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Aston University: Neuroscience for Drug Discovery

Institution Aston University
Department College of Health and Life Sciences
Web http://www.aston.ac.uk
Email pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk
Telephone 01212043200
Study type Taught

Summary

The MSc Neuroscience for Drug Discovery program provides students with a comprehensive grasp of neuroscience principles and their direct application in the fields of pharmacology and drug discovery. This innovative program integrates fundamental neuroscience with translational medical research, encouraging students to bridge the gap between fundamental research and the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

What is Neuroscience for Drug Discovery?

Neuroscience for Drug Discovery is a specialised field within the field of neuroscience and pharmacology that focuses on using insights from neuroscience research to discover and develop novel pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and auto-immune diseases. It represents an interdisciplinary approach that combines the knowledge of how the nervous system functions with treatment targets and drug development strategies. Once potential drug targets are identified, researchers work on identifying compounds or drugs that can modulate these key elements and restore normal function or alleviate symptoms. This includes repurposing of existing approved drugs for use in new disease areas or new patient populations.

As a postgraduate student and active researcher in this field, you will join an exciting body of scientists aiming to enhance our understanding of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Course outline During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures, and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. You’ll complete a core curriculum of four taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in neuroscience and drug discovery:

Core modules

  • Advanced Neuroscience

  • Essential Laboratory Skills

  • Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies

  • Professional Development for Neuroscience

Optional modules

In addition, you will also choose three optional modules from the suite of modules below, which will provide an in-depth insight into areas of research that are specialisms of the Neuroscience team at Aston:

  • Advanced and Applied Synaptic Plasticity

  • Advanced Molecular Pharmacology

  • Abnormal Neuronal Networks

  • Hacking the Brain

  • Physiology and Pathophysiology of Movements

  • Computational Neuroscience

  • Feeding the Brain

  • Modelling Repair and Regeneration in the Injured Central Nervous System (CNS)

You will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro setups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG. These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis. There is also an emphasis on generic professional development and research-related communication skills in our Professional Development for Neuroscientists module.

Research dissertation project

The major practical component of the course is the research dissertation project, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research. This project is completed with the support of a research mentor in neuroscience, pharmacology and related fields.

MSc

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