Course summary

Neuroscience for Drug Discovery is a specialised area combining neuroscience and pharmacology that focuses on using insights from fundamental neuroscience research to discover and develop novel pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and auto-immune diseases. It represents an interdisciplinary approach that combines the knowledge of how the nervous system functions with treatment targets and drug development strategies. Once potential drug targets are identified, researchers work on identifying compounds or drugs that can modulate these key elements and restore normal function or alleviate symptoms. This includes repurposing of existing approved drugs for use in new disease areas or new patient populations. How you will learn During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures, and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. You’ll complete a core curriculum of four taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in neuroscience and drug discovery. You will access theoretical learning materials for general study, revision and assessment through our virtual learning platform blackboard. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, recorded lectures, online tutorials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more. What you will learn You will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro setups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG. These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis. The major practical component of the course is the research dissertation project, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research. This project is completed with the support of a research mentor in neuroscience, pharmacology and related fields.