MSc Applied Neuroscience

PG Certificate Modules (all Compulsory)

Four 15 credit modules providing core introduction to the psychology and neuroscience of mental
health
 Biological Foundations of Mental Health
 Techniques in Neuroscience
 Psychological foundations of Mental Health
 Mental Health in the Community

The content will be accessible to those from a range of backgrounds, and extend any previous
learning by presenting and applying knowledge specifically in the context of mental health.
Critical appraisal skills and knowledge of scientific methods of measurement and analysis are
developed by profiling work conducted within the IoPPN.

Module 1
Biological Foundations of Mental Health

Our brain controls everything that we do, including our thinking, our emotions, our learning, and
how we interact with the world around us. It is therefore not surprising that anything that
prevents our brain from functioning properly can impact our mental health. To appreciate how
changes in brain function cause changes to our mental health we need to understand how the
brain develops, how it works and how this can relate to mental health problems.
In this module we will introduce the anatomy, wiring and cellular makeup of the brain and
explain how, through a range of complex neural networks, communication occurs between
different brain regions, and between the brain, the body and the outside world. Learners will gain
a conceptual understanding of how function can be encoded at different levels within the nervous
system; cellular and subcellular, synapses, small-scale circuits and neuronal networks, and how
problems in the biological processes that govern brain function can impact mental health.
Students will gain an awareness of the potential of the brain for plasticity and functional recovery.
This module provides students with a biological basis for understanding mental health problems
and fits within the ‘Introductory Carousel’ outcomes, to understand the ‘physiological factors that
can contribute to the risk of mental health’, the ‘research methods used’ and to ‘ready the
students to broaden and deepen their understanding further in the advanced modules’.

This module also contributes to the Programmes Outcomes, enabling the student to gain (1) a
solid foundation in the theories underpinning our current understanding of mental health
problems and the variety of methods used in research, and (2) an understanding of different
levels of analysis of the causes and mechanisms of mental health problems from the molecular
and cellular to the social and environmental in a range of important mental health problems.
Module 2
Techniques in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field, where researchers may study genes and proteins right
through to neural networks and behaviour. In this module we will present and discuss basic
neuroscience techniques, highlighting how these are used to expand our knowledge of brain
development and function. Topics covered will include, analysis of gene expression,
immunohistochemistry and neuroimaging. This module will provide important fundamental
knowledge for advanced learning and for developing the ability to critically appraise neuroscience
literature.

Module 3
Psychological Foundations of Mental Health

Every thought that we have, every sensation and emotion and everything that we do, is ultimately
a function of our brain and nervous system and other aspects of our biology. This is introduced in
the Neuroscience Foundations module. However, although underpinned by biology and the
workings of the brain, we actually experience the neuronal activity as perceptions and emotions
and as inner representations such as memories, thoughts and images. These in turn are
controlled through a range of automatic and conscious processes that govern our subjective
experience of the world and how we act within it. While mindful of the biology and brain function
that underlies and enable them, we need to study and understand these inner representations and
processes in their own rights. This is cognitive psychology.

Cognitive psychology is the dominant approach in psychology today and has been since the
middle of the 20th Century. Other approaches to psychological study exist and can be very
relevant to understanding some aspects of mental health. Although there will be less focus on
these other approaches, we will bring them in, where relevant, in this module, and elsewhere in
the course of the programme.

In this 7 week module we do not seek to cover all aspects of contemporary cognitive psychology.
After an introduction to cognitive psychology in week 1, we move on to focus on some core
concepts, theories, models and methods related to perception, attention, learning and memory.
Week 3 will focus on the psychology of emotion before we consider metacognitions including
theory of mind and ‘higher order’ cognitions such attitudes, beliefs and interpretations, and
processes such as worry and rumination that are such a central part of many problems with
mental health. In week 5 we start to bring information together to see how cognitive psychology,
its theories and methods, can allow us to build testable models to help us understand how mental
health problems may develop or be maintained. This in turn has allowed the development of
theoretically underpinned and empirically supported treatment such as cognitive therapy which
we introduce in week 6.

This module will refresh and extend the knowledge of those who have studied psychology at
undergraduate level, and provide the underpinnings for the rest of the programme for those
relatively new to the study of psychology.

Module 4
Mental Health in the Community

Mental health care provision has progressed enormously over the past sixty years or so since the
end of the era of the grand asylums. Contemporary care is based on multidisciplinary working
focused on community settings, with access to inpatient and specialist services as needed. There
is a wide range of available psychological, pharmacological, and social interventions, tailored to
individuals’ needs, and provided by a range of professions.
In this module we will introduce the models of community mental health, and their various types
of interventions. The challenges of both the burden of mental ill-health and its classification will
be discussed, noting the progression towards a ‘continuum’ model that invokes complex
interplays of genes and the environment. The growing, and welcomed, role for service user and
family involvement Page 21 in both their care and the design of services will be explored,
including the difficulties that stigma continues to present.
It will provide a solid basis for understanding the current clinical landscape, and for appreciating
the pressing priorities for research and better future care.

PG Diploma Modules
Four 15 credit advanced modules will further develop knowledge and understanding. Made of two
compulsory modules and two optional modules

Compulsory modules
 Contemporary Advances in Neuroscience
 Neurodevelopmental disorders: From bench to bedside

Optional modules
 Psychology and Neuroscience of Addictions
 Psychology and Neuroscience of Affective Disorders
 Psychology and Neuroscience of Psychosis
 Pharmacotherapy of Mental Health
 Neuroscience in Society
 Neuroimaging and Mental Health
 Social, Genetic and Environmental Foundations of Mental Health
 Mindfulness
 Global Mental Health

Compulsory Modules

Module 5
Contemporary advances in Neuroscience

In this module students will learn about the latest, cutting edge neuroscientific research being
carried out at the IoPPN. Principal Investigators will describe the theories underpinning their
current research Page 22 and explain how their findings have impacted our understanding of
brain function in health and disease. For example, students will be introduced to the IMAGEN
project; the largest neuroimaging study in Europe ‘studying how biological, psychological, and
environmental factors during adolescence may influence brain development and mental health’.

Module 6
Neurodevelopmental disorders: From bench to bedside

This module will explore the aetiology and mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental
disorders. The module will describe the evidence-base for current treatment approaches. The
module will develop a holistic understanding of the aetiology and clinical management of
neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan and students will learn about
neurodevelopmental disorders as defined by DSM-5. The focus will be on (a) Intellectual
Developmental Disorders, (b) Autism Spectrum Disorder and (c) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder.

Optional Modules

Module 7
Psychology and Neuroscience of Addictions
This module will explore alcohol and other drug addictions, and behavioural addictions such as
gambling. The module will describe the psychological, socio-environmental and biological
processes important in the development and maintenance of addiction, current theories and
nosology, the evidence-base for current treatment approaches and current research leading to
novel treatment approaches for addiction that exploit this growing psychological and
neuroscientific advances.

Module 8
Psychology and Neuroscience of Affective Disorders

This module will explore the nature and clinical presentation of affective disorders. The module
will describe the psychological, socio-environmental and biological processes important in the
development and maintenance of affective disorders, current theories and nosology, the
evidence-base for current psychosocial and pharmacotherapeutic treatment approaches and
current research leading to novel treatment approaches for affective disorders that exploit the
growing psychological and neuroscientific advances.

Module 9
Psychology and Neuroscience of Psychosis

This module will explore the aetiology and mechanisms underlying psychosis, and on the
development of new treatments for psychotic disorders. The module will describe the evidence-
base for current treatment approaches and current research leading to novel treatment
approaches for affective disorders that exploit the growing psychological and neuroscientific
advances. The module will also describe clinical approaches which focus on the detection and
management of early symptoms and are effective in reducing the long-term impact of psychotic
illness.
Module 10
Pharmacotherapy of Mental Health

Pharmacotherapies such as antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics are key intervention

strategies for mental health disorders. This module will explore the mechanisms of action,
efficacy, effects and the clinical role of medicines in the response to mental health problems.

Module 11
Neuroscience in Society

The social relevance of neuroscience including genetic diagnosis, neuromarketing and

neuroeconomics, how neuroscience can redefine social problems and neurotechnology will be
explored. The modules captures the recent popularization of neuroscience in the mass media and
self-help. It is proposed to link with Dr. Daniel Glasser at Science Gallery London in the
leadership and development of this module.

Module 12
Neuroimaging and Mental Health

This module will describe the scientific and methodological aspects of neuroimaging techniques
as they are applied to psychiatry, neurology, psychology, clinical psychology, neuroscience, and
beyond, in specialisms from autism to depression.

Module 13
Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health

This module will introduce a range of environmental factors which are associated with mental
health problems throughout development. Environmental factors will be considered in the
context of genetic influences. The module will also discuss the interplay between genes and
environment introducing the concepts of ‘gene-environment correlation’ and ‘gene-environment
interaction’. The module will cover a range of mental health disorders including attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.

Module 14
Mindfulness *

This module combines experiential and scientific understanding of mindfulness in a mutually

informative way. Each teaching session begins with a guided meditation and the conceptual
material supports the understanding of experiential mindfulness practice, providing an up-to-
date understanding of how mindfulness affect’s the brain’s structure and function, body’s
physiology and emotional regulation. Conceptual issues surrounding mindfulness are also
explored to encourage flexible and critical thinking about the concept itself and how it is best
researched. The experiential and neuroscientific understanding of mindfulness serves as the
bridge to understanding the efficacy of mindfulness as a psychotherapeutic intervention for
managing physical and mental conditions.

Module 15
Global Mental Health *

This module will explore mental health challenges facing low resource settings and consider the
factors necessary to devise locally appropriate and feasible strategies to reduce the burden of
mental disorders.
MSc Modules (all Compulsory)

Four 15 credit modules that will provide the student with a set of core research-related skills.
Each module will result in an assessable product that will combine into a portfolio of applied
learning. In keeping with the aims of the programme, the student will acquire these skills using
material and learning activities within the context of the neuroscientific field.
 Research Integrity and Ethics
 Reviewing and Critical Analysis
 Study Design
 Analysis and Reporting

Module 16
Research Skills: Research Integrity and Ethics
This module will cover the nature and importance of integrity in research and the responsibilities
of the researcher in areas such as research conduct, data management and reporting. The module
will teach the basic principles underlying ethical research and to process of applying for ethics
approval.

Module 17
Research Skills: Reviewing and Critical Analysis
This module will cover the knowledge and skills required to systematically search the scientific
and ‘grey’ literature, collate, evaluate and critically appraise that literature and objectively
communicate the results.

Module 18
Research Skills: Study Design

This module will cover the range of research designs available and the fundamentals of
measurement and testing. It will cover the core aspects of a well-designed piece of research and
how to write an effective proposal for a study to address a specific question.

Module 19
Research Skills: Analysis and Reporting

This module will cover the fundamental of statistical analysis. It will allow the student to
understand and interpret the scientific literature and to investigate and report the findings of new
research. It will cover a range of statistical approaches and allow the opportunity to analyse and
report data to address a scientific question.

Learning outcomes of Research Skills Modules

By completing the four research skills modules you will:

 Have a broad appreciation of processes, knowledge and skills required to be a researcher
in the area of neuroscience.
 Understand key issues related to integrity in research and their responsibilities as a
researcher.
 Understand and be able to apply for ethical approval for research involving patient
participants.
 Be able to systemically and critically analyse and interpret the empirical literature and
communicate effectively.
 Have knowledge and skills to allow them to plan an empirical research project and
prepare a research protocol.
 Develop some key analytical skills needed to systemically answer questions from research
data and communicate those findings effectively.
 On completing, the student will be an informed ‘consumer’ of research in the broad area
of neuroscience, as well as being prepared for further research training.
 In total, completion of these four modules provides knowledge and skills that are
recognised as a research dissertation by King’s College London.