Course summary

This course will introduce students to the field of neuroscience through the lens of clinical disorders of the central nervous system. It integrates clinical themes such as mental health, epilepsy, neurosurgery and pain, with foundational neuroscience and cutting-edge techniques. Building on partnerships with the Walton Centre (the UK’s only specialist hospital trust providing comprehensive neurology services) and Alder Hey Children‘s Hospital (one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals), this course is led by world-renowned clinical and scientific experts in the field. Students will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in neuroscience tools, treatment approaches and advanced research methods including neuroimaging and statistical analysis. This programme has a unique focus on patient experiences and ensures a well-rounded understanding of neurological conditions and the basic science techniques used to study them, preparing graduates for future careers or further study in neuroscience or related disciplines. Teaching will involve in-person lectures, workshops, seminars and practical sessions. The programme culminates in the research project, where students will be able to deepen their understanding and passion for the topic via hands-on neuroscience research. *Who is this course for? *The programme is designed for graduates with a range of first degrees in topics such as the STEM subjects (e.g. psychology, physics, biosciences, medicine), allied health-related subjects (e.g. radiography, nursing, physiotherapy), and sports science. No previous experience in neuroscience is required. What you'll learn

• Epilepsy: electrophysiology, cell firing, EEG and neurosurgery, basic science, animal models, resection, tumour-induced seizures

• Pain: peripheral and central nervous system, central sensitisation, descending pain modulatory systems, pain disorders and somatosensation, peripheral nerves, ascending pathways, and integration

• Cognitive and mental health neuroscience: memory, language, vision and mental illness, e.g. anxiety, depression, ADHD

• Treatment approaches: pharmacological and interruptive techniques, e.g. TMS. Neuropsychological assessment, including psychophysics and psychometrics

• Brain disease and infection: dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, demyelinating disease, peripheral and brain infection, stroke and acquired brain injury, including methods for assessment and neurorehabilitation. Throughout the course, the systems level (clinical presentation) will be presented alongside lectures and workshops, exploring how basic science laboratory approaches can be used to model and study each condition

• Tools and techniques for functional neuroimaging: electrophysiology, neurovascular coupling, magnetic resonance imaging, experimental design, programming, analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills

• Advanced statistics and methods: linear regression, mixed models, mediation and moderation, structural equation modelling, Bayesian statistics, psychometrics, and neuroimaging analysis

• Research project: students can choose from a wide range of research topics and undertake a project with supervision from a world-class neuroscientist.