Research course

Neuroscience

Institution
University of Central Lancashire · School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Qualifications
MRes

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree or equivalent in related subject such as Biomedical Science or Pharmacology or Biochemistry.
Appropriate work-related experience will be considered on a case by case basis.


A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

This Master of Research (MRes) course will prepare you for a thriving career at the forefront of neuroscience, an exciting and fast-paced field of research where new discoveries have the potential to benefit millions of lives.

Neuroscience is an increasingly popular subject to study and is becoming an ever more important area to research given our ageing population. Diseases of old age such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke are devastating illnesses with poor prognosis.

Psychiatric illnesses such as depression, drug abuse and autism are becoming more prevalent in society but treatment options are limited. It is critical that we develop a better understanding or neurological and psychological illnesses with a view to developing better medications and reducing the development of these diseases.

In this course we bring together Neuroscientists with national and international reputations to deliver cutting edge lectures, workshops and tutorials as well as supervising extended lab research projects. This is a fascinating area to study and our aim is to produce the next generation of highly sought after graduates with the knowledge and skills to become outstanding researchers who will drive future developments in this field.

WHY STUDY WITH US

  • You’ll be taught by internationally recognised experts in various fields of neuroscience.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to hear from external experts, hear about the latest findings through our faculty research seminar series, and ultimately immerse yourself in our research culture.
  • You’ll enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and be supported by research-focused staff.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • You’ll gain hands-on experience of a range of cutting-edge laboratory skills.
  • You’ll learn to effectively plan and manage a successful research project and become fully trained in lab safety and risk assessment.
  • You’ll gain key employability skills preparing you for a future career as a scientist.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

During this course you’ll explore current trends in neuroscience and develop an understanding of the very latest research methods. Following this you will undertake a substantial research project.

We use a range of teaching and learning methods to enhance your knowledge and understanding. These include lectures, small group teaching, laboratory work, directed reading, problem solving exercises and case studies. Lectures and small group teaching will be delivered by active researchers, emphasising research-led teaching and current trends in neuroscience. On occasion you’ll hear from invited external experts delivering guest lectures.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of essays, summaries, presentations and a dissertation.

Research topics covered during the course include:

  • The causes of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease
  • Diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours
  • The neuropharmacology of psychoactive substances
  • Behavioural and neurodevelopment disorders, including autism spectrum disorders
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter release in learning and memory
  • The impact on neuroimmunology on brain disorders
  • Stem cell models of neurological conditions

Indicative research projects you can undertake include:

  • Modelling drug abuse in invertebrates
  • microRNA regulation of the blood-brain barrier
  • Epigenetic mechanisms underlying memory impairment in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Molecular mechanisms underlying astrocytic atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease
  • A human in vitro model of astrocyte reactivity
  • Mechanisms of chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment and potential approaches therapeutic prevention
  • Behavioural analysis and therapeutic interventions in preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders

View research from the Faculty on our dedicated website.

GRADUATE CAREERS

Our MRes Neuroscience degree is ideal if you aspire to undertake a PhD and pursue a career in research, or gain laboratory experience to prepare for a career in industry.

You will also gain an array of transferable skills which could lead to alternative careers in science journalism and science communication, teaching or management roles in the biotechnology sector.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MRes
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
CEnquiries@UCLan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0) 1772 892 400