Translational Neuroscience

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

This Master's course consists of six taught modules and a 6-month laboratory based research project.

The first four core modules are compulsory; you can choose your remaining two taught modules from two optional streams.

There are written examinations after the four core modules and again after the two taught modules. You will then go onto study in your choice of laboratory-based research project, which is examined via a dissertation and oral presentation.

More information about each of these components is given below.

Taught component – core modules

There are four 2.5-week core taught modules. The first two weeks consist of lectures, practical classes, group workshops and tutorials, whilst the remainder of the time is set aside for consolidation of what you have learnt during the module and for completion of assignments.

Module 1: Functional Neuroanatomy

You will investigate the basic structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems; how these systems interact in normal physiological function; and the consequences of their impairment in neurological conditions.

Module 2: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

You will learn which cells make up the nervous system; how they interact during brain and spinal cord development; and the neuronal networks they form in the developed brain. This module also covers mechanisms of neuronal damage and the potential for neuroregeneration.

Module 3: Neurodegenerative disorders

You will build on the knowledge gained in Modules 1 and 2 to then investigate the clinical and pathological features of the principle neurodegenerative disorders and how they are clinically treated. This module will also cover how drugs for CNS use are designed, tested utilising in vitro and in vivo models, and their translation in clinical trials.

Module 4: Neuroinflammation, Stroke and CNS trauma

You will build on the knowledge gained in Modules 1 and 2 to then investigate the clinical, immunological/pathological features and clinical treatment of neurological conditions where neuroinflammation plays a key role e.g. Multiple Sclerosis etc. and in stroke and CNS trauma. This module will also cover how in vitro and in vivo models are used in translational research to develop novel therapies for such disorders, plus how clinical trials are run.

Taught components – Optional Streams

You can choose one of the two optional streams, each of which contains two further taught modules.

Stream 1 Module 5: Brain Imaging

This modules covers the fundamental physical principles underlying various brain imaging techniques, and how to identify brain anatomical structures. You will acquire theoretical and practical experience with common analysis approaches and software packages used for the analysis of MRI and PET images, and also investigate the role of neuroimaging in the clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders and psychiatric diseases, as well as their role as biomarkers in disease progression and in drug development.

Module 6: Computational Neuroscience

You will learn the theory and develop the practical skills to apply a wide variety of computational analytical techniques to complex data sets obtained from a wide variety of sources, such as fMRI, EEG/MEG, cognitive task data, genotypes and endophenotypes.

OR

Stream 2 Module 7: Brain Plasticity and Neuro-regeneration

You will investigate the fundamental molecular, cellular and system biology aspects of the principles of brain plasticity and neuro-regeneration. You will then cover state-of-the-art concepts of regenerative bioengineering and biomaterials, how they can be tested as potential treatments in neuro-regeneration models, and ultimately translated into clinical trials.

Module 8: Addiction and Neuropsychopharmacology in Psychiatry

This modules covers the clinical features of key psychiatric disorders, including addictions, and how such disorders are clinically treated. You will explore the neurobiological and neuropharmacological basis for psychiatric disorders, and gain a good understanding of what experimental approaches are available to characterize such disorders, including neuroimaging (PET, MR), ‘first-into-man’ and clinical trials.

Assessments and Examinations

The grades for each module will be determined through a combination of in-course assessment and written examinations.

In-course assessments

Each taught module requires the student to complete an assignment, which can take a variety of formats (e.g. essay, practical write-up, research proposal, poster presentation etc.), which contribute to the overall examination grade for each module (30% apart from module 6 where the in-course assessment accounts for 50% of the final grade).

Written examination

Each module will have a standalone written examination paper.

Examinations for modules 1–4 will take place in a revision and examination period at the end of module 4, generally at the beginning of January.

Similarly, written examinations for your two optional taught modules will take place in a revision and examination period at the end of your second module in stream 1 or 2, generally at the end of February.

All taught modules carry identical weighting (8.3r%) in the determination of your final MSc grade.

Research component – 6-month laboratory project

You will be able to choose from a wide range of research projects on offer and conduct cutting-edge research in some of the most modern and well equipped research facilities in the UK.

The majority of the projects will be offered within the diverse research portfolio of the Division of Brain Science.

You will be hosted in research facilities run by world-leading academics and clinicians at forefront of medical research in order give you experience of top quality, cutting-edge, competitive research.

The research component will be assessed by a written dissertation of the research project (85%) and an oral presentation on the research project (15%).