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MSc Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging has emerged as a new important methodology in the study of the structure and function of the human brain in health and disease. In Neuroscience it is being increasingly used to study the physiological correlates of mental processes. In Clinical practice it plays a prominent role in the detection and diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric illnesses and in the evaluation of new treatments. The techniques are getting increasingly sophisticated and the there is a high demand for well-trained professionals.

Our MSc in Neuroimaging is one of few such programmes in the UK. It is exceptional in its focus on medical aspects in Neuroimaging. Because of the importance of Neuroimaging, the Medical Research Council (MRC) has made it one of their priority areas and is funding our MSc programme with 2 studentships per year.

The programme is designed to provide students with the background knowledge and technical skills to design, analyze and evaluate imaging data. The programme focuses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based techniques, including functional MRI, anatomical imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and Spectroscopy. Imaging techniques will be discussed with reference to relevant Biomedical applications. The programme puts a strong emphasis on practical skills. In a dedicated computer lab, the students will learn and practice analysis and imaging techniques. Under supervision of our world-class academic staff, students will design their own imaging based studies, which will be run using the in-house 3T MRI scanner. Additional classes will provide students with a broad scope of professional skills.

The programme is especially suited for:

* students interested in pursuing an Academic career in the field of Neuroimaging.
* students looking to find a job as research staff in industry or academic labs involved in translational research.
* medical professional, looking to develop skills in a new emergent technology and research field.
* students with a background in physics, mathematics or computer science who want to move into cognitive or clinical neuroscience.
* students with a background in psychology or biology who want to improve your technical skills for a neuroscience career.

The MSc in Neuroimaging welcomes applications from students with backgrounds in the mathematical, physical, chemical and biological sciences, as well as in engineering. Two MRC funded fellowships are available to cover the cost of tuitions and salary of exceptionally well-qualified candidates. A number of School funded Scholarships, in the form of partial fees remittance, are also available. Students who would like to be considered for the MRC studentships or School scholarships (see funding section for more details) should submit their applications by Friday 7th May, 2010.

Content

The core of the MSc consists of two modules on Neuroimaging. The first module concentrates on methodological aspects. It includes an introduction to the physics of MR imaging, the physiological basis of functional signals, processing and analysis of imaging data and the design of research studies. The second module provides an in-depth introduction to a number of specialized imaging techniques used to understand the biology of brain function in health and disease. The latter module aims to illustrate the use of imaging in the context of translational and clinical studies of disease processes affecting the human brain.

Lab-section and programming classes are held in a dedicated computer laboratory available to all students. Both modules combine formal lectures, and computer-based laboratories, in which students learn and practice analysis and imaging techniques. The work done in the lab sections constitute 50% of the grade in first module, and 30% of the grade in the second module. The latter also includes student-led discussion of published scientific and clinical research. For students with limited background in scientific computing a basic programming and computing class is available in the first weeks of the Academic year. Click here for more details.

Student feedback from the core module from last year:

    “For me, the most important module of the whole postgraduate year. Extremely difficult, but with a huge reward for every single bit one gets to understand.”

    “The best class I have taken in a long time. Anyone taking the class before a PhD will have a huge advantage.”

Additional optional modules provide an in-depth view of several content areas of cognitive and clinical neuroscience (see below). Students are also welcome to attend weekly review of clinical scans performed at the local hospital for the purpose of patient recruitment and a monthly neuroradiology conference where cases of clinical interest are discussed. Journal-clubs and research meetings concerning fMRI, EEG, and TMS methodologies are open to all students.

Students are also required to take at least one additional module in advanced statistics or advanced computing. The module “Communicating Research” completes the curriculum by training students in a broad scope of professional skills.

The Bangor Imaging Unit houses a state-of-the-art 3T MRI machine, available for student projects. Setups for the measurement of eye-movement, arm and hand movement, and physiological parameters are also available.

In the beginning of the year you will choose your academic supervisor. The supervisor will be responsible for helping you plan, design and draft your research thesis. In two modules (Advanced Research Methods and Proposal I & II), you will review the relevant literature, and formally outline your study. In the weekly Bangor-Imaging Group meeting we learn about and discuss proposed, ongoing and completed studies and important new publications in the field. Moreover, all MSc and PhD students present their proposed plan of research in this forum. Thus, you are tightly integrated into the research environment at the Bangor Imaging Unit, and profit interactions with older PhD students, post-docs, and other supervisors. Your final research project then is conducted over the summer month, most likely using the in-house, research-dedicated 3T MRI scanner. The course ends with the successful submission of your research thesis.

Entry Requirements

You must have a single or joint honours degree in Psychology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Biology, Medical Sciences or a related subject area, with a minimum degree class of 2:1 or equivalent. International applicants will be given individual consideration.

Duration

One year as a full time student, or two years as a part-time student.

Structure

The course consists of two parts. Part One comprises taught modules over two semesters. You are required to take the two core modules in Neuroimaging, which include a large component of laboratory work. You will also choose two 'content' modules, each designed to provide knowledge and promote understanding in a specific core area of neuroscience. You also take three 'skills' modules designed to hone your research skills. In addition, you will partner with one of the academic faculty in order to jointly develop a research proposal for your thesis. On successful completion of Part One, you'll proceed to Part Two (in the third semester), when you will carry out your research study and write your thesis. Click here for more details.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching occurs via lectures, Lab sections, seminars and tutorials given by research experts in the College. All teachers are actively engaged in research programmes. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations and a research thesis.

Research Thesis

The thesis is the "crown" of the MSc and is an intensive research experience conducted in collaboration with your supervisor that allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice. In conducting your thesis project, you will develop new skills such as planning, co-operative working, and the academic skills essential to understanding and reporting findings to others.

Qualification Awarded

Students who successfully complete the research thesis and the taught modules are awarded an MSc Neuroimaging.

Funding

The MSc programme in Neuroimaging is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) with 2 full studentships per year. The studentship includes a stipend of £13,000 and a fee remission of £3,390. To be eligible for an MRC studentship, applicants must be UK citizens, or must be European citizens currently employed in the UK, or living in the UK for the last 3 years. For exact eligibility criteria, please follow this link.

Additionally the School of Psychology has made a limited number of fee bursaries available for Masters' students. All applicants are eligible for this award.

The School bursaries and MRC studentships will be awarded based on eligibility and academic excellence (as determined by research statement, grades, and letters of reference) of the applicant only. Students who wish to be considered for funding should submit an application form (see below) and a separate statement of interest that briefly describes (max 1,000 words) your main motivation and interest in applying for the MSC programme, potentially describing research or other experiences from your past, by Friday 7th May, 2010. Applicants for MRC studentships must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria however those who do not are still able to submit an application form for a School bursary. Please ensure that you include your name and whether you are applying for the MRC Studentship or School Bursary (or both) at the beginning of the statement.

Other opportunities for funding

How to apply

Application material is available from our Postgraduate Admissions Secretary. Alternatively, you can download the application form from the University website. Admissions to the programme are made on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. Applications for funding require an additional statement of interest (see funding above).

Further information

If, having reviewed this information, you find that you have additional questions about academic aspects of the course, you may e-mail the Course Director:
Giovanni d’Avossa

 

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