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Clinical Neuroscience (MSc)
Course Overview
Watch course video presentation here.
Knowledge derived from neuroscience research in mental health, psychology, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration is revolutionising how we think about and treat mental disorders. A thorough grounding in neuroscience is fast becoming an essential step for a career in academic and clinical psychology, psychiatry, and careers in neuroscience more broadly.
In response to that need this program is designed for students with backgrounds in psychology, medicine, pharmacology, and other biomedical and neuroscience related disciplines. It will equip students with a set of core skills in the field of clinical neuroscience including in-depth understanding of neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, and neuropsychiatry. Students will have opportunities to learn through practical hands-on experience.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
The course will be delivered by internationally recognised researchers and clinicians from NUI Galway’s newly established Neuroimaging and Cognitive Genomics Center (NICOG) and the NCBES Galway Neuroscience Center (GNC), giving students access to rich and diverse expertise in neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, pharmacology & human genetics.
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent in a discipline relating to neuroscience. Qualifying degrees include, but are not limited to, psychology, medicine, pharmacology and biomedical science.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2022
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
18
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website.
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
MSc
CAO
Course code
1CNS1
Course Outline
The course will be of a content and format consistent with highest standards for postgraduate courses, consisting of 90 ECTS credits obtained by completion of course modules. Teaching approaches will consist of didactic lectures, problem-based learning, seminars, workshops, journal clubs, practicals and completion of a research dissertation, as well as subject specific training in a range of areas relevant to clinical neuroscience. Students will also receive valuable training in current research methodologies, being facilitated to study in-depth those methodologies most interesting to them (e.g. systematic review methodologies, wet-bench methodologies, software methodologies, etc.).
Modules include:
- Neuroanatomy
- Neurophysiology
- Medical Genomics
- Fundamental & Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
- Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical & Experimental Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Neuroimaging
- Neuropsychiatry & Mental Health
- Applied Statistics
- Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required PS6130: Clinical and Experimental Cognitive Neuroscience
PS6130: Clinical and Experimental Cognitive Neuroscience
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Cognitive neuroscience is an approach to investigate and test theories about cognitive processes by examining behavioral performance in health and in clinical disorders. This module reviews the ways in which cognitive methodologies have been used to test ideas about the nature of brain processes and systems involved in core cognitive (and related) processes including: perception, memory, and attention. A major focus of the module will be to understand the cognitive basis of mental disorders.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate both knowledge and understanding of the impact of neuropsychological impairment on occupation
- Describe and understand the processes involved in memory, attention, perception and language in human beings
- Describe and understand the cognitive consequences for the individual of a neurological or neurosurgical condition.
- Describe and understand the processes and relevant issues involved in the rehabilitation of an individual who has experienced a neurological or neurosurgical condition.
- Describe the roles of the different professional groups represented by the students studying with them on this module at an introductory level.
- Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving and decision making.
- Use resource material effectively in the learning situation and present information relevant to understanding/responding to acquired or developmental brain disorders.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- LAURENA HOLLERAN: Research Profile
- Robert Munn: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology" by Kolb & Wishaw
Publisher: Worth Press - "Introduction to Neuropsychology" by Beaumont, G
Publisher: Guilford Press - "Introducing Neuropsychology" by Elliott R, Stirling J
Publisher: Psychology Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PS6132: Dissertation
PS6132: Dissertation
15 months long | Credits: 30
This module constitutes the written thesis component of the degree. This module will build on the outline proposal developed during the basic and applied modules and will be conducted in collaboration with an assigned supervisor. In this module students will identify a gap in the current literature and the writing of a systematic review
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Have demonstrated literature based research skills.
- Have demonstrated academic scientific writing and editing skills to a peer-reviewed academic journals level of quality
- Have demonstrated the capacity to apply knowledge gained in prior modules to perform a critical synthesis and evaluation of existing published knowledge in their chosen translational neuroscience review area.
- Have begun the process of submitting their review for publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal
- Identify and distinguish between the main disorders encountered in Neurology
- Show familiarity with the neurological damage (e.g. Inflammatory, Vascular) leading to clinical presentation
- Compare and contrast neurological versus psychiatric disorders.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Research (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- LAURENA HOLLERAN: Research Profile
- Omar Mothersill: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PS6157: Research Methods in Neuroscience
PS6157: Research Methods in Neuroscience
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module will enable participants to develop the knowledge and core skills for conducting an applied piece of research in neuroscience. Students will be attached to a lab based group carrying out molecular or cellular research in a neuroscience area and led by a Galway Neuroscience Center PI.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Employ a range of laboratory techniques relevant to neuroscience.
