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School of Life Sciences

Medical Neuroscience

(MSci) Medical Neuroscience

Entry for 2024

FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course learning outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key concepts and principles in neuroscience, together with an awareness of the major research techniques used and their limitations.

Demonstratea systematic understanding of neural mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and behavioural levelsin health and disease, consolidating knowledge from other related disciplines such as physiology, molecular biology, genetics and developmental biology.

Effectively interpret data and ideas from a variety of sources of information, including technical literature in neuroscienceand clinical studies.

Work independently and in a team to solve problems and complete tasks.

Convey complex ideasin a variety of ways such asverbally, visually and in writing, in a clear, concise and grammatically correct style, using an appropriate format and demonstrating academic integrity.

Devise and communicate effective and logical written arguments and conclusions, through critical evaluation of scientific evidence and concepts, including an appreciation of limitations in our knowledge.

Design, plan and analyse researchstudies in the biosciences, and understand how experiments are used to test a hypothesis.

Plan, manage and present an independent research project, applying and extending skills in data collection and analysis and/or the critical evaluation of primary scientific literature, within a supported framework.

Demonstrate understanding of a range of practical or analytical techniques used in neuroscience.

Appreciate the importance of scientific skills to society and in the workplace.

Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomical organisation and function of major pathways in the human nervous system, and the biological basis of common neurological diseases.

Employ one or more advanced practical or analytical techniques used in neuroscienceor psychiatryresearch, and critique their significance and limitations for bioscience research.

Demonstrate a critical engagement with contemporary neuroscience research, including the ability to devise original arguments from published literature and experimental evidence.

Present research findings as a dissertation in the form of a research paper and as a research seminar, demonstrating self-direction and the ability to systematically and creatively manage complex issues.

Full-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreCells, Organisms and Systems (C1009)304
  CorePhysiology and Disease (C1102)154
  CoreSkills, Ethics and Society (C7161)154
 Spring SemesterCoreBiochemistry and Metabolism (C7411)154
  CoreCell and Molecular Biology (C7003)154
  CoreNeuroscience and Behaviour (C1087)154
  CoreResearch Methods for Neuroscience (C1147)154
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
2Autumn SemesterCoreHuman Genetics and Genomics (C7110)155
  CorePrinciples of Medical Neuroscience (C1129)305
  CoreResearch and Professional Skills I: Neuroscience (X2105)155
 Spring SemesterCoreCell Regulation and Pharmacology (C7108)155
  CoreDevelopmental Biology (C1008)155
  CoreNeural Circuits (C1098)155
  CoreResearch and Professional Skills II: Neuroscience (X2106)155
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
3Autumn SemesterOptionBiological Psychology of Mental Health (C8504)156
  Cell Signalling and Therapeutics (C7118)156
  Communicating STEM (899S4)156
  Intelligence in Animals and Machines (C1118)156
  Programming for Life Sciences (C7147)156
  Structure and Function in the Human Brain (C7143)156
  Synaptic Communication (C1120)156
 Autumn & Spring TeachingCoreThird Year Bioscience Research Project (C7162)306
 Spring SemesterCoreNeurobiology of Brain Disorders (C7122)156
  OptionDrugs, Brain and Behaviour (C8528)156
  Genomics and Bioinformatics (C7120)156
  Innovation in Bioscience and Medicine (C7117)156
  Manipulating Minds (C8904)156
  Molecular Neuropharmacology (C7128)156
  Science of Memory (C8853)156
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
4Autumn SemesterOptionAdvanced Methods in Molecular Research (806C7)307
  Advanced Techniques in Neuroscience (821C1)307
  Imaging in Brain Diseases (870C1)157
  Skills for Research Bioscientists (869C2)157
 Spring SemesterCoreLife Sciences MSci research project (805C7)607

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.