MRes systems neuroscience

The aim of this Masters course 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 new programme will build capacity in an area where urgent action is needed to remedy a critical skills shortage identified by both academia and the pharmaceutical industry (see case for support A1 for further details). The programme is aimed at good quality Life Science graduates who are interested in a career in neuroscience in academia or industry. 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 Systems Neuroscience graduates proficient in technologically advanced in vivo animal experimentation, who are equipped with mathematical and computational knowledge and skills. The programme will deliver: (i) A comprehensive teaching programme in subject-specific (foundations of 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) And, an in-depth training in Reduction, Refinement and Replacement (3Rs), animal welfare and research ethics. For further details see the University of Bristol Programme Specification, Unit forms and timetable (case for support A3 and A6). Programme outline: One year full time MRes (total 180 credit points) Stage 1: Concepts and techniques (18 weeks, compulsory): Unit 1: Foundations of neuroscience (15 credit points) Unit 2: Concepts and techniques for in vivo research (15 credit points) Unit 3: Advanced research skills (15 credit points) Unit 4: Computational neuroscience (15 credit points) Stage 2: Research project (29 weeks, compulsory): Unit 5: Single extensive in vivo experimental research project (120 credit points) Optional units Flexibility includes selection of formal seminars, from a wide choice, that occur throughout the academic year and cover specialist fields of interest. These seminars form part of our existing undergraduate final year Neuroscience BSc programme and the MSc Molecular Neuroscience programme, and in most cases are given by the named supervisors in this programme. These seminars will take students to the limits of current knowledge, providing essential subject-specific background for their research project.