Introduction

This course will provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the aetiology of neurological and mental disorders. During the Science year, students will learn about the aetiology of common disorders encountered by neurologists and psychiatrists and how an understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors have also informed the development of interventions aimed at helping people with these conditions.

This course will comprise three core teaching blocks, a self-directed learning block involving independent and group work, and a 15-week research project. 

The Course Directors is Dr Magdalena Sastre (m.sastre@imperial.ac.uk).

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Aims and objectives

After completing the course students will:

• Know how to understand and critically appraise research papers
• Have experience in presenting a paper to colleagues
• Have laboratory experience e.g. designing and conducting a mini-research project in small groups, neuropathology
• Have experience in writing up laboratory data as a research paper
• Be familiar with interpreting brain scans
• Be able to critically appraise research aimed at examining the efficacy of interventions and treatments such as randomised trials and meta-analyses
• Have the skills required to identify and synthesise findings from previously published studies examining the efficacy of pharmacological and psychological treatments
• Be aware of ethical dilemmas posed by molecular neuroscience
• Have a basic understanding of how to formulate psychological problems using cognitive and psychodynamic approaches

The particular skills that will be gained in this module include an appreciation of the importance of critical analysis when reading the research literature and valuable experience of bringing together information from a variety of sources to improve understanding of complex topics. The practical component of the module will also provide useful training in experimental design, group negotiation, the use of observation and reporting skills.

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Further Information and Application Guidance

With the exception of BSc Management and BSc Biomedical Engineering, all of Imperial College's intercalated BSc courses run from September until May. The courses comprise a 12 week teaching block where the students gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, alongside their research training of core research knowledge and skills. All students also perform a 15 week research project within their specialism.

More information about applying for/undertaking an intercalated BSc course at Imperial College London and also the structure of our courses can be found in the downloadable Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide - 2022-23 Entry (PDF).

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.