PN5001 Techniques and Skills in Neuroscience Research

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on MRes in Neuroscience

Planned timetable

Tuesdays 9-10.30am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M M O Elsharkasi

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This seminar-based module offers a theoretical perspective on state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques through critical analysis of primary literature. It also provides opportunities to learn transferrable career skills that are of importance to neuroscientists irrespective of any one area of research. Weekly seminars will involve presentations by students and/or staff that cover neurophysiological, neuropharmacological and neurogenetic approaches to understanding neural function. Learning will be largely self-directed with students delving into research areas that they wish to pursue. Assessment will be based on oral presentations which synthesize and critique recent advances in neuroscience.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Resubmission of failed item(s) of coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1.5-hour seminars (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

183

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • develop abroad understanding of methodologies in multiple areas in neuroscience (e.g. Neurophysiology, Neuroimaging, optogenetics, behavioural analysis)
  • develop the ability to read and interpret primary research papers in multiple areas of neuroscience
  • enhance skills for critically analysing scientific literature
  • enhance the ability to give oral presentations that present the key findings of primary research articles in neuroscience
  • develop the ability to give engaging online presentations
  • gain experience in use of open access software and/or hardware for neuroscience research

PN5001 Techniques and Skills in Neuroscience Research

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on MRes in Neuroscience

Planned timetable

Tuesdays 9-10.30am

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M M O Elsharkasi

Dr M M O Elsharkasi
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This seminar-based module offers a theoretical perspective on state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques through critical analysis of primary literature. It also provides opportunities to learn transferrable career skills that are of importance to neuroscientists irrespective of any one area of research. Weekly seminars will involve presentations by students and/or staff that cover neurophysiological, neuropharmacological and neurogenetic approaches to understanding neural function. Learning will be largely self-directed with students delving into research areas that they wish to pursue. Assessment will be based on oral presentations which synthesize and critique recent advances in neuroscience.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Resubmission of failed item(s) of coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1.5-hour seminars (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

16

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

183

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • develop abroad understanding of methodologies in multiple areas in neuroscience (e.g. Neurophysiology, Neuroimaging, optogenetics, behavioural analysis)
  • develop the ability to read and interpret primary research papers in multiple areas of neuroscience
  • enhance skills for critically analysing scientific literature
  • enhance the ability to give oral presentations that present the key findings of primary research articles in neuroscience
  • develop the ability to give engaging online presentations
  • gain experience in use of open access software and/or hardware for neuroscience research