Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration MSc

Program Overview

This part-time online MSc program in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration offers a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system, neurodegenerative diseases, and their treatments. Designed for individuals with other commitments, it explores neuroanatomy, common neurodegenerative diseases, and the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration. Students develop analytical, presentational, and critical thinking skills through assessments and collaborative study. The program prepares graduates for careers in neuroscience research, the pharmaceutical industry, or healthcare professions specializing in neurology.

Program Outline

Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration MSc Program Details:

Degree Overview:

This part-time, online MSc program in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration offers a comprehensive understanding of the human nervous system, neurodegenerative diseases, and their treatments. It is designed for individuals who want to develop their knowledge and skills in this field while balancing other commitments.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental biology of the human nervous system.
• Gain knowledge of the mechanisms behind a range of neurodegenerative illnesses.
• Enhance analytical and presentational skills through individual and collaborative study.
• Develop critical appreciation of peer review through formative and summative assessment exercises.

Description:

The program starts with neuroanatomy, delving into the human brain and spinal cord. It then explores common neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and multiple sclerosis, covering their causes, effects on patients, and research methods. As the program progresses, it focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind neurodegeneration and the translation of laboratory discoveries into treatments.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with each year worth 60 credits, equating to 600 hours of study. The studies are spread over 40 weeks of the academic year, requiring approximately 15 hours of study per week. It covers Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, motor neurone diseases, and multiple sclerosis, focusing on their clinical signs, pathological basis, and genetics.

Year 2:

• Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration (60 credits): This module delves into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.

Year 3:

• Core Module:
It discusses preclinical and clinical studies utilizing drugs, stem cells, antibodies, and nucleotide-based therapeutics. It also examines the different routes of administration required for effective target engagement and highlights the importance of academic and industrial partnerships in therapeutic development.
• Optional Modules:
• Professional and Research Skills (15 credits):
This module focuses on the practicalities of performing audits and research with human data, covering ethics, research governance procedures, professional responsibilities, and communication of scientific messages to non-expert audiences.
• Literature Review (30 credits): This module allows students to conduct an in-depth literature-based project on a clinical, basic, or translational topic within neurodegeneration, suitable for publication.
It develops skills in information retrieval, synthesis, and critical analysis of published literature.
• Research Project (75 credits): This module provides the opportunity to learn and apply research methodologies to test a specific scientific hypothesis.
Students select a research project and carry out a 20-week research project, culminating in an oral presentation and dissertation.

Assessment:

Assessment is primarily through written assignments and coursework, including posters and presentations delivered by video.

Teaching:

All teaching takes place online through short video lectures and demonstrations, tutorials, interactive activities, quizzes, collaborative group work, and discussion forums.

Careers:

This course prepares graduates for careers in neuroscience research, with many graduates pursuing PhDs and working at top universities and research institutes. Other career paths include research positions in the pharmaceutical industry or the NHS. The course can also benefit clinicians seeking specialization in neurology and provide professional development for healthcare professionals, particularly neurologists and geriatricians.

Other:

• The content of the course is reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and up-to-dateness.
• Individual modules may be updated or withdrawn based on research discoveries, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, review outcomes, and variations in staff or student numbers.
• Students will be informed of any changes in good time, and reasonable steps will be taken to minimize disruption.

Home (2024 annual fee) : £4,333 each year Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £4,333 each year