LF312-15 Contemporary Research Topics in Neuroscience
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 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
To deliver research-led teaching by experts from two Neuroscience groupings
To provide students with appreciation of neuroscience research
To provide students with an opportunity to collaborate with their peers in an internationally renowned centre of excellence to achieve a common goal
To give students experience, through an exchange, of the creation and presentation of a scientific poster
To provide an opportunity to create a research proposal as a form of assessment.
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 conduct self-directed research and: a) in collaboration with their external counterparts, present a poster on this topic 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
Exchange program, initially with Neuroscience colleagues at the University of Bordeaux https://www.bordeaux-neurocampus.fr
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.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 8 sessions of 2 hours (11%) |
| Tutorials | 2 sessions of 2 hours (3%) |
| Other activity | 15 minutes (0%) |
| Private study | 59 hours 45 minutes (39%) |
| Assessment | 70 hours (47%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Reading of papers associated with lectures
liaising with colleagues to create poster
creation of poster
Other activity description
Presentation of a poster to include time for Q&A on content
Costs
| Category | Description | Funded by | Cost to student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field trips, placements and study abroad |
When an in-person event, the group presentation conference will take place at Warwick in some years and at the partner institution in other years. When participation in this module involves travel to the partner institution, the department or partner will cover: the standard fare costs of transport from campus to campus (eg coach from campus to the airport, flights, and transport to the partner institution), accommodation, group meals, local transport and social activities. The department would not cover additional costs incurred by the student- e.g. applying for a passport or visa, or any additional personal purchases made. The University will provide travel insurance, but students may wish to take out (or have) personal travel insurance to include healthcare or medical insurance for the duration of the trip (~3 - 5 days), and are advised to travel with a valid EHIC/GHIC. |
Department | £0.00 |
| Printing and photocopying |
Cost of printing the group poster for the presentation assessment |
Department | £0.00 |
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster Presentation | 30% | 20 hours | No |
|
a ~50/50 mix of students from Warwick and the external partner will work together to create a poster, which they will present at a conference |
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| Neuroscience Research Proposal | 70% | 50 hours | No |
|
Research proposal based upon one topic from the lecture series or poster presentation |
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Assessment group R2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroscience Research proposal | 100% | No | |
|
Research proposal based upon one topic from the lecture series or poster presentation |
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Feedback on assessment
Oral and written feedback
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of ULFA-B140 Undergraduate Neuroscience (BSc)
- Year 3 of ULFA-B142 Undergraduate Neuroscience (MBio)
- Year 3 of ULFA-B143 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Industrial Placement) (MBio)
- Year 4 of ULFA-B141 Undergraduate Neuroscience (with Placement Year) (BSc)