- Prepare laboratory materials and apparatus relevant to cellular or microscopy.
- Carry out protocols related to the competent use of the relevant apparatus and materials.
- Show understanding of the research questions that can be addressed using the methodologies and techniques being practiced.
- Collect, collate and interpret data gathered using the tools and techniques applied.
- Write up the results of the experiments undertaken as a report.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- COLM MCDONALD: Research Profile
- DECLAN PATRICK MCKERNAN: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile
- LAURENA HOLLERAN: Research Profile
- Omar Mothersill: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required AN5105: Human Neuroimaging
AN5105: Human Neuroimaging
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module will introduce you to human neuroimaging and neuroimaging analysis approaches with the goal of enabling your capacity to critically consider the use of these techniques and their interpretation in the research fields of neuroscience and biological psychiatry. Human Neuroimaging will cover the basics of medical physics, the equipment, the images obtained, image properties and characteristics, image/data quality and processing and approaches to neuroimaging data analysis. It will explore the applications and integration of neuroimaging with in vivo anatomical, functional and clinical research applications in humans.
The module will be comprised of a combination of lectures and labs delivered in person or online as appropriate.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Translate and integrate knowledge of gross neuroanatomy (Semester 1 Module AN326) and neuroanatomy to modern medical images
- Describe and compare the basics regarding the equipment, acquisition method or technique of image acquisition
- Recognize and differentiate medial image types, describe basic image properties in particular the measurements represented and interpret changes or differences presented in a given image
- Demonstrate a general understanding of image visualization, processing and analysis methods
- Compare and integrate the use of neuroimaging modalities in anatomical, clinical or research neuroscience applications in vivo in humans
- Ultimately you should develop the capacity to effectively research any imaging or neuroimaging modality you encounter in the future
- Have an enhanced ability to critically consider the image acquisition, analysis and interpretation choices and their effects in the context of human neuroscience and biological psychiatry research
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
- Department-based Assessment (60%)
Module Director
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Introduction to Human Neuroimaging" by Hans Op De Beeck & Chie Nakatani
ISBN: 9781316632185.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press - "Introduction to Neuroimaging Analysis" by Mark Jenkinson,Michael Chappell
ISBN: 9780198816300.
Publisher: Oxford University Press - "The New Mind Readers" by Russell Poldrack
ISBN: 978-069117861. - "Diffusion MRI" by Derek K. Jones, PhD
ISBN: 9780195369779.
Publisher: OUP USA - "In Vivo NMR Spectroscopy" by Robin A. de Graaf
ISBN: 9780470026700.
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience - "Brain Imaging Using PET" by Yuichi Kimura
ISBN: 0126366519.
Publisher: Gulf Professional Publishing - "Quantitative Functional Brain Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography" by Richard E. Carson,Richard Ellis Carson,Margaret E. Daube-Witherspoon,Peter Herscovitch
ISBN: 0121613402.
Publisher: Academic Press - "Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy" by Jamie Weir,Peter H. Abrahams
ISBN: 9780723434573.
Publisher: Mosby
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PS6133: Neuropsychiatry and Mental Health
PS6133: Neuropsychiatry and Mental Health
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module will serve as an introduction to the fields of neuropsychiatry & mental health. Contents will include psychiatric illness features, classification, course and treatment with respect to several of the major psychiatric disorders including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia. This module will heavily emphasise a neurobiological understanding of these disorders.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Be familiar with the fundamental illness features, course, diagnosis, and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia among other psychiatric illnesses.
- Identify and speak about some of the key biological theories and strategies currently used to study psychiatric brain disorders such as the mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, and schizophrenia.
- Discuss and debate key contemporary issues and difficulties faced in translating neuroscience for improving clinical care.
- Demonstrate an intellectual command of the fundamentals of translational research in psychiatry
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- COLM MCDONALD: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- LAURENA HOLLERAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Textbook of Psychiatry" by B.K. Puri, P.J. Laking, I.H. Treasaden
ISBN: 978-044307016.
