Neuroscience PGDip

Program Overview

Through a combination of core and elective modules, students gain advanced knowledge in drug design, development, and the management of neurological disorders, preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, and industry.

Program Outline

Study topics from the principles of drug design and development to the clinical aspects of the management of major neurological diseases. The clinical component is unique to this course and ties together the scientific, clinical, and personal aspects of neurological disease. With a strong focus on the clinical perspective, this course will give you advanced knowledge on a path to innovative treatments for patients suffering from neurological disorders.

Outline:

Neuroscience PGDip

Compulsory/Core modules

Research Skills and Methodology (15 credits) This module combines lecture-based teaching with practicals and workshops which provides you with a foundation in research methodology, as well as skills in thinking, writing and oral communication. You will study topics ranging from the formulation of hypotheses based on critical analysis and evaluation of scientific literature to experimental design and core laboratory methodologies used in biomedical research. We will also will discuss safety and ethical concerns relating to research, as well as professional conduct and careers in regenerative medicine. Throughout the module, you will develop practical skills including statistical analysis, dissemination of information through oral and written presentation, and public engagement. Fundamentals of Drug Discovery and Drug Development (15 credits) You will study various types of targets for treatment in neurology and psychiatry, and will discuss how to model disease experimentally. You will analyse the role of imaging techniques and that of biomarkers in modern medicine. You will have detailed discussions about aspects of drug absorption and bioavailability, and aspects of safety and toxicity studies required before the first exploratory clinical studies. You will also be taught about drug regulatory aspects and intellectual property aspects which are part of the process of therapeutic innovation.

Elective modules

Neuroinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (15 credits) In this module you will be given an overview of the specific translational medicine challenges in neuroinflammatory diseases and autoimmune disease. You will study new treatment directions in multiple sclerosis, which are a consequence of major advances in our understanding of this condition. Pain and Epilepsy (15 credits) You will study a comprehensive analysis of headache and migraine and their pathophysiology, and will also discuss other types of chronic pain, including visceral pain. You will discuss in detail new therapeutic ideas in the management of chronic pain and epilepsy conditions. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Genome Engineering (15 credits) This module will introduce you to the different types of pluripotent stem cells which are used for research and in therapeutics. The emphasis will be on induced pluripotent stem cells, where the focus will be on generation, verification, and applications of these cells. Tissue-specific Stem Cells (15 credits) You will develop in depth knowledge of the role of tissue-specific stem cells during tissue homeostasis and wound-healing, as well as current and future applications in regenerative medicine. The module will cover stem cells present in tissues derived from each of the three primary germ cell layer (ectoderm, endoderm & mesoderm). You will also examine cutting-edge experimental techniques that are used to evaluate adult stem cells by interpreting data from primary research papers. Throughout the module you will develop a variety of skills including critical analysis of scientific literature, interpretation of experimental design, evaluation of statistical analysis, and design of presentations. Your transferable skills in critical thinking, organisation, writing, and oral communication will also be enhanced. Neurotrauma and Stroke (15 credits) In this module you will be taught all the key aspects of specific translational medicine challenges in neurotrauma (including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury) and stroke. You will discuss in detail the pathophysiology of acquired injury in the central nervous system and how the secondary injury mechanisms can become a target for treatment. You will discuss neuroprotection and neurorepair strategies and will become acquainted with new emerging concepts in clinical trials in neurotrauma and stroke. Neuro-oncology (15 credits) You will acquire detailed knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis underlying the development of brain tumours. You will be given an overview of the current, specific translational medicine challenges in neurooncology. Neurodegenerative Diseases (15 credits) This module is an extensive study of the cellular and molecular biology substrates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. You will critically discuss clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease.

Assessment:

Assessment

You will be assessed using a combination of final written examinations and a series of in-course assessments. The in-course assessments consist of literature reviews, oral presentations, case analyses and clinical trial protocol discussions.

Teaching:

Teaching

We have a large number of specialists teaching on the course, and many are world leaders in their fields. These include academics from other institutions, clinicians, and specialists from the pharmaceutical industry. We use a variety of teaching and learning methods on the programme, including seminars, laboratory practice sessions, self-directed learning, one-to-one tutorials, case presentations, and reading lists of books and journal papers. You will also have a personal mentor who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters. You will also be supported by your programme administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day organisation and management of the programme and are on-hand to facilitate a positive learning environment and support your engagement during your studies. Airedale General Hospital, St George's Hospital, University College Hospital, University Hospital of Burton and Derby), the Oxford Vaccine Group, and other non-medical employment. Many are working in positions such as Doctor, Laboratory Assistant, Clinical Trials Data Manager, Trial Coordinator, Pharmacy Assistant Technical Officer, Research Scientists in academia or industry, Independent Scientific Investigators, Medical and Science writers, and Marketing and Communications roles. Others have returned to their clinical work or study, as PhD students or MBBS students at institutions such as Queen Mary or the University of Sunderland. Source: Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20 and 2020/21

Other:

Other

• The Neuroscience PGDip at Queen Mary University provides a strong foundation for students who aim to work in this field of study.

Home: £9,900 Overseas: £18,200