Neuroscience and Mental Health

Module details: This module provides a strong foundation in human brain structures and functions, focusing on the neuroanatomy of cognition. You will explore neural mechanisms underlying visual processing, attention, language, memory, emotions, cognitive control, and reward. Evidence from fMRI, ERPs, TMS, and neuropsychological case studies will support your learning. Additionally, you will study brain function at cellular and molecular levels. This module prepares you for further studies and careers requiring a deep understanding of brain structure and cognitive function.

How you’ll learn: This Autumn term module includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and asynchronous digital content to explore key concepts, applications, and case studies. Teaching is research-informed, and a dedicated career development week is included.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through a presentation, evaluating a research paper to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and an essay, assessing knowledge of brain functions while enhancing analytical and writing skills. Formative feedback will be provided through seminar tasks, essay plan reviews, and class discussions.

Module details: This module equips you with knowledge and skills in neuroscience techniques for researching and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan. You will explore non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tES), neuroimaging (EEG, MRI), and animal techniques, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Lectures cover the relevance of these methods, while seminars provide hands-on training and develop written communication skills. This comprehensive approach prepares you for diverse professional pathways in neuroscience, mental health research, and clinical applications.

How you’ll learn: This Autumn term module includes lectures on neuroscience techniques and grant proposal preparation, alongside seminars featuring lab demonstrations and student presentations. Additionally, asynchronous digital support provides videos on neuroscience techniques and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through an oral presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of neuroscience techniques in investigating mental health disorders and a poster presentation outlining a grant proposal using a neuroscience technique to address a research question related to a mental health disorder.

Module details: This module explores cognitive and biological development across the lifespan, from prenatal stages to childhood and adolescence. Topics include genetic and environmental influences, neurodevelopment, and resilience. You will examine key theories, methodologies, and neuroimaging techniques while considering applications in education, adulthood, and global contexts. This module equips you with essential theoretical and research-informed knowledge, fostering critical evaluation skills applicable to further studies and diverse professional settings.

How you’ll learn: This module includes virtual introductions to each week’s topic, campus lectures, seminars with assessment support, covering key theories, research, and practical applications through group discussions and debates about different perspectives or explanations. You will also engage with asynchronous digital materials each week, including pre-recorded instructions, video resources, and exercises.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through a study proposal and an infographic on a developmental topic.

Module details: This module covers key research methods essential for independent cognitive neuroscience research. You will study statistical techniques such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression, factor analysis, and Bayesian analysis, applying them to real research data. You will also analyse electrophysiological data (EEG) using software like SPSS, JASP, R, MATLAB, and FSL. Additionally, you will explore ethical considerations, research practices, and academic skills. Workshops provide assessment support and formative feedback, preparing you for future research and careers.

How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes lectures and seminars each week. Additionally, there will be asynchronous digital support per week. You will learn how to design your own scientific research study and create and run statistical models. Outside-class activities such as a trip to visit the fMRI scanner and observe its operation (Career Development Week) and Assessment Support Week will be available to help ensure positive experiences and promote employability.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through a Scientific Report analysing and interpreting experimental data using cognitive neuroscience methods and software such as R, Python, or MATLAB, and a Poster Presentation presenting experimental EEG/ERP data. Formative assessment will include tasks performed during seminars, focusing on statistical analysis using R and related packages like JANOVI and JASP.

Module details: This module explores brain changes linked to mental health conditions, focusing on symptomatology, aetiology, and interventions. You will examine anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, addiction, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alongside factors like stress and the immune system in brain health. The module covers neuroscience applications in treatments, including non-Western perspectives and emerging research. Through current studies and future directions, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of key mental health issues and approaches to improving brain function and well-being.

How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes lectures and seminars each week, where lectures cover key information on the links between neuroscience and mental health, and seminars provide opportunities for discussion, research development, and formative feedback. Additionally, asynchronous digital support each week, including quizzes, blogs, videos, and discussion boards, will help consolidate learning.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through an engaging image-based presentation (Pecha Kucha), where students will create a presentation on a neuroscience topic related to mental health, as well as a leaflet synthesising and critically evaluating information on mental health treatment and interventions. Both assessments will demonstrate students' abilities to communicate complex information to non-academic audiences and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Module details: In this module, you will conduct and report an original research project under expert supervision in neuroscience and mental health. The lectures will cover project topics, ethical considerations, effective use of AI and research methods. This module enhances practical skills, including data analysis, ethical research practices, effective communication, and professional networking with relevant external organisations.

How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes introductory lectures, supervision meetings, data collection, career development and assessment sessions, along with asynchronous digital support. You will learn the general research process through understanding foundational concepts, exploring current research, and gaining practical skills.

Assessment: This module will be assessed through a Research Report and an Oral Presentation.