Entry requirements

180 credits from bachelor programmes in biomedicine, physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, pharmacy, biology or international education that provides knowledge of cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology. English proficiency corresponding to English B in the Swedish school system, normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student shall be able to:

- describe and analyse the importance of basic neurophysiology and neuronal network activity for brain function and normal neuronal development and when disturbed, what problems may arise and why.

- analyse, compare and contrast what strategies are available and suitable to detect, stop, delay or promote recovery of certain diseases of CNS origin such as pain, TBI, epilepsy, stress, declined cognition, tumour and some mental disorders, as well as those where the enteric nervous system is involved as in diabetes.

- apply modern technologies for the study of neurons and glia e.g. those originating from stem cells and to account for how stem cell therapy may help but also hinder recovery from a disease.

- analyse the development of CNS diseases in the community from a health perspective, as well as describe the pathogenesis and disease panorama for major diseases such as pain, epilepsy, TBI and some mental diseases.

- search for and assort relevant literature for the course, as well as be able to critically interpret and assess this literature.

- describe how to work according to scientific principles

Content

The course describes the biology and function of the brain and covers areas ranging from molecules to the behaviour of the individual in health and disease. The student will become knowledgeable in basal and clinical neurobiology with focus on diseases of the brain. The course is divided into seven themes: Neuronal plasticity, spinal cord as the model for neuronal networks, regeneration/degeneration and movement, the brain-gut axis, sensory systems, traumatic brain injury, mental illness and tumours. The course covers studies of molecules, proteins and cells that control the basic physiology of the nervous systems. The student will be taken on a journey from the genes to the ever more complex organisation of the nervous system to cognition, behaviour and sometimes disease. The student will learn how the system responds to a new experience, damage or an overdose and how the nervous system is able to repair and cope with its experiences.

You will also get insights into science related subjects, e.g. the theory of science, bioethics, bioinformatics and presentation techniques, through a lecture series shared with other Master programmes at the Faculty of Medicine.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, journal clubs, literature review and laboratory exercises. There will be a particular focus on stimulating independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.

All course elements, including even journal clubs, labs and demonstrations, the literature review report and presentation, are compulsory.

The course also includes lectures shared with other Master programmes, which are also compulsory.

Assessment

The examination is based on a take-home exam as well as reports from laboratory practicals, a literature review project presented in a written paper and a project seminar. All parts must be approved. Also approved attendance and approved exam from lectures shared with other Master programmes are required.