2024/25 entry
MSc Brain and Behaviour
About this course
Gain advanced knowledge of the neural, pharmacological and physiological mechanisms underlying behaviour and the approaches used to study them.
- Explore brain and behaviour presented in a holistic and neuroscientific context, covering a broad range of topics
- Study on a course taught by research-active staff who are experts in their field
- Gain practical experience with cutting edge neuroscientific techniques
- Acquire skills, knowledge and practical experience directly relevant to a research career
- Enjoy both research- and student-led learning methods
- Conduct a research project covering the full research arc from study conception to dissemination
Neuroscientific research aims to understand healthy brain function as well as disorders of brain and behaviour in both humans and animals. As a relatively new field of study, which has only been recognised in its own right since the 20th century, it has benefited greatly in recent decades from novel technologies and has diverse applications including education, law and artificial intelligence.
This Masters in Brain and Behaviour covers the true breadth of this multidisciplinary field, from ion channels to human behaviour. Through hands on experiential learning, you will gain a cutting-edge grasp of nervous system structure and function and an appreciation of the field's real life applications in the clinic and beyond.
You will develop key transferable skills in the design, analysis and presentation of neuroscientific and behavioural studies, equipping you with a strong foundation for pursuing a career in a range of research settings in both academia and the private sector.
You will study in state-of-the-art facilities, including psychology and neuroscience labs within the purpose-built Tom Reilly Building. Facilities include:
- fNIRS
- 64 and 128 channel EEG
- psychophysiological measuring equipment, including Skin Conductance (SC), heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- TOBI eye tracker
- Fully equipped sensory testing laboratories.
You will also be based in the Life Sciences Building, which features brand new, fully equipped molecular and cellular biology laboratories for conducting:
- gene sequencing and DNA expression analysis
- protein expression analysis
- metabolite analysis and tissue culture labs.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
You will acquire acquire the skills to pursue a research career as a university academic or in research departments in the private sector, such as the pharmaceutical industry or consumer goods industry.
The student experience
Discover life as a postgraduate student at LJMU.
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Somatosensory Systems
20 credits
The aim of this comparative module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mammalian somatosensory system, from sensory transduction through to central representation in the brain and behaviours – in sickness and health. Teaching will comprise lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
Current Methods in Brain and Behaviour
20 credits
This module provides a grounding in neuroanatomy and related research techniques used to study the relationship between brain and behaviour in humans in health and disease. During workshops, you will receive hands-on experience running brain imaging (fMRI/fNIRS) and neuro-stimulation (neuro-navigated TMS and tDCS) experiments. Later, in practical sessions you will design, programme and conduct your own behavioural study.
Cognitive Neuroscience
20 credits
This module provides an understanding of advanced and state-of-the-art topics in cognitive neuroscience, within the context of healthy and disordered brain structure and function. Through lectures and seminars you will consider the neural basis of cognitive functions such as perception, memory and cognitive control and their malfunction in neuro-degenerative and mental-health disorders.
Applied Neuroscience
20 credits
This practical module introduces you to research methods used in neurophysiology (EEG) and psychophysiology (ECG/fEMG). Lectures will be paired with practical sessions where students gain hands-on experience with apparatus and associated data. You will learn how these research methodologies are being applied in the real world in areas such as transportation, brain-computer interfaces and marketing.
Neuroendocrinology
20 credits
This comparative module covers the functioning of the endocrine system in health and disease. Combining problem-based learning and practical sessions you will cover topics such as reproduction, sleep, stress, depression and psychoactive substances.
Research Project
60 credits
On this student-led project, you will be encouraged to work independently under the expert guidance of a supervisor. You will develop your research, analytical and problem-solving skills by conducting an original research study in an area where you have a particular interest. Research will usually be conducted in the laboratory.
Research Methods and Statistics
20 credits
On this primarily practical module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of key research and statistical methods relevant to the study of brain and behaviour which are needed to become independent researchers.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Teaching will be delivered between two and three days per week, according to the requirements of your practical sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate 35 hours per week to study, combining both scheduled sessions and independent study. You will lead on organising laboratory/computer work for your Research Project, in consultation and collaboration with your project supervisor.
Teaching methods
You will attend a wide variety of sessions, including lectures, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, laboratory practicals and computer practicals. In addition, you will have individual meetings with your supervisor for guidance and support.
Applied learning
You will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, using the latest computer software for data analysis and the internet and social media to communicate science. You will also have access to our biosciences laboratories where we will conduct neurophysiology, behavioural pharmacology and neuroendocrinology practicals.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Your progress will be assessed through practical reports, posters, exams, presentations, blogs and podcasts.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr David Moore
Programme Leader
Susannah is a founding member and Co-Lead of LJMUsSomatosensory and Affective Neuroscience Group. As well as working in Academia,she has worked as a research scientist in industry, applying her knowledge tounderstand consumer behaviour. She is interested in the neurobiological basis ofemotion and motivation, in particular how environmental stimuli acquire amotivational value and how these valuations are translated into behaviour. Susannahemploys a range of neuroscientific techniques including: psychopharmacology,neurophysiology and behavioural tasks. Recently her research has focused on understandingclinical conditions such as Addiction and OCD, as well as testing thehypothesis that a specific class of nerve fibre, found in the skin of all mammals,has evolved to signal the rewarding value of social tactile interactions.
My research informs my teaching and I really enjoy sharing that with my students seeing them enthused by the questions and topics that intrigue me and developing a desire to study the brain and behaviour further is hugely rewarding.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer -
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is based in LJMUs City Campus at the Byrom Street site, which is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre. We offer postgraduates excellent laboratory and research facilities, a host of social spaces and easy access to the Avril Robarts library.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2.1 or above in a relevant scientific discipline, such as Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Neurobiology/Neuroscience or Animal Behaviour. Must achieve a 60% or above pass mark in final year research project
or
- equivalent professional qualifications and experience
International requirements
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Other international requirements
- International students will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
As well as meeting the academic criteria for this programme you will need to:
- demonstrate sufficient knowledge to embark on the programme
- display the potential to develop high level research skills
- identify a research area which fits staff supervision capability
- demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level
All selection processes are conducted in line with the LJMU Admissions Code of Practice.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.