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Programme Specification
Title of programme:
Masters of Science in Neuroscience (1 year): 2018-
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 s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Programme Overview
Brief outline of the programme
The programme builds on the existing Integrated Neuroscience Masters with its research-focused neuroscience content that allows progressive specialisation in the field. The Masters in Neuroscience post-graduate degree will offer a balanced programme where students will gain the relevant skills and knowledge required for a career in Neuroscience.
Newly created modules in advanced human neuroanatomy, and neuronal and glial physiology in health and disease will form the key pillars of the taught component of this program. This will be complimented by compulsory research focused, interactive experimental workshops exposing students to the extensive Neuroscience expertise in Southampton. Workshops may include neuro-drug discovery, model organisms in neurological disease, dementia research including iPSC-models and neuropathological studies, neural networks, behavioural neurosciences, and interdisciplinary neuroscience. Alongside these studies, students will undertake an individual extended research-based project, in one of fourteen research labs currently conducting cutting-edge neuroscience research. Research spans normal physiological function (such as circadian biology, aging processes and synaptic physiology) to neurodegenerative disease (such as dementia research, neuroinflammation, translational research). Additionally, there will be a variety of optional modules on offer including cell and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, neuropharmacology and neurodegenerative disease. An elective module can also be taken from a wide selection including a library-based dissertation, critiques on current research seminars, neuroimaging, critical thinking as well as other skills-based modules. Students may also have the option to study allied subjects, for example Psychology and Ethics in the context of Neuroscience.
Teaching will be conducted in both traditional lecture-style groups as well as smaller interactive
Awarding Instit ution Univers ity of Southa mpt on
Teaching Instit ution
Mode of study Duration in yea rs
Univers ity of Southa mpt on
F ull t ime 1 year A ccreditation deta ils Not A pplicable Final award Ma ste rs of Scie nce (MSc) in Ne uros cie nce Name of award MSc Ne uros cie nce Inter im Exit a wards Diplo ma of Higher Education , Cert if icate of Higher Education F HEQ le vel of final a ward Level 7 UCAS code N/A QAA Subject Be nchmark or ot her exter nal re fere nce
QAA : Ma ster’s degree characteristics (2010) Higher Education Qua lif ications (F HEQ)
Progra mme Lead Dr. A mrit Mudher a nd Dr. Ja me s Dillon Date s pecif ication wa s writte n Nove mber 2016 Date Programme was validated 03 May 2017
Date specification last updated 18 Dec 2018 JC/JD
workshop based groups and practicals, led by both UoS research active neuroscientists, as well as external invited experts in the field. Throughout the programme, students will undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate the taught material and to broaden their knowledge and understanding of neuroscience. Through assessments, students will be taught to critically assess research papers, synthesize evidence based written scientific arguments and disseminate data through poster and oral presentations.
Special Features of the programme
This programme involves optional attendance to one UK-based Neuroscience meeting. The meeting registration will be organised by the course coordinator but students will be required to make independent arrangements for travel and accommodation if required. Meetings will typically be one of “The British Neuropathological Society annual meeting”, the “British Neuroscience Association Christmas meeting” or “The Biochemical Society’s focused Neuroscience meetings”.
Learning and teaching
Six lectured modular units (7.5 ECTS each) are taken, depending on units chosen this can be three in semester one and three in semester two. Of these, three are compulsory modules and three are optional modules that can be chosen from a pool of eight neuroscience modules. Lectured modules normally consist of two lectures a week plus a related coursework component (the nature of which differs depending on the module). The compulsory “Advanced Neuroscience” module (15 ECTS) has multiple workpackages over both semesters involving interactions between small groups of students and neuroscience researchers. A major component of the programme is the lab-based research project (30 ECTS) that will increase in time-commitment through the whole academic year. This culminates in a manuscript-style written dissertation and oral/poster presentation at the annual Southampton Neuroscience Group conference at the end of the academic year.
Assessment
Examinations are held in the two weeks after each semester, in January and June. An equal weighting of 1:1: for the grades obtained in each of the three semesters will be used to calculate the exit grade for the Masters Neuroscience programme. Marks for semester 1 and 2 will be those obtained in 60 ECTS units and those obtained in semester 3 will be the project equivalent to 30 ECTS units.
Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University’s programme validation process which is described in the University’s Quality handbook.
Educational Aims of the Programme
Neuroscience is the study of all aspects of the nervous system, from the molecular to behavioural level, and is addressed in the context of the physiology and pathology of the whole organism. Graduates in Neuroscience are needed to help address key challenges for society such as neurological and psychological conditions, as well as to improve fundamental understanding of brain function. Graduates are also well qualified to go on to a variety of areas of employment. In Southampton you will undertake a balanced programme where you will gain the relevant skills and knowledge required for a career in this subject area.
