PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Translational and Regenerative Neuroscience
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
N/A
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2014 entry
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Brain Sciences
Parent Department:
UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
www.ucl.ac.uk/ioo
(if applicable)
Method of study:
starts with a brief description of
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
BSc (Hons) 2i, or equivalent qualification from overseas, in a relevant
science subject (e.g. medicine, neuroscience, biomedical science,
psychology). Other applicants from outside the relevant subject area
may apply, but an interview will be required to determine their
suitability.
1 academic year; full time
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
7
At present, there is no relevant subject benchmark statement.
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Students are required to attend:
1. Core: Research in Practice
(15 credits over Term 1)
Assessment by 1 hour Exam – short answer questions
Module shared with three other courses: MSc in Translational
Immunobiology, MRes in Visual Science and MRes in Translational
Neurology.
This module will provide students with an understanding of the
methods required to carry out and interpret a wide range of research,
covering all types of research from fundamental to clinical. Good lab
practice and good clinical practice will be a major component of the
module, including ethical and regulatory issues. The module will also
cover the main principles of research and medical statistics.
2. Core: Translational Science into the Clinic
(15 credits over Term 1)
Assessment by 1 hour Exam – short answer questions
Module shared between this course and MSc in Translational
Immunobiology and MRes in Translational Neurology.
This module will focus on the key elements of how research is
conducted. It will cover a wide range of topics, all highly relevant for
translational research: Preclinical Research, Drug Development, and
Biomarkers. The module will provide students with a thorough
understanding of the early testing of new pharmacological agents,
including use of disease models, safety and efficacy, and translating
preclinical findings into clinical correlates.
3. Core: Ocular Cell Biology (15 credits over Term 1)
2 Essays (75%); Oral presentation (25%)
Module shared with existing MSc Biology of Vision programme.
This module will provide a general basic knowledge of cell biology
of the different specialised cell types that make up the eye, giving a
solid background required for therapeutic approaches used in
translational vision research. There is a particular an emphasis on the
experimental background and the way in which current knowledge
constantly advances. Disease mechanisms that apply to human
health will be discussed in relation to widespread diseases such as
Age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetes.
4. Core: Developing Translational Research (15 credits over Term 2)
Assessment: Coursework: students will submit coursework
assignments on: simulated grant application (60%); write abstracts
(one pre-clinical and one clinical) (2 x 10%); data-mining task (20%)
Module shared in part only with MSc in Translational Immunobiology,
MRes in Visual Science and MRes in Translational Neurology.
This module will give a strong grounding on how to make
progress after the data acquisition phase has been completed,
including data mining and integration of data with massive “-omics”
data sets, scientific communication, and development of funding
streams. While these elements will be shared with other closely
related courses, there will also be a portion (approx. 25%) specific to
TaRNS and TIB on (i) the marketisation of translational science and
(ii) entrepreneurship and enterprise.
5. Core: Master Classes: Translational and Regenerative
Neuroscience Masterclasses (15 credits over Term 2)
Assessment: Essay (60%); Masterclass Overview Oral Presentation
(20%); Journal Club (20%)
This module will put students in the place of translational
researchers through a seminar series run by different translational
neuroscientists, including internationally leading figures from IoO and
wider FBS. They will describe the step-wide process of translational
research demonstrating pathways that they have followed from bench
and bedside, particularly (but not limited to) ideas that improve vision.
Many of these approaches will be cell biological, so this module
represents an opportunity to build on the ocular cell biology learned in
term 1. Other science background knowledge will be introduced
briefly at the start of each session in an interactive session led by
students, for which participation by peers during Q&A will be
assessed.
6. Core: Project (60 credits over Term 3)
Assessment: dissertation (80%) and by oral presentation of project
(20%).
Students will choose a research project offered from the groups at
IoO and the Ear Institute, and complete a body of research in these
laboratories, carrying out novel research and working alongside other
members of the group, learning about the approaches taken at the
cutting edge of translational science.
7. Optional in Term 1: (15 credits over Term 1).
Students will choose one of the following:
•Modern Aspects of Drug Discovery (SoP)
Assessment: Exam (90 min); Coursework: one case study, three
worksheets, one open book report.
