Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics: The University of Manchester

Course description

Computational Neuroscience represents a new and exciting interdisciplinary field where ideas and methods from Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Biology are synergistically applied to understand brain function. The MSc in Computational Neuroscience at Manchester is designed to enable top students from numerate and biological sciences to gain the necessary tools and training to advance our knowledge about the brain.

Quantitative methods are becoming increasingly important at the cutting edge of research in biology, in general, and neuroscience, in particular. Complex experimental data sets demand new mathematical methods for their analysis.  Mathematical and computer modelling are powerful tools for bridging levels of investigation from molecules, cells, and tissues, through to the whole brain.

You will be based in the top-rated faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester, working as part of the Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinfomatics Group. The teaching staff is highly interdisciplinary with backgrounds spanning Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science.

Course aims

The aim of the MSc in Computational Neuroscience is to prepare a breed of high quality interdisciplinary researches armed with the knowledge and skills to face up the scientific challenge of understanding the brain.

• To achieve this aim there are four main objectives:
• To provide a broad interdisciplinary introduction to Neuroscience and Computational neuroscience, receiving this training first hand from well established researchers in the field.
• To develop state of the art knowledge of the latest advanced data analysis and modelling methods used to understand brain functions at scales that span the single neuron to whole brain areas.
• To provide extensive experience in devising, carrying out, and writing up research projects.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a first or upper second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a biological, medical or physical sciences subject.

English language: For overseas applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper-based), 233 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based).