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
Assessment method
Assessment is designed to reflect both academic rigour and professional practice. You’ll complete a variety of tasks, including essays, exams, practical work, oral and written presentations, and finish with a dissertation research project that showcases your independent expertise.
How to apply
International applicants
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live. As a university, we welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from candidates interested in this course who have the skills and desire to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor. All applicants require: Lower Second-class Honours degree (2:2 or equivalent) from a recognised university in a suitable science or medical science subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medicine). IELTS 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET