MSc (Neuropharmacology)
College of Science
Key facts
Entry requirements
Successful students will normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 degree from a diversity of undergraduate disciplines, ranging from Chemistry through Life Science subjects to Psychology. Students are also considered who have a Level 7 degree and three years relevant work experience. IELTS score of 6.0+ (with not less than 5.5 in any one component).
Duration:
1 year, full-time
Next start date: September 2012
ECTS weighting: 90
Average intake: 15
Closing date: You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates
Course overview
Attempting to find new drug treatments central nervous system (CNS) diseases is a major global priority. This requires a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and academic institutions. It involves:
1. The identification of drug targets in the CNS disease state of interest
2. Discovery and preclinical profiling of substances acting on this drug target
3. The clinical evaluation for efficacy and safety.
The Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics has been actively engaged in neuropharmacological research for over 30 years. In 1998, the MSc in Neuropharmacology was introduced to provide students with the skills necessary to develop a career in important area of research, and aims to provide:
A sound theoretical knowledge of neuropharmacology.
Laboratory-based skills in various neuropharmacological techniques.
An appreciation of the regulatory issues associated with conducting neuropharmacological research.
The application of experimental design and statistics to neuropharmacological research.
A detailed understanding of a range of computer packages involved in data processing and presentation.
A research project which will allow these skills to be further developed.
Course outline
Programme content (subject to change)
Semester 1 (September–December)
Consists of lectures in General Pharmacology Central transmitters and signalling mechanisms, (Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology), and Research Methodology. Practical, Computing, Experimental Design, and Laboratory Safety programmes will also be delivered.
Semester 2 (January–April)
Selected areas of Neuropharmacology are studied in depth, including receptor and behavioural pharmacology, drugs of abuse, and the development of drugs to treat the main CNS diseases (anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and stroke). This will be accompanied by a series of practical sessions which will cover a variety of methods available for experimentally evaluating psychotropic drug effects.
The Research Project (May–August)
This represents an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project in an area of Neuropharmacology. This will be examined by thesis and poster presentation.
Applications and selections
Applicants, at the discretion of the selection committee, may be invited to attend for personal interview. Places are limited.
Requirements and assessment
Find out more
T +353 91 493 268
E john.kelly@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/faculties_departments/pharmacology/
PAC code
GYS11
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €6,815
- Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,750
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