The aims of the programme are to provide you with:
- a stimulating, informed environment through a wide range of interesting and contemporary courses with flexibility and choice, but allowing you to focus increasingly as you progress through each part of your degree;
- a sound scientific knowledge base in Neuroscience;
- the ability to describe and comment on specific aspects of current research in Neuroscience;
- an appreciation of the limits of our current understanding of Neuroscience and how these may be advanced by further relevant research;
- an opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills (information and communication technology, team working, written and oral communication, time management, planning, data collection and presentation);
both to supplement and consolidate the taught material and to broaden your knowledge and understanding
of Neuroscience.
Assessment methods
You are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of the lecture and tutorial material. Continuous assessment is based on performance in tutorials, practicals and projects including dissertations and presentations
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this programme you will be able to:
- formulate and test hypotheses by planning, conducting and reporting a significant programme of neuroscience research
- use a range of neuroscience laboratory equipment to conduct experiments
- use computer software to record and analyse neuroscience data and determine their importance and validity
- critically analyse and solve complex neuroscience problems
- integrate your neuroscience knowledge base with other selected disciplines such as physiology, biology, pharmacology or biochemistry
- independently integrate and critically evaluate neuroscience data from a wide range of sources, including primary source material in neuroscience journals and experimentation
- demonstrate a systematic understanding of how the boundaries of neuroscience knowledge are advanced through research
- conduct risk assessments concerning the use of chemicals, animal material and laboratory procedures
- demonstrate broad expertise in defined areas of neuroscience at the level of current research in the field
- critically evaluate the data and methodology of current published research in neuroscience and present your conclusions.
Transferable and Generic Skills The transferable skills you will develop during your degree are those that will improve your employability and will be of use to you in your future career. Having successfully completed the programme you will be able to:
- communicate/present effectively both verbally and in writing on a range of Neuroscience topics to both specialised and non-specialised audiences
- work with, and within, a group towards defined outcomes
- use information technology and other resources to find, extract and synthesise information
- solve problems relating to qualitative and quantitative information
- learn independently through critical enquiry
- demonstrate you have the ability to undertake appropriate further training
- manage resources and time
- demonstrate competency in using laboratory skills in a safe and responsible manner.
Special Features of the programme
The MSc in Neuroscience provides a flexible programme with which to pursue your interest in Neuroscience to the frontiers of our knowledge in this discipline. Modules undertaken in semester 1 and 2 provide you with a solid foundation in Neuroscience and important related disciplines needed to put the specific information in context. You will also develop a solid foundation and understanding of cutting edge Neuroscience experimental expertise. Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to develop your own interests in particular fields of neuroscience research supported by a range of neurosciences courses. These courses are taught by researchers at the forefront of their disciplines from within the Centre and from the wider university, including the faculty of Medicine and Institute of Life Sciences. The analytical skills acquired will be further honed through undertaking an original extended research project in the Centre’s own research laboratories and attendance at modules which are research led, drawing extensively on research seminars given throughout the University. The analytical and practical skills acquired during this programme provide a strong foundation for a broad range of careers.
Programme details
Details of the Programme Structure may be found on the Academic Unit web site https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/postgraduate/taught_courses/msc-neurosciences.page (Where an indicative list of options can be found.) We cannot guarantee to offer every option each year), and in the programme handbooks, http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/academic-life/faculty- handbooks.page and are briefly summarised below.
The Masters of Science (MSc) in Neuroscience programme is offered as a full-time course and normally lasts for one year.
Study is divided into three semesters with semester 1 and 2 having 12 weeks for teaching and learning and 2- 3 weeks for examinations. Semester 3 will be dedicated to the completion of an independent research project and writing up the resultant dissertation.
The programme is divided into individual study modules. Each study module is accredited as being worth a certain number of credit points to you on successful completion. Modules are normally worth 7.5 ECTS which is equivalent to 150 hours of study. Modules are generally assessed at the end of each semester, but some are assessed entirely by coursework throughout the duration of the module.
The following modules (total 67.5 ECTS, 135 CATS) are compulsory and must be taken:
Structure and Function of the Nervous system BIOL6078 7.5 ECTs
Synaptic Function in Health and Disease BIOL6080 7.5 ECTs
Glial Development and Biology BIOL6079 7.5 ECTs
Advanced Neurosciences BIOL6084 15 ECTs
MSc Neuroscience Research Project BIOL6092 30 ECT
Three further optional modules (22.5 ECTS) can be taken from this list:
Neuropharmacology of CNS disorders BIOL6036 7.5 ECTs
Cell and Molecular Neurosciences BIOL6035 7.5 ECTs
Systems Neuroscience BIOL6034 7.5 ECTs
Neurodegenerative disease BIOL6045 7.5 ECTs
Cellular signaling in health and disease BIOL6023 7.5 ECTs
Molecular Pharmacology BIOL6022 7.5 ECTs
Elective modules (7.5 ECTS) can be taken instead of one of the optional modules: Including the following- Skills in Biomolecular NMR BIOL6077 3.75 ECTs
Critical Thinking BIOL6073 3.75 ECTs
Optional level7 modules as available
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for meeting the costs associated with travel and accommodation when attending Neuroscience meetings as part of some of the optional modules (also refer to Appendix 1).
