Neuropharmacology MRes

Program Overview

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Through a research-intensive approach, students gain expertise in laboratory techniques, critical thinking, and transferable skills, preparing them for careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, or related fields. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, expert guidance, and a focus on employability.

Program Outline

This interdisciplinary field draws from various disciplines, including pharmacology, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, and medicine.

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Objectives:

• Providing students with the expertise to carry out extensive, laboratory-based research projects within the field of Neuroscience.
• Offering advanced theoretical and practical knowledge within a specific area of Neuroscience research.
• Equipping students with expert-led training in Neuroscience laboratory skills.
• Fostering the development of transferable skills like written and oral communication, time management, project management, teamwork, data collection, and analysis.
These ensure that graduates possess critical judgement and reasoning qualities, aiding collaboration and knowledge dissemination.
• Promoting awareness of good laboratory practices and safety in modern research laboratories.
• Enabling students to develop a critical and comprehensive appreciation of scientific developments within a particular area of Neuroscience research.
• Preparing graduates with the necessary skills to pursue advanced studies at the PhD level or a career in Neuroscience research.

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Description:

This program is suitable for students with interests in neuroscience, pharmacology, or related fields who desire to gain advanced research expertise. The program adopts a research-intensive approach, emphasizing hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside expert faculty guidance.

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Outline

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Content:

• Taught Stage:
This stage includes three core modules that provide a strong foundation in neuroscience principles and research methods: Advanced Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies, and Professional Development for Neuroscience. These modules combine interactive teaching methods like small group tutorials, lectures, and practical laboratory sessions. The modules equip students with the theoretical framework and essential practical skills for conducting insightful research.
• Neuroscience Project (120 Credits):
This stage involves dedicating a full year to conducting an in-depth research project under the supervision of an active researcher in the field. Students actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge within a specific area of neuropharmacology while developing significant research and transferable skills.

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Structured:

The program follows a two-stage format:

• Dissertation Stage emphasizes independent research under expert supervision.

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Course Schedule:

• Semester 1: Advanced Neuroscience and Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies
• Semester 2: Professional Development for Neuroscience
• Semester 3 & 4: Neuroscience Project

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Modules:

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Taught Stage:

• Advanced Neuroscience: Provides a detailed and multifaceted exploration of the science underlying brain anatomy, physiology, and cellular and molecular neuroscience, offering thorough insights into brain functioning from the molecular level to complex organisms.

• Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies: Delves into key concepts essential for effective research design and implementation, including aspects such as safe laboratory practices, risk assessment, experimental design, research planning, ethics in Neuroscience research, and data handling and analysis.
• Professional Development for Neuroscience: Develops critical translational and transferable skills valued by Neuroscience postgraduates through training modules such as career planning, communication skills, research ethics, scientific writing, data presentation, intellectual property rights, entrepreneurship, and more.

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Dissertation Stage:

• Neuroscience Project: Students undertake an extensive independent research project in a neuroscience laboratory at Aston.
This comprehensive project culminates in a detailed dissertation on the selected research theme, showcasing insightful findings and critical analysis.

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Assessment

• Variety of Assessment Types:
The Neuropharmacology MRes program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods to measure student proficiency.
• These assessments can include coursework, essays, examinations, practical assignments, presentations, and culminating in the extensive dissertation project.
This ensures graduates possess cutting-edge knowledge and expertise, enhancing their employability prospects.
• Faculty:
Aston University boasts a highly qualified and recognized faculty in neuroscience research who actively supervise projects and contribute their expertise in teaching modules during the taught stage.
• Focus on employability:
The program is designed to equip graduates with a wide range of research and transferable skills highly sought after by employers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. These skillsets prepare graduates for challenging career paths within this industry.

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Careers

• Graduates of the Neuropharmacology MRes program are equipped with the knowledge and research experience to pursue their chosen career path with confidence.
The highly-specialized skillset gained during the program opens opportunities in:
• Academia (research as PhD, postdoctoral fellow or research associate), such as researching brain diseases by collaborating with pharmaceutical firms.
• Pharmaceutical Industry (drug discovery, development, clinical trials), utilizing knowledge of drug/brain interactions to design potential treatments or evaluate existing ones.
• Non-Pharma industry roles (drug regulatory agencies, consultancy) requiring expertise in neuroscience and pharmacology applied to regulations of marketing new pharmaceuticals or advising businesses.

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Other

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Conclusion

The Neuropharmacology MRes program is a rigorous but rewarding program that provides both a strong theoretical understanding of neuroscience and extensive laboratory research experience. Graduates have successful transitions to PhD programs or various roles in the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry, making their career dreams in neuroscience research within reach.

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UK students(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £9,750

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International students(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £20,700