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone - "Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry" by David Semple, Roger Smyth
ISBN: 978-019923946.
Publisher: Oxford University Press - "Rutter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" by Sir Michael Rutter, Dorothy Bishop, Daniel Pine, Stephen Scott, Jim S. Stevenson, Eric A. Taylor, Anita Thapar
ISBN: 978-140514549.
Publisher: Blackwell - "New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry" by Michael Gelder (Editor), Nancy Andreasen (Editor), Juan Lopez-Ibor (Editor), John Geddes (Editor)
ISBN: 9780199206698.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA - "Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications" by Stephen M. Stahl
ISBN: 97811076864.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional SI209: Neurophysiology
SI209: Neurophysiology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
The module in Neurophysiology will provide students with a knowledge of the function of the brain and spinal cord. Topics covered will include organisation and function of cell of the central nervous system, motor and somatosensory processing, physiology underlying vision, hearing, sleep, learning, emotion, language, hunger, and thermoregulation. Theoretical learning and understanding of will be aided by laboratory practicals investigating the physiology of vision and hearing.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principals of somatosensory processing and perception and apply this knowledge to explain acute pain processing
- Describe in detail the processes behind spinal reflexes and central control of movement
- Describe the physiological processes underlying vision, hearing, sleep, learning, emotion, language, hunger, and thermoregulation
- Compare knowledge of the normal CNS function and symptoms associated with pathophysiology
- Appreciate of the integrative nature of the CNS
- Competence in the practical assessment of aspects of the physiology of vision and hearing
- Integrate practical information with theoretical knowledge
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (10%)
- Computer-based Assessment (70%)
Module Director
- KAREN DOYLE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- KAREN DOYLE: Research Profile
- DECLAN PATRICK MCKERNAN: Research Profile
- MICHELLE ROCHE: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- ANANYA GUPTA: Research Profile
- BRENDAN HIGGINS: Research Profile
- ANTONY WHEATLEY: Research Profile
- Claudia Flaus: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Neuroscience" by Purves et al.
Publisher: Sinauer Associates. ebook platform - "Principles of neural science" by Handel, E.R., Schwartz, J.H. & Jessell, T.M.
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional ST311: Applied Statistics I
ST311: Applied Statistics I
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
An introduction to methods and applications in applied statistical inference. This module is offered as an optional module, building on the statistical inferential methods demonstrated in pre-requisite module ST238/ST2002 or similar modules. Various non-parametric hypothesis tests are demonstrated and a comparison of suitability of applying non-parametric and parametric methods is discussed. The module also builds on regression modelling, where topics covered include model estimation, model checking and inference for simple linear regression and multiple linear regression models, and procedures in variable selection. Models discussed are applicable for a single quantitative response with quantitative and/or qualitative predictors.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate various non-parametric testing procedures, identify suitability of parametric methods and the their non-parametric alternative test method, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of parametric and non-parametric testing, define the the power of a test and intrepret its meaning in applications, formulate the power function and sketch power curves;
- carry out parametric and non-parametric testing procedures with the use of software, R;
- calculate and interpret correlations between variables and make inferences about relationships;
- formulate a linear regression model, calculate and interpret estimated coefficients and make statistical inferences on the fitted model by carrying out statistical tests using parameter estimates and using the ANOVA table. Regression models discussed include a single quantitative response explained by a single explanatory variable or mutliple explanatory variables which include quantitative and/or categorical explanatory variables and interactions between variables;
- obtain fitted values and predictions at new data points, together with associated prediction and confidence intervals;
- by calculating regression diagnostics and producing relevant plots check the adequacy of the model specification for the data presented and to check model assumptions, including linearity, normality, constant variance, independence and the presence of outliers and influential points;explore the need for transformations of response and explanatory variables;
- interpret and use output from variable selection procedures to choose adequate models, including the best subsets procedure and step-wise;
- carry out the regression analysis with the use of software, R;
- compile a statistical report, i.e. prepare a typed document which introduces the statistical research question being explored, describes the data collection method applicable to the research, describes relevant features of the sample data obtained, and outlines conclusions from inferential statistical analysis carried out using the sample data, incorporating output and plots from statistical software.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (75%)
- Continuous Assessment (25%)
Module Director
- EMMA HOLIAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- NOELLE GANNON: Research Profile
- COLLETTE MCLOUGHLIN: Research Profile
- EMMA HOLIAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Applied Linear Regression Models" by Kutner, Nachtsheim & Neter
Publisher: McGraw Hill - "STAT2" by Ann R. Cannon,George W.. Cobb,Bradley A.. Hartlaub,Julie M.. Legler,Robin H.. Lock
ISBN: 1-4641-4826-0.
