Description
This module will provide students with an introduction to the principles, scope and applications of genetics and other biological research methods currently used in mental health research. The module is organised by the members of the Mental Health Neuroscience Research Department in the UCL Division of Psychiatry. The Head of Department is Elvira Bramon. Active researchers in neuroscience and biological psychiatry will teach all sessions in the module. There is a focus on psychiatric genetics, which is an area of expertise of the department, and crucial in mental health.
Module contents
- Genetic research and its relevance for mental disorders. We cover human genetics, bioinformatics, statistical genetics and implications for mental health and disease.
- Neurophysiology (EEG/ERP/MEG) and neuroimaging (MRI/SPECT/PET) research applied to mental health.
- Cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology of illegal drugs and animal models in mental health.
- A half-day conference with short presentations showcasing the current research we do in the Mental Health Neuroscience Research Department.
Learning outcomes
These are the intended learning outcomes for the module:
- Students will demonstrate understanding of genetics and other biological approaches to investigate the causes of mental health disorders and their treatments.
- Students will be able to appraise papers on genetics, neuroimaging, cognition and other neuroscience methods applied to mental health research.
- Students will be able to suggest approaches to test biologically-based hypotheses in mental health research.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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