Neuroscience for Drug Discovery

Program Overview

The Neuroscience for Drug Discovery MSc at Aston University integrates neuroscience principles with translational medical research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and medical roles. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a focus on developing advanced research and transferable skills. Graduates are equipped to contribute to advancements in neuroscience and the development of novel therapies for neurological disorders.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program offers a specialized curriculum that integrates fundamental neuroscience principles with the practical aspects of translational medical research. It bridges the gap between fundamental research and the development of novel therapeutic interventions for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and auto-immune diseases. The program aims to provide students with:

• Advanced, intellectually rigorous, and up-to-date education in neuroscience: This includes anatomical, pharmacological, physiological, molecular biological, developmental, behavioral, and psychological understandings of the nervous system.
• Advanced skills and abilities in research and enquiry: This covers information literacy, personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social, and professional understanding.
• An excellent learning experience: This draws on the research of Aston academic staff and utilizes research-quality laboratory equipment.
• Graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgment and reasoning to their chosen occupation: These graduates will be able to apply and disseminate knowledge to a variety of audiences.
• Graduates who understand the linkage between different areas of neuroscience: This allows them to apply their knowledge to related areas.

Outline:

The program consists of two stages:

• Taught stage: This stage includes four core modules:
• Advanced Neuroscience:
This module provides a comprehensive and deep dive into the science of anatomy, physiology, cellular, and molecular neuroscience.
• Essential Laboratory Skills: This practical skills-based module helps students develop a high level of competence in basic and advanced laboratory techniques, good laboratory practices, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies: This module focuses on key concepts for effective research design and implementation, including safe working practices, health and safety risk assessments, experimental design, research planning, ethics in neuroscience, and data handling and analysis.
• Professional Development for Neuroscientists: This module develops the translational and transferable skills required for postgraduate neuroscience studies, equipping students for advanced senior-level scientific careers.
Students can also choose three optional modules from a list of 10:
• 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)
• Dissertation stage: This stage focuses on a research project, allowing students to develop, implement, and communicate an original piece of research under the supervision of a neuroscience, pharmacology, or related field mentor.
The program also provides access to state-of-the-art research laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for molecular biology, cell culture, neuroimaging, and drug screening, alongside setups for real-time recording of brain cells and EEG and EMG recordings.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include coursework (such as essays), examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations, and the dissertation research project.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including:

• Academic research: Graduates can pursue research careers in academia or research institutions, contributing to advancements in neuroscience and related fields.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Graduates can work in drug discovery and development, clinical trials, biopharmaceuticals, or clinical research, contributing to the development of novel therapies for neurological disorders.
• Medical and clinical roles: Graduates can pursue careers as neuropharmacologists, clinical researchers, or medical writers, applying their expertise in understanding and treating neurological conditions.
• Wider scientific professions: Graduates can find employment in various scientific fields, leveraging their skills and knowledge in neuroscience for research, development, or communication purposes.

Other:

• The program welcomes applications from candidates with a lower second-class honors degree or equivalent in a relevant science or medical science subject, such as neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, or medicine.
• International students require an IELTS score of 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall.
• The program offers various scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs for both UK and international students.

UK students(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £9,750

International students(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees: £20,700