•Genetics and Epidemiology of Ocular Disease (BoV, IoO)
Assessment: Essay (40%), Oral presentation (25%), Bioinformatics
task (35%)
•Ocular Development in Health and Disease (BoV, IoO)
Assessment: Coursework: essay (50%); Oral exam: Journal club
(25%); Exam: Manuscript review (15%); Practical (10%)
Students will be able to express their personal preference to learn
either about the molecular rationale about small molecular drug
design, which is only very briefly addressed elsewhere in the course
(see 2. Above), or more basic science in the model eye system using
extant Biology of Vision modules.
8. Optional in term 2: (30 credits over Term 2).
Students will choose two of the following:
•Microvascular Biology (MSc in Cardiovascular biology)
Assessment: Essay (60%), Oral – journal club (20%), Practical
(20%)
•Introduction to Visual Neuroscience (IoO – as NEURM045)
Assessment: Exam (80%); Oral presentation (20%)
•Pharmacogenomics, Adverse Drug Reactions & Biomarkers (SoP)
Assessment: Exam (67%); Coursework (33%)
•Cost Benefit Analysis and Health Assessment (Philosophy Dept)
Assessment: Coursework: essay (80%); Oral exam – presentation
(20%)
Students will choose two out the four modules to deepen their
understanding where their personal interests lie. This will allow
students to access many different areas of expertise, from
translational psychophysics, to the effects of health care funding on
translational research policy.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
“MSc in Translational Science”
BoE shared with new MSc in Translational Immunobiology
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The TaRNs programme will give students a unique combination of know-how relating to translation of
basic pre-clinical research into practical therapies. The key components for this understanding will be the
core modules that combine two major areas: (i) the process of research itself and (ii) the successful
translation of ocular and ear neuroscience research concentrated in the FBS.
The first area is a generic study of the mechanisms that enable scientists to make progress from bench
to bedside. This is knowledge that can be applied to the translation of many different clinically relevant
ideas, so it will be an advantage that the students will be taught together with others on related
programmes. The mixture of disciplines among the students will make them best qualified for future
careers by giving them all the broadest possible concepts of how research is governed, how it is
conceived, parsed (including statistical analyses), integrated with the increasing number of massive
datasets reported to specific end-users, and used to generate spin-off projects, both in the public sector
through grant applications, and also in the private sectors, with explanation of setting up industrial
collaborations as well as spin-off companies.
The second area is a highly specific tour de force through the multidisciplinary approaches taken by
academics at IoO and the Ear Institute to translating their basic scientific discoveries into practically
useful ideas. This requires a quite different mind set from traditional “blue skies” scientific research, and
many academics have to learn these approaches for themselves as they undertake translational projects.
In addition, students will learn the specific science underpinning many of the translational projects – for
example ocular cell biology.
The programme will train postgraduate students towards either subsequent PhD entry (in industry or
academia), or the regulation of research, either regulating or administering (pre-) clinical trials. The latter
could involve working with the pharmaceutical industry, patient-based studies or regulatory bodies.
Transferable skills that will enhance future employability include report writing, database mining, oral
presentations, independent working, IT literacy, statistical literacy and critical analysis. Students will also
be able to specialise in areas of personal interest, and then they may become even more involved with
specialised research in the FBS through their choices of research projects.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
Students will gain a rounded understanding of the translation of basic neuroscience discoveries into viable
therapies, involving not only the acquisition of knowledge in the neurosciences, but also the acquisition of specific,
secondary knowledge about knowledge. This will enable students to frame primary knowledge in translational ways,
facilitating its practical application. The outcomes will include the acquisition of transferable skills in analysis, critical
thinking, laboratory work and clinical applications.
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Research methods and basic
statistics, including how to design and
implement scientific projects and studies
involving humans; planning clinical trials;
how to apply for ethics approval; the
regulatory steps involved in human
studies such as handling data, storing
specimens, recruiting volunteers.
1. Lectures delivered by experienced individuals on the
various aspects of research methods and statistics will
be mixed with practical classes on medical governance
and data analysis.
2. Fundamental principles of ocular cell
biology, including: cell autonomous
functions, complex cellular interactions.
