Masters Degrees (Neuro-Oncology)

Designed to develop the key skills of a bioinformatics in computer science graduates or talented graduates of life science based subjects the MSc Computational Bioinformatics course is the ideal route into a career in this developing area of science.

Bioinformatics is fundamental to the future development of biological science and is a rapidly developing area.

The University of Wolverhampton has a highly successful Brain Tumour UK neuro-oncology research centre and this course is designed to integrate with research in this area to show applications of bioinformatics to medicine.

The course covers key areas of information retrieval, creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques to solve the practical problems of handling experimental data.

We offer an introduction to the genetic basis of oncology and disease to enable you to understand the needs of medical research scientists.

The course has both group and individual research projects to develop professional skills for a future successful career.

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About the course

Lead academic 2016: Dr Julie Simpson

This course combines taught modules on the fundamental aspects of the major nervous system diseases, with the development of practical laboratory skills encompassing histopathology, molecular pathology and microscopy.

You’ll be trained to use tissue samples in neuroscience research aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases and you’ll discover how laboratory breakthroughs have been translated into clinical benefits.

The course will be taught by scientists and consultant neuropathologists who are experts in their fields. You’ll get the opportunity to carry out neuroanatomy dissection and you’ll work with leading research groups during 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. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

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

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

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.

Core modules

Neuro-anatomy; Basic Principles of Pathology and Histopathology; Molecular Neuroscience; Ethics and Public Awareness of Science; Pathology and Modelling of Neurodegenerative Disease; Neuroinflammation, Neuro-Oncology and Neurovascular Disease; Literature Review and Critical Analysis of Science; Research Project.

Teaching and assessment

The taught component of the MSc is delivered through practical laboratory classes and demonstrations, lectures, seminars and tutorials. Assessment is primarily through written assignments and coursework, along with practical laboratory assessments, spotter exams, presentations and debates. The research project is assessed by a thesis and oral presentation.

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Students will study at the world-renowned Queen Square, and will be taught by internationally recognised experts in the field. Students have the opportunity to interact freely with our neurologists, and undertake a specialist attachment during the second six months of their programme.

Degree information

Students gain knowledge of the clinical features and scientific basis of the following neurological areas and disorders: nerve and muscle; epilepsy; pain; movement disorders and Parkinson's Disease; neuro-otology and neuro-ophthalmology; stroke; neuropsychiatry and cognition; infections of the nervous system; multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology; autonomic function and neuro-urology; neuro-oncology and ITU neurology.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (full-time six months is offered). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Diseases of the Nervous System: Epilepsy, Pain, Tumours and Infection
-Peripheral Nerve, Muscle and Special Senses
-Motor Systems and Disease
-Higher Functions of the Brain
-Practical Neurology
-Theoretical Neurology

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project, which takes the form of a scientific investigation and culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, clinical teaching (including outpatients, inpatients, workshops, training for history taking and clinical examination and case demonstrations). Assessment is through written examination, MCQ, short case clinical examination, viva voce, continuous assessment and the research dissertation.

Placement
Students are offered the opportunity to undertake a clinical attachment with one or two consultants at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery from April to September each year.

Careers

This programme provides an excellent basis for a clinical or research career in clinical neurology and related disciplines.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Neurology Resident, University of Missouri
-Neurologist, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHS)
-Doctor, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
-Specialist Registrar in Neurology, Tikrit Teaching Hospital
-Doctor, Government of Cameroon

Employability
For students starting out on their clinical careers the programme will give them skills and experience to move towards specialist training. For more established clinicians it is an opportunity to refresh and refine their clinical practice. All students benefit from exposure to the scientific underpinning of neurology, and the opportunity to undertake an original research project, and a specialist attachment, studying alongside the internationally renowned neurologists at Queen Square.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The mission of the UCL Institute of Neurology is to carry out high-quality research, teaching and training in basic and clinical neurosciences. Together with our associated hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, we form the world-renowned Queen Square and promote the translation of research that is of direct clinical relevance to improved patient care and treatment. Students are given the opportunity to experience the full range of activities of a world-famous specialist hospital.

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