Publisher: W H Freeman & Company
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PS340: Neuropsychology
PS340: Neuropsychology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- TBA
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile
- BRIAN MCGUIRE: Research Profile
- RUTH MCMENAMIN: Research Profile
- DENIS O'HORA: Research Profile
- IAN STEWART: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile
- MARK ELLIOTT: Research Profile
- RACHEL ANN LEONARD: Research Profile
- LAURENA HOLLERAN: Research Profile
- SINEAD CONNEELY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional AN326: Neuroanatomy
AN326: Neuroanatomy
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module describes the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The cells of the nervous system will be described in detail. Students will learn the function of the neuroanatomical components of the central nervous system and understand how they work together, in particular the cerebral cortex, brainstem, cerebellum, spinal cord, limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus, visual pathway, etc. Students will sit a 2 hour end of semester exam and will be assessed by a practical exam.
The module will be comprised of a combination of lectures, labs, tutorials, meetings, workshops and skills sessions, delivered in person or online as appropriate.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the neuroanatomical structures of the nervous system
- Explain the function of the neuroanatomical structures of the nervous system
- Describe how the neuroanatomical components of the central nervous system work together and impact each other
- Describe the structure and function of neurons and glial cells
- Understand the structure and function of the somatosensory and motor sytems
- Describe cortical organisation, the limbic system, the hypothalamus, vision, hearing and speech and language
- Identify neuroanatomical structures on models, prosected specimens, histological images, medical images and gross anatomy specimens.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (68%)
- Department-based Assessment (32%)
Module Director
- FIDELMA GALLEN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- SIOBHAN MCMAHON: Research Profile
- DARA CANNON: Research Profile
- IAN STEPHEN O'BRIEN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text" by Crossman & Neary
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional BI5101: Molecular biology for quantitative scientists
BI5101: Molecular biology for quantitative scientists
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides a concise introduction to key principles and mechanism in molecular cell biology. It comprises an overview of cell structure and the cell cycle including mitosis and meiosis, a description of the molecular properties of DNA and chromosomes, and an introduction to the mechanisms of replication, transcription and translation including gene regulation and epigenetics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Outline the structure of animal cells and the cell cycle, including mitosis and meiosis
- Summarise the structure of DNA and chromosomes and how this enables encoding of genetic information
- Explain the mechanisms of DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
- Describe the biochemical basis of gene regulation and epigenetics
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
- Department-based Assessment (60%)
Module Director
- ANDREW FLAUS: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- ANDREW FLAUS: Research Profile
- NOELLE GANNON: Research Profile
- KEVIN SULLIVAN: Research Profile
- ASHLA WARD: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Medical genetics at a glance" by Dorian J. Pritchard, Bruce R. Korf.
ISBN: 9780470656549.
Publisher: Chichester; John Wiley & Sons
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional MA5106: Medical Genomics 1
MA5106: Medical Genomics 1
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the role of genetic variation in human health, and how modern high-throughput genomics techniques are used to identify disease-associated variants in both common and rare genetic disorders - this will include learning the computational and statistical techniques required to perform a GWAS analysis. It will also cover pharmacogenomics and describe its key role in the emerging field of precision medicine.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe different approaches to the design of genomics-based studies and critically evaluate their outcomes.
- Perform QC and association testing on GWAS data in order to detect disease-associated variants.
- Carry our SNP imputation and check for population structure in a GWAS study.
- Use functional genomic data to annotate and prioritize disease-associated variants.
- Explain the role of pharmacogenomics and personal genetics in precision medicine.
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- Pilib O Broin: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- NOELLE GANNON: Research Profile
- Pilib O Broin: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PM209: Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
PM209: Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development. A combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops will be used.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the process of adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmission including receptors and transporters.
