Courses & structure

The core and optional courses that make up the programme.

You can use our programme to receive a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Science (MSc) in Stem Cells and Translational Neurology. The programme begins in September and runs part-time over a period of 1-6 years, depending on which award you choose to pursue.

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. You can pick a bespoke route through the programme, as best suits your learning objectives.

Students will complete the following core courses to attain this stage:

  • Key Research Skills to Explore the Central Nervous System and Stem Cells (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Neurodegenerative Diseases and Models (20 credits)
  • Uses of Stem Cells in Neurodegeneration (10 credits)
  • Neuroimaging research for graduate neuroscientists (10 credits)

 

The core courses provide an introduction to the central nervous system, basic anatomy, cell types and development. Students will learn about sources, locations and roles of stem cells, and gain a critical understanding of how major new developments in this field offer unprecedented opportunities for drug discovery and potential treatments. Students will also get a basic understanding of statistics and acquire key research skills, such as how to critically evaluate scientific manuscripts.

In parallel, students will be introduced to neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease), as well as in vitro and in vivo modelling of these diseases.

Upon successful completion of these courses, you can leave with a PGCert, or continue to the following stages of the Diploma/MSc.


At the Diploma stage, students must complete three core courses totalling 40 credits plus elective courses totalling 20 credits.

Core courses (40 credits)

  • Stem Cells and Industry (20 credits)
  • Non-Classical Neurodegenerative Diseases, Models and Stem Cells (10 credits)
  • Patient Perspectives (10 credits)

Elective Courses (20 credits)

Students can choose elective courses from other online programmes within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, before selecting your optional courses, please ensure you have spoken to your Cohort Lead.

Stem Cells and Translational Neurology electives :

  • Student-Led Individually Created Course (SLICC) in Stem Cells and Regenerative Neurology (20 credits)
  • Molecular Biology Toolkit for Neuroscientists (20 credits)

Upon successful completion of these courses, you can leave with a PGDip or continue to the final stage, the MSc.

 

 


The final qualification is MSc. To achieve it, students will have completed the Certificate and Diploma stages (total 120 credits) plus a further 60 credits comprising either further taught courses or a dissertation.

The taught courses will be selected by the student after discussion with academic staff and agreement by the course organisers.

Option A - Taught elective courses (60 credits)

We have specifically developed three taught new courses for students to complete their MSc, commencing in academic year 2020/21:

  • Clinical Project (20 credits)
  • Innovation to Industry (20 credits)
  • Scientific Project (20 credits)

Option B - Dissertation (60 credits)

  • Dissertation in Stem Cells, Regeneration and Translational Neuroscience

OR

  • Independent project in Stem Cells, Regeneration and Translational Neuroscience (placement dependent on the student making arrangements with a local laboratory; we are not able to identify or directly support a laboratory assignment)

Key features of the CPD courses

  • Self-contained, online learning courses delivered via a custom designed learning environment
  • Delivered entirely online via your web browser - no plugins or software downloads required
  • Each course has specific participation requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to receive your ‘Certificate of Participation’
  • Includes online presentations, reading material and self-directed study

CPD module options

We currently offer two CPD modules, with more in development. We allow 12 weeks for participants to complete each module. Full details of the modules on offer, registration details and cost can be found on their dedicated pages:

Introduction to Neurodegenerative Diseases Module

Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases Module


 

 

If you have any questions about our courses please contact us using the following email address - stemcell-msc@ed.ac.uk

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