3. Current understanding of molecular
and cell biological approaches in both
fundamental and translational science in
the ocular system as one highly worked
example. This will include: stem cell
identification and production; gene
therapy techniques; molecular therapies –
small molecules, aptamers, anitobodies.
4. How to conduct translational research,
including: preclinical research; the many
stages of drug development; the different
uses of biomarkers.
5. How to develop a research project
along translational lines, including: critical
reviewing of papers; writing scientific
papers and reports; communication of
results to a specified end-user, be it any
of scientists/ clinicians /industrialists;
handling large data sets; data mining;
applying for funding; enterprise and
entrepreneurship.
2. Lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations
(confocal microscopy, EM) given by internationally
respected academics with strong research track records
and strong motivation to communicate research ideas.
Where feasible, suitable lecture material (e.g. large
bodies of factual information) will be recorded in
advance for students to watch in advance of the
teaching session, which will then be devoted to
conceptual matters arising, where levels of explanation
can be personally tailored to individual student capability
(“the flipped lecture”).
3. Students will be required to attend all classes, study
extensively on their own, prepare assessed coursework
as required, and prepare a dissertation and oral
presentation on their research project.
4.Lectures will be delivered by individuals experienced in
specific aspects of research methodology and statistics,
testing specific drugs, biomarkers in clinical trials.
5. Lectures delivered by experienced individuals in each
of the disciplines required, together with more generic
classes on writing abstracts, use of databases, grant
writing, and making decisions on future funding
opportunities – public vs. private.
Assessment:
The programme will use a mixture of unseen timed
examinations, coursework essays, seminar or journal
club presentations, bioinformatics/data-mining tasks,
production of a dissertation on original research carried
out by the student under the supervision of an active,
international class researcher; and oral examination of
that dissertation.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. Ability to disseminate complex data
and concepts, critical thinking, problem
solving, creativity.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Intellectual skills will be developed throughout the
course. Students will present different topics throughout
the course to an audience consisting of the other
students in a seminar, with discussion facilitated by a
programme tutor. Communication skills will be
particularly developed during the research project,
where students will be expected to critically evaluate and
summarize current cutting-edge research alongside
other members of the research groups they have joined.
Assessment:
Students will write a mock grant application, which will
test problem solving and deep understanding. Students
will also carry out abstract writing tasks, which will
evaluate their ability to understand and refine
knowledge.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
1. Acquire in-depth understanding of
specific fields in neuroscience; also
understand the application of state-of-theart techniques.
2. Literature search; data-mining analysis.
3. Oral presentations on assigned
research topics.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Students will attend lectures, demonstrations and take
part in research projects where they have input into
experimental design.
2. Students will access literature databases to
synthesise information on a selected research area. In
addition, they will become familiar with using massive
datasets to expose new links.
3. Students will use PowerPoint or equivalent
presentation software, and will be given constructive
feedback.
Assessment:
Students’ abilities to critically evaluate a field of literature
will be assessed summatively through a number of
seminar presentations. Students will carry out a datamining exercise to test analytical skills. Students will give
multiple oral/seminar presentations reviewing a research
area.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
1. Effectively communicate by oral/visual
presentation.
2. Active listening; understanding &
tolerance of others; group-/team-work,
self-awareness and self-motivation; peer
assessment; independence, leadership
and initiative.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Students will have many opportunities to present
current neuroscience/ocular research to their peers and
teachers. Communication of ideas will be a key aspect
of the Developing Translational Research module.
2.Listening skills will be gained in audience participation
during assessed presentations by peers.
Groupwork/Teamwork will be a major part of the
projects, where an individual student’s work must be
integrated with the possibilities afforded by the team.
Self-motivation, independent and initiative will be
fostered by the use of “flipped lectures”, with active
participation by tools such as Hot Questions.
Assessment:
1. Oral presentation of topics related to taught modules
and self-directed topic related to project/dissertation on
original translational research.
2. Ability to participate in Masterclass module, in
particular by asking pertinent questions during
presentations made by peers.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr. Tim Levine
Name(s):
Date of Production:
3rd November, 2013.
Date of Review:
October 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2014
October 2014
November 2014