MSc Translational Neuroscience

About the course

Lead academic: Dr Janine Kirby

Translational Neuroscience looks at how laboratory research relating to brain structure and function informs the development of new therapies for diseases of the nervous system.

Combining the research strengths from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health and the Faculty of Science, leading international basic and clinical scientists will provide an innovative and progressive programme. You'll study basic neurobiology and molecular biology through to neuroimaging and applied clinical practice.

The MSc will provide you with up-to-date knowledge of advances in the field, research experience with internationally renowned research groups and transferable skills to provide a springboard for your future career.

Core modules

• Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience
• Fundamentals in Neuroscience
• Genetics and Modelling of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Applied Neuroimaging; Neurophysiolog y and Psychiatry
• Research Project

Optional modules

Option one:
Literature Review and Critical Analysis of Science; Ethics and Public Awareness of Science.

or Option two:
Computational Neuroscience: Neurons and Neuronal Codes; Mathematical Modelling and Research Skills.

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory demonstrations, computer practicals and student-led group work.

Assessment

Assessment is primarily by written assignments and coursework, although there are some written examinations and oral presentations. A thesis (potentially with a viva voce) is used to assess the research project.

Our study environment

You'll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. This means your study is rooted in a working medical community, and strongly linked with the University’s other health-related schools.

We are awarded research funding from many sources, including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YRC, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You'll also benefit from our active collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Our MRC Centre for Developmental and Biomedical Genetics has some of the finest research facilities in the UK and attracts annual funding of more than £2m.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you'll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you'll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form