MSc Brain and Behaviour

Program Overview

MSc Brain and Behaviour

About this course

Gain advanced knowledge of the neural, pharmacological and physiological mechanisms underlying behaviour and the approaches used to study them.

• Explore brain and behaviour presented in a holistic and neuroscientific context, covering a broad range of topics
• Study on a course taught by research-active staff who are experts in their field
• Gain practical experience with cutting edge neuroscientific techniques
• Acquire skills, knowledge and practical experience directly relevant to a research career
• Enjoy both research- and student-led learning methods
• Conduct a research project covering the full research arc from study conception to dissemination

Neuroscientific research aims to understand healthy brain function as well as disorders of brain and behaviour in both humans and animals. As a relatively new field of study, which has only been recognised in its own right since the 20th century, it has benefited greatly in recent decades from novel technologies and has diverse applications including education, law and artificial intelligence.

This Masters in Brain and Behaviour covers the true breadth of this multidisciplinary field, from ion channels to human behaviour. Through hands-on experiential learning, you will gain a cutting-edge grasp of nervous system structure and function and an appreciation of the field's real life applications in the clinic and beyond.

You will develop key transferable skills in the design, analysis and presentation of neuroscientific and behavioural studies, equipping you with a strong foundation for pursuing a career in a range of research settings in both academia and the private sector.

You will study in state-of-the-art facilities, including psychology and neuroscience labs within the purpose-built Tom Reilly Building. Facilities include:

• fNIRS
• 64 and 128 channel EEG
• psychophysiological measuring equipment, including Skin Conductance (SC), heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• TOBI eye tracker
• Fully equipped sensory testing laboratories.

You will also be based in the Life Sciences Building, which features brand new, fully equipped molecular and cellular biology laboratories for conducting:

• gene sequencing and DNA expression analysis
• protein expression analysis
• protein expression analysis
• metabolite analysis and tissue culture labs.

Course modules

Core modules

• Somatosensory Systems (20 credits)
  • The aim of this comparative module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mammalian somatosensory system, from sensory transduction through to central representation in the brain and behaviours – in sickness and health. Teaching will comprise lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
• Current Methods in Brain and Behaviour (20 credits)
  • This module provides a grounding in neuroanatomy and related research techniques used to study the relationship between brain and behaviour in humans in health and disease. During workshops, you will receive hands-on experience running brain imaging (fMRI/fNIRS) and neuro-stimulation (neuro-navigated TMS and tDCS) experiments. Later, in practical sessions you will design, programme and conduct your own behavioural study.
• Cognitive Neuroscience (20 credits)
  • This module provides an understanding of advanced and state-of-the-art topics in cognitive neuroscience, within the context of healthy and disordered brain structure and function. Through lectures and seminars you will consider the neural basis of cognitive functions such as perception, memory and cognitive control and their malfunction in neuro-degenerative and mental-health disorders.
• Applied Neuroscience (20 credits)
  • This practical module introduces you to research methods used in neurophysiology (EEG) and psychophysiology (ECG/fEMG). Lectures will be paired with practical sessions where students gain hands-on experience with apparatus and associated data. You will learn how these research methodologies are being applied in the real world in areas such as transportation, brain-computer interfaces and marketing.
• Neuroendocrinology (20 credits)
  • This comparative module covers the functioning of the endocrine system in health and disease. Combining problem-based learning and practical sessions you will cover topics such as reproduction, sleep, stress, depression and psychoactive substances.
• Research Project (60 credits)
  • On this student-led project, you will be encouraged to work independently under the expert guidance of a supervisor. You will develop your research, analytical and problem-solving skills by conducting an original research study in an area where you have a particular interest. Research will usually be conducted in the laboratory.
• Research Methods and Statistics (20 credits)
  • On this primarily practical module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of key research and statistical methods relevant to the study of brain and behaviour which are needed to become independent researchers.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching will be delivered between two and three days per week, according to the requirements of your practical sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate 35 hours per week to study, combining both scheduled sessions and independent study. You will lead on organising laboratory/computer work for your Research Project, in consultation and collaboration with your project supervisor.
• You will attend a wide variety of sessions, including lectures, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, laboratory practicals and computer practicals. In addition, you will have individual meetings with your supervisor for guidance and support.
• You will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, using the latest computer software for data analysis and the internet and social media to communicate science. You will also have access to our biosciences laboratories where we will conduct neurophysiology, behavioural pharmacology and neuroendocrinology practicals.

Career paths

• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• You will acquire the skills to pursue a research career as a university academic or in research departments in the private sector, such as the pharmaceutical industry or consumer goods industry.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,840
• International: £18,250
• The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
• In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

• Home: a minimum 2.1 or above in a relevant scientific discipline, such as Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Neurobiology/Neuroscience or Animal Behaviour. Must achieve a 60% or above pass mark in final year research project
• International: equivalent professional qualifications and experience
• International students will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.

How to apply

• To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
• As well as meeting the academic criteria for this programme you will need to:
  • demonstrate sufficient knowledge to embark on the programme
  • display the potential to develop high level research skills
  • identify a research area which fits staff supervision capability
  • demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level
• All selection processes are conducted in line with the LJMU Admissions Code of Practice.