Neuroscience BSc

The research project is a year-long module. Preparatory work including a literature review and familiarisation with laboratory techniques and protocols occurs in the autumn semester, with the bulk of the practical work in the spring semester. You will choose the topic of your project from a list of suggestions and will finalise the experimental plan after consultation with your supervisor. Each project will involve collection of data by means such as experiment, questionnaire or observation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data in the context of previous work.

This module has been designed to provide final year undergraduate students (both BSc and MSci levels) a detailed overview of the sensory systems, in addition to the most up-to-date information regarding recent developments in sensory neuroscience research. The topics covered in the module are wide-ranging and will include experimental methods used to study the anatomy and physiology of the special senses. Particular attention will be given to Pain research and related areas of sensory neuroscience. Topics will also cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive dysfunctions in sensory neural networks and their relevance to the development and persistence of sensory disorders of the nervous systems.

Considers ion channels at the molecular level, with topics including the structure and function of different ion channel groups and their modulation by drugs, pesticides and natural toxins. You will also consider the synthesis and transport of neurotransmitters and the formation and release of synaptic vesicles. This module involves one three hour session per week incorporating eight lectures and two practical sessions.

The module will provide students with the knowledge and understanding of genetics, epigenetics and gene expression control in nervous system health and disease throughout the lifespan. The module aims to make students aware of how environmental interventions can have long term effects on gene expression in the nervous system that ultimately underlies behaviour, and will examine environmental-genotype interactions.   
The module will provide students with understanding of the skills and research methods required for studying genetic and epigenetic modifications, with emphasis on data analysis and interpretation 

Lecture topics will include discussions of the latest research in the following areas of Psychopharmacology and Mental Health.  Topics may include:

• Early-life stressors (physical, pathophysiological and emotional) and their effects on brain development

• Psychological stress in adolescence and brain maturation

• Risky behaviours, substance misuse and addiction in early adulthood

• Addiction, Reward and Synaptic Plasticity

• Psychosocial stress, Sleep disorders and Depression in adulthood

• Cannabis, alcohol and mood disorders

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) versus current pharmacological approaches to treating depression

• Pharmacology and chemistry of psychedelics and their effects on treatment-resistant depression

• Talking therapies, Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the effects of exercise on mood

• Genetics, Precision Medicine and new avenues for treatment-resistant depression.

The objective of this module is to give students a thorough grounding in the systems neuroscience (interpreted somewhat broadly) of audition.  
 
There are two lectures that describe in detail the form and function of the cochlear and then the ascending system up to Auditory Cortex three lectures on experimental methods at differing levels of scientific explanation and what one can do with them two case studies of what neuroscience has told us about perception and behaviour and three lectures on hearing-impairment, tinnitus, and cochlear implants.  
 
Students therefore will receive a true appreciation of the neurobiological basis of audition and the clinical relevance of this to the population.

The module will allow students to learn about the current research that is happening in the field of neuroscience. The most up to date in vivo, genetic, cellular and molecular research will be covered. They will learn how to write a grant application and will be able to develop their own ideas for research areas. 

This module will cover a range of contemporary research material relevant to the gut microbiome-brain axis and mental health.  This includes the types of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and how they are quantified, as well as the routes of gut microbiome-brain communication.  Students will develop a critical understanding of scientific literature (from both animal and human studies) showing that the gut microbiome influences behaviour and/or mental health.  They will also consider the impact of mental health on the gut, and potential of the microbiome as a target for treating mental illness.  The module will involve a dedicated workshop on media coverage of relevant research, and enable students to understand the science behind the headlines.