Neuroscience

Train across the breadth of sensory neuroscience and learn about the molecular, cell and developmental biology of auditory and visual systems, ready to make a difference as a research leader in the field.

Course description

This 12-month course has been designed for students who are fascinated by the sensory neuroscience pathways that control our visual, olfactory and auditory systems and the implications of this in disease.

Built around our expertise that spans the breadth of sensory neuroscience, you’ll undertake specialist practical training, alongside theoretical lecture modules to gain an in-depth understanding of the neurological pathways that control our senses.

Our researchers are working to answer some of the biggest questions in sensory neuroscience, including how do our senses really work? What happens when they go wrong? And how can we treat diseases or conditions that affect them? In the School of Biosciences we’re exploring therapies to repair damaged cochlea nerve fibres, visual information processing using drosophila and zebrafish model organisms, and potential treatments for chronic pain. Throughout your course you’ll be taught a range of modern neuroscience techniques, including neuronal cell culture, model organism handling, RT-PCR and imaging of fixed samples using fluorescence microscopy, allowing you to contribute to this research and tackle these pressing questions.

You'll cover molecular, cell and developmental biology of auditory and visual systems, and learn how to conduct your own advanced imaging and behavioural analysis, focusing on information processing from sensory transduction to the central nervous system and behaviour. You’ll also have the chance to use model organisms to study gene function and development which are central for the creation of therapeutic treatments for hearing loss and blindness.

The biggest part of the course is the independent research project. You’ll spend three months researching an area of sensory neuroscience that matches your future career aspirations. You’ll be trained by our experts to use specialist equipment that you'll need to complete your project, with access to animal genetic models of disease as well as electrophysiology, regenerative medicine and computer simulation tools.

Example research projects include:

• Assessing the integration of sensory inputs in the zebrafish brain with electrophysiology
• Investigating diabetes-induced anatomical changes in dorsal root ganglia
• Modelling pain, differentiation of a new neuronal cell line into a nociceptive phenotype for use in pain and pharmaceutical research
• Assessing the integration of sensory inputs in the zebrafish brain with electrophysiology

The University is home to the Neuroscience Institute which brings together internationally-recognised expertise in medicine, science and engineering to improve the lives of patients and families affected by neurological, sensory and developmental disorders.