University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2015/16 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience > Systems Neuroscience (MRes) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PHPH001T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Matt Jones
Joanna Howarth |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
The overall aim of this Masters programme is to train a new generation of systems neuroscientists who can apply computational and mathematical methods into the design of in vivo experiments and their interpretation. The course will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence of graduates to provide a bridge between undergraduate and advanced postgraduate study and will offer a unique combination of theoretical and practical skills. The course has the following key objective: To produce high calibre MRes neuroscience graduates proficient in technologically advanced in vivo animal experimentation, who are equipped with high level mathematical and computational skills. The programme will deliver: (i) A comprehensive teaching programme in subject-specific (systems neuroscience and computational neuroscience); practical (whole animal in vivo training; experimental design and statistics) and generic research skills; (ii) A comprehensive in vivo neuroscience research project selected from a wide choice - ranging from the neural basis of pain and stress to the study of neural networks underlying cognition and behaviour- with basic, clinical and translational scientists in internationally recognised labs; (iii) In-depth training in Reduction, Refinement and Replacement (3Rs), anaesthesia and pain management, animal welfare and research ethics. (iv) And extensive training in scientific writing and communication skills.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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A programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials taught be a variety of experts from across the Bristol Neuroscience community, in addition to an in vivo practical course and an extended laboratory research project. |
Methods of Assessment | |
A combination of different forms of assessment will be used to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the subjects 1-5. The taught units 1 and 4 will be assessed by a formal examination consisting of essay questions and a multiple choice question set. Furthermore, the understanding of computational neuroscience will additionally be assessed by workshop assignments. Understanding of research design and statistics (unit 2) will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice question test (50 questions). The knowledge and understanding of the principles and regulations regarding animal experimentation will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice exam (for the Home Office Modules 1-4) and write-up of a practical report. By nature, full understanding and implementation of knowledge of points 1-6 will also be assessed via the research project dissertation and the research project presentation. 1 |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Formal teaching during Units 1-4 is then developed and put into practice during the research project that constitutes Unit 5. Group discussions led by the Programme Director are also used to consolidate learning outcomes and set in the context of state-of-the-art neuroscience research. Students are also encouraged to present their own research at local and national meetings where appropriate (e.g. British Neuroscience Association, The Physiological Society, British Association of Psychopharmacology). |
Methods of Assessment | |
A combination of different forms of assessment will be used to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the subjects 1-5. The taught units 1 and 4 will be assessed by a formal examination consisting of essay questions and a multiple choice question set. Furthermore, the understanding of computational neuroscience will additionally be assessed by workshop assignments. Understanding of research design and statistics (unit 2) will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice question test (50 questions). The knowledge and understanding of the principles and regulations regarding animal experimentation will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice exam (for the Home Office Modules 1-4) and write-up of a practical report. By nature, full understanding and implementation of knowledge of points 1-6 will also be assessed via the research project dissertation and the research project presentation. 1 |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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These skills are developed throughout the course as described in sections above. |
Methods of Assessment | |
A combination of different forms of assessment will be used to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the subjects 1-5. The taught units 1 and 4 will be assessed by a formal examination consisting of essay questions and a multiple choice question set. Furthermore, the understanding of computational neuroscience will additionally be assessed by workshop assignments. Understanding of research design and statistics (unit 2) will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice question test (50 questions). The knowledge and understanding of the principles and regulations regarding animal experimentation will be assessed by a 1-hour multiple choice exam (for the Home Office Modules 1-4) and write-up of a practical report. By nature, full understanding and implementation of knowledge of points 1-6 will also be assessed via the research project dissertation and the research project presentation. 1 |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
The Postgraduate Certificate is an early exit point for this programme. Expectations are described under Level M Masters (Stage 1, first paragraph). The Postgraduate Certificate will also be used for students who have failed to pass the Module 1-4 licence training course. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Stage 1: At the end of the taught part of the MRes programme the student should have a solid knowledge of the different aspects of systems neuroscience as taught during units 1 and 4. More specifically the student should not only have insight into basic principles in neuroscience but should also be able to integrate his/her knowledge in computational models relevant to in vivo neuroscience research questions. Moreover, at this stage the student should have gained a thorough understanding of research design, mathematical and statistical analysis, Reduction, Refinement and Replacement (3Rs), anaesthesia and pain management, animal welfare and research ethics Importantly, the student should be proficient in some basic in vivo skills and have insight in the physiological and neuropharmacological aspects of in vivo experimentation. Stage 2: At the end of the research project the student should be able to define research questions, to design the appropriate experimental approach and to carry out in vivo experiments by implementation of the knowledge and skillls acquired during Stage 1. The student should be able to analyse the collected data and to communicate the results of the research project in spoken and written form. Furthermore, it is expected that the student will be able to critically discuss the collected data also with respect to the literature. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
This programme is developed for a Masters Training Grant of the BBSRC and will be totally supported by the grant. Intake of students will take place during three academic years, i.e. 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2012/2013. The programme will be open to students with a Bachelors (Honours) degree in one of the Life Sciences (minimum level 2:1). The programme committee will advise individual students whether some optional teaching is advisable, for instance attending a limited number of additional lectures (given as part of other Life Science programmes at the University throughout the academic year) to fill any gaps in background knowledge. An extensive list of research project supervisors has been compiled providing the possibility to offer a wide range of in vivo projects for this MRes programme. During the programme there will be extensive contact with industry. It is envisaged that students will be offered the opportunity to visit pharmaceutical industries in the UK. Furthermore, scientists working in industry have indicated their willingness to give seminars during the programme and to attend the final Research Colloquium. Thus there will be ample opportunities for students on this MRes programme to interact with putative employers not only in academia but also in industry.
Professor Richard Apps
Email: r.apps@bristol.ac.uk
Phone: 0117-331 2264
Dr Astrid Linthorst
Email: astrid.linthorst@bristol.ac.uk
Phone: 0117-331 3140
This programme is not running in 2015/16.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Foundations of Neuroscience | MEDIM7001 | 20 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Unit 2 - Concepts and Techniques for In Vivo Research Not available in this year | PHARM0006 | 20 | Mandatory | |
Unit 3 - Advanced Research Skills | PHPHM0008 | 20 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Unit 5 - Research Project Not available in this year | PHARM0005 | 120 | Mandatory | |
MRes | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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