Progression Requirements
The programme follows the University’s regulations for a standalone masters pogramme http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/progression-regs-standalonemasters.html as set out in the University Calendar.
Intermediate exit points (where available)
For PGT programmes:
You will be eligible for an interim exit award if you complete part of the programme but not all of it, as follows:
Qualification Minimum overall credit in ECTS
Minimum ECTS required at level of award Postgraduate Diploma at least 60 45 Postgraduate Certificate at least 30 20
Support for student learning
There are facilities and services to support your learning some of which are accessible to students across the University and some of which will be geared more particularly to students in your particular Faculty or discipline area.
The University provides:
- library resources, including e-books, on-line journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up- to-date; together with assistance from Library staff to enable you to make the best use of these resources
- high-speed access to online electronic learning resources on the Internet from dedicated PC Workstations onsite and from your own devices; laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs via the Eduroam wireless network. There is a wide range of application software available from the Student Public Workstations.
- computer accounts which will connect you to a number of learning technologies for example, the Blackboard virtual learning environment (which facilitates online learning and access to specific learning resources)
- standard ICT tools such as Email, secure filestore and calendars.
- access to key information through the MySouthampton Student Mobile Portal which delivers timetables, Module information, Locations, Tutor details, Library account, bus timetables etc. while you are on the move.
- IT support through a comprehensive website, telephone and online ticketed support and a dedicated helpdesk in the Hartley Library.
- Enabling Services offering support services and resources via a triage model to access crisis management, mental health support and counselling.
- assessment and support (including specialist IT support) facilities if you have a disability, long term health problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia)
MSc Neuroscience 2019/20 10 | P a g
Postgraduate programmes
Qualification Grade/GPA Subjects requirements
Specific requirements
Bachelor’s degree 2:1 Science related subjects Master’s degree Merit Science related subjects
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) The University has a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
English Language Proficiency
Please identify which of the University’s standard English language bands will apply to this programme. – insert boxes for person completing form to select A, B, C, or D
See www.southampton.ac.uk/admissions-language.
Alternatively, if you want to propose an English language level not described by the bands set out above, please complete the table below using IELTS grades (the University’s standard equivalencies will then by applied to equate the IELTS requirements with TOEFL, PTE etc).
Overall
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Career Opportunities
- Neuroscience research
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Postgraduate research training
- Scientific officer in medical laboratories
- Teaching
- Legal profession
- Business management
External Examiner(s) for the programme
Name: Prof. Gavin Woodhall
Institution: Aston University
Students must not contact External Examiner(s) directly, and external examiners have been advised to refer any such communications back to the University. Students should raise any general queries about the assessment and examination process for the programme with their Course Representative, for consideration through Staff: Student Liaison Committee in the first instance, and Student representatives on Staff: Student
Liaison Committees will have the opportunity to consider external examiners’ reports as part of the University’s quality assurance process.
External examiners do not have a direct role in determining results for individual students, and students wishing to discuss their own performance in assessment should contact their personal tutor in the first instance.
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 s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide) or online at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/postgraduate/taught_courses/msc-neurosciences.page
Appendix 1:
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study. In addition to this, students registered for this programme typically also have to pay for:
- Books and Stationery Equipment (such as Lab equipment, Field Equipment, Art equipment, Recording Equipment, stethoscopes, fob watch, Excavation equipment, Approved Calculators)
- Materials (such as laboratory materials, textbooks, drawing paper, fabric, thread, computer disks, Sheet Music)
- Software Licenses
- Clothing (such as Protective Clothing, Lab Coats, specific shoes and trousers)
- Printing and Photocopying Costs (such as Printing coursework for submission, Printing and binding dissertations or theses, Academic Poster (A1) printing).
- Typing Costs
- Field Trips (including accommodation costs for the field trips)
- Work Experience and Placements (including accommodation costs near the placement, additional insurance costs)
- Travel Costs for placements, field trips and to and from the University and various campus locations (including travel insurance).
- Paying for immunisation and vaccination costs before being allowed to attend placements.
- Obtaining Disclosure and Barring Certificates or Clearance Subsistence Costs
- Paying for a Music accompanist
- Translation of birth certificates (for programmes abroad)
- Conference expenses
- Professional exams
- Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
- Replacing lost student ID cards
- Other activities (e.g. visiting specialist marine stations and other institutions)
- Costs of attending a graduation ceremony (e.g. hiring a gown for graduation).
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Details of such costs will be listed in the Module Profile. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
