Entry requirements

180 credits from a Bachelor's programme in biomedicine, pharmacy or biology or equivalent education providing knowledge of cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• identify and describe the components and structures of the nervous system, and explain their functions, including current knowledge on how the structures are affected in common neurological and psychiatric disorders
• compare the strengths and weaknesses of methods used to study the nervous system
• discuss important current concepts in neuroscience

COMPETENCE AND SKILLS 

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• critically discuss current scientific literature in neuroscience
• conduct literature searches, critically interpret and assess relevant literature in neuroscience both orally and in writing
• participate actively in group discussions on neuroscience and integrate peer feedback to enhance personal learning and academic development
• discuss the theoretical background of the electrophysiological and live imaging methods and perform analysis and presentation of data

JUDGEMENT AND APPROACH

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• evaluate and apply strategies to promote effective collaboration and knowledge sharing in neuroscience
• synthesize their understanding of the frontiers of knowledge within neuroscience, integrating diverse perspectives and theories to engage in discussions about the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the field
• discuss bioethical and research ethical questions

Content

The course describes the biology and function of the brain and covers areas ranging from molecules to behaviour in health and disease.

The course covers fundamental neuroscience, with an emphasis on the brain, and translates into the clinic with the diseases of the brain. Together with your peers you will reflect on the current knowledge of the nervous system and what remains to be understood.

Additionally, a joint lecture series for several master's programs at the Faculty of Medicine addresses bioethics and research ethics.

Instruction

The theoretical sessions are comprised of lectures, journal clubs and group seminars. The laboratory session will give you a deeper understanding of the material and includes simulations, computer labs, practical labs and demonstrations.

Training in critical reading and discussing scientific publications, as well as scientific writing and oral presentation is embedded in various tasks throughout the course.

Assessment

Examination of the course is done through:

• active participation in seminars and labwork 
• written examinations
• a literature based project with written and oral presentation
• attendance to mandatory lectures in the lecture series common for several Master's programmes 
• submission of a passed ethics memo 
• active participation in the ethical seminar

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.