- Relate drug mechanism of action to autonomic neurotransmission
- Describe how new molecular entities are discovered and developed into drug candidates for human clinical trials
- Summarize the clinical trial process including adverse effects
- Derive dose-response curves for agonists and antagonists in the ANS
- Interpret clinical trial data
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
- Computer-based Assessment (70%)
Module Director
- MAURA GREALY: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- EILÍS DOWD: Research Profile
- MAURA GREALY: Research Profile
- JOHN KELLY: Research Profile
- DECLAN PATRICK MCKERNAN: Research Profile
- UNA RYAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Pharmacology" by Rang, H.P., Dale, Ritter, Flower & Henderson
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone - "Principles of Pharmacology" by Golan, D.E
- "Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews Pharmacology" by Harvey, R.A
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PM208: Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology
PM208: Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module introduces students to fundamental pharmacological concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. A combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops will be used.
Learning Outcomes
- describe the main drug targets
- interpret dose response curves for agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists
- calculate molarities, concentrations, volumes required in making solutions
- access and critically analyse and interpret pharmacological data
- describe the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion for specific drugs
- explain the effects of different routes of administration on absorption of drugs, and effects of food and drug interactions on drug disposition
- derive pharmacokinetic data and use them to predict clinical properties of drugs
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
- Computer-based Assessment (70%)
Module Director
- MAURA GREALY: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- EILÍS DOWD: Research Profile
- MAURA GREALY: Research Profile
- JOHN KELLY: Research Profile
- DECLAN PATRICK MCKERNAN: Research Profile
- UNA RYAN: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Pharmacology" by Rang, H.P., Dale, Ritter, Flower & Henderson
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone - "Principles of Pharmacology" by Golan, D.E., et al
- "Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews Pharmacology" by Harvey, R.A.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional BI5107: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
BI5107: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides a concise introduction to key principles and mechanisms in molecular cell biology. It comprises an overview of cell structure and the cell cycle including mitosis and meiosis, a description of the molecular properties of the major classes of biomolecules, an overview of the principles of genetics and evolution, and an introduction to the mechanisms of replication, transcription and translation including gene regulation and epigenetics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Outline the structure of animal cells and the cell cycle, including mitosis and meiosis
- Describe how the properties of biological macromolecules contribute to cell function
- Summarise the structure of DNA and chromosomes and how this enables genetics and evolution
- Explain the mechanisms of DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
- Describe the biochemical basis of gene regulation, epigenetics and DNA technologies
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (50%)
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
Module Director
- ANDREW FLAUS: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- ANDREW FLAUS: Research Profile
- KEVIN SULLIVAN: Research Profile
- ASHLA WARD: Research Profile
Reading List
- "Campbell Biology, Global Edition" by Lisa A. Urry,Michael L. Cain,Steven A. Wasserman,Peter V. Minorsky,Jane B. Reece,Neil A. Campbell
ISBN: 9781292170435.
Publisher: Pearson
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional PS320: Memory & Cognition
PS320: Memory & Cognition
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Written Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- STANISLAVA ANTONIJEVIC-ELLIOTT: Research Profile
- NUALA DONOHUE: Research Profile
- ANNMARIE GROARKE: Research Profile
- MIRIAM LOHAN: Research Profile
- GARY DONOHOE: Research Profile
- SINEAD CONNEELY: Research Profile
- Tom Burke: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are likely to go on to professional training in clinical psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience-related posts in industry or to undertake further academic work at PhD level.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Levy €140 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
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Course Director: Professor Gary Donohoe
Course Coordinator: Dr Ciara Egan
Contact email: ciara.egan@nuigalway.ie
What Our Graduates Say

Liam McGrattan | Graduate
Having come from a Psychology background, the Master of Clinical Neuroscience provided a perfect balance between biological and psychological content, which I sought to learn about. The modules in this course included the likes of neuroanatomy, pharmacology, neurophysiology and neuropsychiatry, which did a brilliant job of describing the interrelationship between our minds and bodies. Due to COVID, I experienced this entire course online but found the content and quality of the lecturers to have kept me focused and motivated. The modules of this course used both continuous assessment and end of semester exams which prevented one from getting overly bogged down thinking about the final few weeks of each semester. The small course size provides the opportunity to develop genuine connections with people from different backgrounds. I aspire to do the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology when I am ready. This course assisted me in making the next step in my learning and landing an Assistant Psychologist Position. The opportunity to publish one's dissertation and explore future research also allows one to pursue a career in research.in Connect with Liam