Translational Neuroscience

Core modules:

Ethics in Neuroscience

Ethics is embedded in all scientific research and clinical practice. This module introduces the ethical considerations and current legislation regarding patient and animal research, and how these are adhered to. This module will enable a detailed understanding of why and how all scientific research and clinical practice must comply with relevant legal and ethical standards.

15 credits

Molecular Neuroscience

This module aims to ensure students understand the current experimental strategies being used in molecular neuroscience, such as methods used to study genetic inheritance and molecular biology techniques, from the fundamental through to state of the art. This module will combine classroom teaching with carefully guided, complementary small group practical training in basic and advanced molecular biology techniques. The teaching will also include computer based tutorial and problem solving classes, in which the students will be taken through basic bio-informatic approaches, such as sequence analysis, searching databases for gene, protein, expression and functional data and primer design.

15 credits

Neurodegeneration

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, but effective treatments are lacking. Detailed knowledge of the neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases is essential to understanding these disorders. Cellular and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases are key to translational research, but have limitations. This module will examine the classical neuropathology of a range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease, and investigate the application and limitations of using models of disease.

15 credits

Neuroanatomy

Knowledge of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system is fundamental to neuroscience. This module will combine a lecture series on basic and functional neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, peripheral neuroanatomy and basic neuroscience with practical demonstrations of the human brain and spinal cord using models and prosections.  This will enable students to acquire an in-depth and critical understanding of functional neuroanatomy.

15 credits

Nervous system disease

Nervous system diseases are diverse and a common cause of death and disability. This module focuses principally on inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic disease processes in detail. In recent years great progress has been made in both prevention and acute management of these diseases, however the precise pathways and molecular mechanisms involved are unknown. This module provides an opportunity for students to engage in depth learning of the classical clinical manifestations and neuropathologies of these diseases. It will also facilitate the students' understanding how recent laboratory breakthroughs have been translated into clinical benefits for patients in the modern treatment of these conditions.

15 credits

Neuroimaging and Histopathology

While cell and animal models of disease are important research tools. Imaging and histological examination of human tissue is essential to provide important insights into the underlying pathology of neurological disease. In this module, you will learn how imaging technologies are used to study the structure and function of the brain, and develop an understanding of the fundamentals of neuropathology alongside practical training in a range of histological techniques.

15 credits

Literature Review and Critical Analysis of Science

This module provides training in detailed critical analysis of current scientific literature. Students will select an essay title from a list of current topics in translational neuroscience and write a 3000 word critical review. Students will produce a draft that will be discussed with the academic member of staff who provided the title prior to writing the review. Learning will be complemented with a series of tutorials. In the initial tutorial sessions, groups of students will present contradictory scientific papers and challenge the findings of the other groups' papers, while in later sessions each student will present and critique a paper individually prior to group discussion.

15 credits

Research Project

The aim of the module is to provide the opportunity to learn and apply research methodologies to test a specific scientific hypothesis. A list of projects will be made available and students will be asked to select their top choices. Having been assigned a project of their choice, the students will carry out a 20 week research project, culminating in an oral presentation and dissertation concisely written in the style of a scientific paper describing their research. Students will be expected to join in with the Departmental seminars, journal clubs and supervisor meetings, to learn and experience the role of a scientific researcher.

75 credits