Brain Sciences

The aim of this programme is to help you gain interdisciplinary knowledge “from molecules to mind” and develop research skills in cognitive brain imaging, fundamental neuroscience and brain disorders. Over the last two decades there has been an explosion of interest in brain science across academia, industry and the media. The integration of cognitive brain imaging with neuroscience plays a central part in discovering how the brain functions in health and disease in the 21st century, as illustrated by the Human Brain Project in Europe and The Brain Initiative in the USA.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

- Study in an institute striving to understand the brain at multiple levels of function, from cells to cognition using approaches ranging from molecular, cellular and systems level investigations to brain imaging.

- Top 10 in the UK for Psychology (Complete University Guide 2021).

- Experience lectures by staff who are international research leaders and publish cutting edge research at the forefront of brain sciences.

- Attend seminars on a wide range of topics given by eminent external speakers visiting the Institute from around the world as part of our Current Research Topics course.

- Carry out a research project working in labs equipped with technology and expertise at the forefront of brain science research, including:

3 Tesla fMRI system to image human brain function
Magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography to study neural activity
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for non-invasive brain stimulation
7 Tesla experimental MRI scanner for studying models of disease
Confocal microscopy for high resolution cellular imaging
Models of disease for pharmcolgical, gene and stem cell therapies.

- Receive training in research design, data handling, data analysis, and reporting of results.

- Develop in-depth specialist knowledge to enhance further academic research as well as transferable skills for a career outside academia.

- The brain science programme allows choice and flexibility through optional taught courses.

- Join a vibrant community of masters students from other programmes and for your research project you will be based in laboratories alongside PhD students, postdocs and senior researchers.

- Gain skills in critical appraisal, independent working, presentations, writing scientific documents and time management through our range of teaching methods and assessments.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme will consist of compulsory taught courses, selected optional courses and a research project spread over 11-12 months.

Core Courses and Research Project
FUNDAMENTALS OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
COGNITIVE BRAIN IMAGING METHODS (PGT)
DATA SKILLS FOR REPRODUCIBLE SCIENCE (PGT)
CURRENT RESEARCH TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE AND BRAIN IMAGING
NEUROSCIENCE: ANIMAL MODELS OF DISEASE AND FUNCTION
DESIGNING A RESEARCH PROJECT: BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
MSC BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH PROJECT (BRAIN SCIENCES)

Optional Courses
BIO-IMAGING FOR RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALISATION OF BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH
NEUROINFLAMMATION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
STATISTICS & RESEARCH DESIGN (PGT)

Teaching and Learning Methods

Taught courses are delivered by lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning and computer-based sessions supplemented by a wide range of electronic resources for independent or group study. You will use the primary scientific literature as an information resource and through project work will develop skills in team-working, experimental design and data interpretation. Through assessment of coursework you will gain skills in oral and written communication.