Introductory description

This module is designed to provide students with a broader perspective of contemporary and cutting-edge neuroscience research. Initially in collaboration with the University of Bordeaux, we shall deliver a Y3 module based around research seminars from neuroscientists at the Universities of Warwick and Bordeaux, both of which have excellent and complementary neuroscience research programs. The rationale behind this joint module is to: i) expose students at both institutions to contemporary neuroscience research not found at their own institutions, ii) provide an opportunity to interact with students in another country and institution to achieve a common goal (a poster presentation), and iii) provide an additional form of assessment in the writing of a research proposal, which, along with the group poster presentation mark, form the final mark for the module.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The Module will consist of specialist research presentations delivered by local and external experts in the field across a wide range of topics such as: Synaptic plasticity, super-resolution microscopy, basal ganglia network, dopamine, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); learning & memory, pain, inflammation, neuropeptides, stroke, epilepsy, and chemosensing.
These research-level seminars will be supplemented with an associated workshop to explain and explore the topics in detail to provide high level and deep understanding.
From these topics, students will choose one to research further and:
a) in collaboration with their external counterparts, to present a poster on this topic at a virtual conference
b) formulate a research proposal to extend the work they have researched.

The assessment of the poster presentation and research proposal will constitute the final marks for the Module

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject knowledge and understanding: Appreciate and discuss contemporary topics in neuroscience research with colleagues at a renowned institute
• Key Skills: Assimilate learning and create a poster presentation in collaboration with colleagues at an external institution
• Key Skills: Present the poster at a virtual student-led conference with colleagues at an international university
• Cognitive Skills: formulate a research proposal extending work presented during the module
• Subject-Specific Skills: Assimilate knowledge to the point of being able to discuss, critique, present and extend specialist topics in contemporary neuroscience

International

Virtual exchange program, initially with Neuroscience colleagues at the University of Bordeaux
https://www.bordeaux-neurocampus.fr
This has arisen through a previous colleague at Warwick moving to U Bordeaux and being involved in teaching there. In discussion it was clear that there was considerable complementarity in our research and teaching provision and aspirations, and that such a virtual exchange would be mutually beneficial to our students.
We view the international nature of the exchange to be of great value as it will expose our students to additional research not based at our own institutions, and through the opportunity for our students to work with their international counterparts to deliver a scientific presentation.

Subject specific skills

Reading of the contemporary neuroscience literature as it pertains to topics covered in the research seminars/tutorials
Synthesis of material into a cohesive poster presentation
Dialogue/interaction with local and international counterparts to arrive at a poster
Presentation of poster and dissemination of neuroscience research information
Engaging in subject-specific dialogue with international experts in the field
Reading, formulating and writing of neuroscience research proposal

Transferable skills

Attendance, attentiveness, focus and engagement during research presentations and associated workshop with local and external academics.
Reading, critiquing and synthesis of material into a cohesive poster presentation
Virtual and F2F teamworking with local and external students to achieve common goal (a poster presentation)
Developing a concept, sourcing, assimilating and critiquing information relevant to this concept for a research proposal
Formulating a credible and achievable research proposal information in a concise manner.