Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, a complex network of nerves and specialized cells called neurons which signal in the brain and between body parts. It bridges multiple disciplines including mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and medicine.
The brain is a highly complex organ, with over 86 billion neurons responsible for our conscious experience – jogging in parks, remembering our last holiday, laughing with loved ones … As it commands all human functions, it has startled, fascinated and despaired scientists. Indeed, despite the modern advances many questions remain unanswered and led to the emergence of various branches:
- Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience aims to understand how psychological functions are initiated by the neural activity in the brain: thoughts, emotions, learning, decision making, memories.
- Computational Neuroscience relies on mathematical tools and computer simulations to model neuronal networks and systems.
- Developmental Neuroscience studies how cells and molecules operate within a developing organism.
- Molecular Neuroscience uses molecular biology, molecular genetics and protein chemistry to gain insight on the biology of the nervous system.
- Translational and Clinical Neuroscience focuses on how neuroscience findings are associated to disease progression and clinical manifestations.
Featured Courses
The CPD accredited courses are carefully crafted to help you gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of your interest.
Stem Cell Technology
The field of stem cell technology is a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, offering transformative pathways to repair or replace damaged tissues. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of stem cell biology, from the fundamental differences in cell potency to advanced techniques such as induced pluripotency and direct reprogramming. Participants will gain insight into differentiation protocols, the development of 3D organoid systems, and the application of CRISPR gene editing to correct disease-associated mutations. Beyond the laboratory, the course addresses essential quality control standards, global regulatory frameworks, and the complex ethical landscape of modern biotechnology.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
This intermediate-level course provides a thorough overview of the field of next-generation sequencing, from its properties and strength and its major applications, to an overview of a typical sequencing workflow.
Molecular Ageing
The study of molecular ageing is a cutting-edge discipline, providing a novel lens through which to understand and treat age-related decline. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the biological drivers of ageing, from evolutionary theories to the molecular hallmarks that define the biological clock. Participants will explore the mechanisms of DNA repair, the impact of oxidative stress, and emerging therapeutic frontiers, including senolytics and rejuvenation technologies moving from the laboratory into clinical consideration.
Cancer Biology: Exploring the Molecular and Genetic Aspects
This is an intermediate-level course that explores the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, its evolution, and cancer immunology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the most advanced and fastest growing sciences. The beginning of the 21st century has seen huge developments in techniques to study and understand how the brain works.
CRISPR: Revolutionising Genome Editing
This advanced-level course is designed to develop an understanding of complex concepts related to genomics, particularly CRISPR/Cas technology and its applications...
On top of specialising their research through different branches, neuroscientists rely on various tools:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique where electrodes are placed on the outside of an individual’s scalp. It records the electrical activity of the brain as neurons communicate through electrical impulses. For example, Professor Michael Anderson from Cambridge University uses EEG to investigate the cognitive and neural mechanisms by which people suppress distracting and unwanted memories. This tool is also routinely used for stroke, sleep disorders and brain tumour diagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic field and radio waves to generate images by measuring the blood flow in the brain. Essentially, it allows scientists to take snapshots of the brain in real time. It is widely used in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis, where nerve cells loose function over time. For example, Alzheimer patients (memory loss, impaired speech and language, disorientation) MRI scans display reduced sizes in different areas of the brain compared to unaffected individuals.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) also creates brain images but relies on the injection of radioactive molecules “radiotracers”. Once in the bloodstream, the radiotracers circulate in the body and reach the brain. A PET scanner then detects the final localization of these molecules. Rest assured, the radiotracers are low dosed with no known long-term adverse effects in the 5 decades it had been used for. PET is commonly used to detect brain tumours by radiolabeling glucose as cancer cells absorb glucose at a higher rate compared to normal cells. Functionally, the individual lies down on a table that slides vertically out of a donut-shaped machine. Surrounding and rotating the individual are a x-ray tube and detector to follow the radiotracer in the body.
Despite the multiple branches and technical tools for brain and nervous system studies, many mysteries remain to be solved. The increase of age-related cognitive diseases, the limits of animal models and decreased funding are true hurdles. However, new publications and findings such as the “microbiota-gut-brain axis” emerge, constituting hope.
