Thinking

Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. The human brain may be the most complex structure in the universe.

The brain is so powerful that it is attempting to understand itself, through research. New techniques have opened up ways of exploring the brain. Functional imaging allows us to watch the brain in action; our understanding of the biochemistry of nerve function has blossomed; and the genetic revolution has allowed us to probe the function of individual genes and proteins. These techniques are shedding light on the very essence of human life - how we feel, think and act. Even the nature of consciousness is beginning to be unravelled. But can we really see ourselves simply as 'biological computers'?

Supporting materials include two podcasts - news reports of a high-profile murder case, produced in completely different styles. The accused has brutally slain a colleague. His defence is that he was suffering from a brain tumour at the time. The physical changes in his brain causing him to become more aggressive and impulsive, made him less responsible for his actions. Students are encouraged to debate the issues surrounding the case.