Language: English

Objective: This is a graduate degree targeting graduates of medical, biology and cognitive sciences degrees interested in the relationship between mental processes and the human brain. The program focuses on the relationship between the mind and the brain in healthy and brain-damaged individuals. Students will learn about the theories, methodology/techniques, and current state of knowledge in brain and cognitive sciences. Special emphasis will be given on understanding of translational research in the field.

The main aims are to:

• Promote innovation and focus in research and encourage independent thinking
• Promote the development of research skills in the area of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (e.g. Brain stimulation techniques, MRI data analyses)
• Promote an understanding of the translational aspects of research in Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Equip students with skills and knowledge necessary for PhD studies

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the literature and the methodology in the field
• Formulate a research question and design an original research plan to address an original research question
• Show competency in relevant methods and techniques applicable to their own research
• Critically evaluate, analyze and interpret new research data in the framework of the subject area
• Solve problems, and demonstrate ethical consideration in research with humans
• Articulate and report research in a scientific manner and present results in a professional manner
  
   

The MSc will be offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences as a full-time Master’s degree that will introduce students to state-of-the-art knowledge and research skills in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Graduates of the program will be equipped to continue their studies at the doctoral level.

Recent advancements to brain imaging and stimulation methodologies have allowed scientists today to observe the healthy human brain in action for the first time. In their research, brain scientists do hence no longer solely have to rely on patients with brain damage to elucidate the biological underpinnings of mental processes. They can now conduct targeted experiments on healthy individuals using an array of new methodologies, such as neural stimulation (TMS, tDCS) and brain-imaging (MRI, EEG/MEG) techniques. As a result of this development, the discipline has gained tremendous momentum over the past twenty years becoming one of the most popular fields of science.

However, these advanced methods and technologies that allowed Brain Sciences to grow tremendously in the past two decades have not as yet been fully utilized for the benefit of patients. As a result, funding agencies have now been pushing for translational research (e.g. Dementia/Alzheimer’s, ageing, brain injury, stroke) and the recent EU Horizon 2020 calls embody this philosophy (see also the Welcome Trust translational fund). Moreover, there is increasing international demand for high-quality training on mental processes in the healthy and diseased human brain.
 

Description of the Program

1. Research Methods and Statistics / Biostatistics (10 ECTS)
   This course will discuss various issues associated with experimental design and statistics. A wide range of statistical tests will be taught (e.g. t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, regression, correlation). The class will explore the methodology and selection of statistical tests, and will teach the use of software such as SPSS.
2. Brain Anatomy and Physiology (10 ECTS)
   This course will offer knowledge of basic anatomy and function of the brain. Students will be taught physiological and structural principles underlying the anatomical organization of the brain and the functional segregation of higher cognitive functions, starting from the cellular level (synapses, action potentials) and working up to a more detailed consideration of the major anatomical divisions. Neurotransmitter systems and their role in defining functional architecture will be described. Major functional circuits will be outlined, with an emphasis on their anatomical organization and connectivity.
3. Brain Imaging and Stimulation (10 ECTS)
   The course will focus on modern techniques for stimulating and imaging the human brain. Students will be taught the key principles of a range of neural stimulation (TMS, DCS) and neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
4. Clinical Neurology / Diseases of the Human Brain (10 ECTS)
   This course will provide a basic overview of the most common and important neurological diseases and conditions affecting people worldwide: stroke, epilepsy, headache, back pain, neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, alterations of consciousness, nervous system infections, traumatic brain injury, and neuromuscular diseases.
5. Fundamental Brain and Cognitive Processes (10 ECTS)
   The course will focus on the current state of knowledge in the field of brain and cognitive sciences. This module focuses on our understanding of lower-level, fundamental cognitive processes. Examples include perception, attention, action, motor control, object recognition, face processing, the mirror system, and consciousness.
6. Higher Brain and Cognitive Processes (10 ECTS)
   This course will focus on our understanding of higher cognitive processes such as language, speech, memory, social cognition, executive functions and cognitive control. The module will explore findings from a range of neuroimaging techniques and lesion approaches.
7. Translational Brain and Cognitive Science Research (10 ECTS)
   This course will focus on our current understanding of translational research. Examples include cognitive neuropsychiatry, recovery and rehabilitation after neurological damage, cognition across the life span, genetic underpinnings of cognition, and language in the deaf.
8. Experimental Research Practice (10 ECTS)
   Supervised independent study and research. Designed for 2nd year MSc students in preparation for carrying out their own research for their Master’s thesis. Students will be mentored by a faculty member to produce a review and critical evaluation of the literature in a field closely related to the research program of the mentoring faculty. Students will be expected to highlight current controversies and debates in the literature and suggest original research questions addressing such debates.
9. Seminars (10 ECTS)
   Students will have to attend seminars that will be organized by Departments in the Faculty of Health Sciences with internal and external speakers. Students will be required to submit a short summary report. Seminars will be offered during the 3rd semester of the program.
10. Master Thesis (30 ECTS)
    Students will have to complete a research project and provide evidence of significant research output under the supervision of a full time faculty member. Students will acquire knowledge and experience in carrying through a substantive research project including the planning, execution and communication of original scientific research. The project will be assessed by a written report and oral presentation. The research project is expected to be built upon literature review performed in the course of Independent Study and will be completed during the 4th semester of the program.

Table 1. Semester Breakdown:

Entry Requirements for MSc

The minimum standards for admission to the program is a Medical degree or a Bachelor degree in the fields of Speech-language Therapy/Pathology, Psychology, Philosophy, Education, Linguistics, Biology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience.
Specific requirements are as follows:

1. Applicants should have a great point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or a Second Class Upper Division Honors (British Degrees) or a 7.0 (Cyprus/Greek University Degrees).
2. Very good knowledge of the English language is required. Unless the first degree is in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency of English as specified by internationally recognized examinations (GCSE or IGCSE O’ level in English with a minimum grade of “C”, computer based TOEFL 173-212 or 550 on the TOEFL exam, IELTS of 6.5).
3. Undergraduate degree related research experience would be considered an advantage.