thank you Dr Sutton for your time and insights into brain behaviours.