StudyQA — Master: Neuroscience — University of St. Andrews

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The MRes in Neuroscience is a full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Highlights

Intensive week-long introductory module prepares students for the course before the start of Semester 1.
The course includes a streamlined taught component.
Students have the opportunity to conduct a year-long project in a single laboratory.

The course begins with a week-long intensive module which continues during Semester 1 with a weekly seminar series. Over two semesters, students will also complete two additional Honours-level modules.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practicals and guided independent study. The modules are assessed principally by written work and oral presentations.

During Semester 1 and 2, and during the summer months, students will conduct an original research project culminating in a written thesis, which forms the main component of assessed work.

Compulsory modules

Research Design in Neuroscience: intensive week-long module provides an introduction to designing and carrying out neuroscience research at the postgraduate level.
Techniques and Skills in Neuroscience Research: examines state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques through critical analysis of primary literature.

Optional modules

Students choose two optional modules

Neurodegeneration and Aging: develops a detailed understanding of molecular neuroscience at the biochemical and molecular level.
Motoneurons: From Physiology to Pathology: provides an in-depth knowledge of key aspects of neuronal function and potential dysfunction by focusing on motoneurons.
Behavioural Neuroscience: allows students to access current research in the area of behavioural neuroscience. Possible topics include motivation, learning and attention.
Vision: from Neurons to Awareness: develops an advanced understanding of the psychological processes involved in visual perception.
Neural Basis of Episodic Memory: examines how the brain enables us to remember information from our personal experience.
Neuromodulation: explores the diverse range of neuromodulatory mechanisms and outlines their importance in information processing in the nervous system.
Synaptic Transmission: covers recent progress in understanding the morphology and ultrastructure of synapses, neurotransmitter corelease and recycling mechanisms, retrograde signalling, synaptic plasticity, the role of glial cells and the development of neurotransmission.
Mechanisms of Behaviour: Integrating Psychological and Neuroscience Perspectives: explores some of the many physiological and neural systems that modulate patterns of behaviour in a range of species, including humans.

Research project and thesis

Students will spend one year conducting an original research project culminating in a data-based thesis of not more than 15,000 words. The thesis will describe the research results obtained from the year-long research project and must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the thesis requirement for the MRes, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Certificate. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PG Cert instead of an MRes.

Requirements

Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation - Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista. In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale. Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.
CV
Personal statement, including rationale for working with particular advisor(s) (500 words maximum)
Two letters of recommendation
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential advisor within the School before applying, and to provide a letter of support from this person (see contact information for all participating faculty).
IELTS 7.0