Neurotechnology (MRes)

Program Overview

Neurotechnology is the use of insights and tools from mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to investigate neural function and treat dysfunction. Brain-related illnesses affect more than two billion people worldwide, and the numbers are growing. Reducing this burden is a major challenge for society.

Our MRes will prepare you for a research career in neurotechnology and give you the knowledge and the skills to make your mark in this exciting field.  The program aims to:

Produce postgraduates equipped to pursue careers at the interface of neuroscience and engineering, in academia, industry, the public sector, and non-governmental organizations

Develop research and analytical skills related to neurotechnology

Develop oral and written scientific presentation skills

Create researchers for whom multidisciplinary thinking is the norm

Provide an experience that is intellectually stimulating, enjoyable, and meets students’ needs

Provide a solid foundation for those intending to go on to study for a PhD

Imperial College London works closely with employers and industry, including Industrial Advisory Panels to design Master’s courses that provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise, and transferable skills and to encourage students to take internships and placements. All Master’s courses are designed with employer needs in mind. Most Master’s courses offer an opportunity to carry out research projects in the industry.

What will you Study?

The program comprises lectures, practical work, and workshops in the first term, followed by full-time work on a research project. You will also attend regular symposia and a neurotechnology journal club throughout the year.

Taught Element

You will study four taught modules, worth just over 20% of the overall degree.

Neuroscience (33%)

Introduces students to the key principles and methods of neuroscience, covering multiple levels of the organization, from molecules to behavior.

Computational and Statistical Methods for Research (33%)

Provides a foundation in Python programming and statistical methods to prepare students for their extended research projects.

Frontiers in Neurotechnology Research (33%)

Introduces students to the breadth and variety of research in Bioengineering and develops presentation, writing, and critical analysis skills.

Topics in Biomedical Engineering (0% - pass/fail)

Students chose two level 7 modules offered by the department, based on relevance to their specific research project (typical modules include: Brain Machine Interfaces, Computational Neuroscience, Bits, Hearing and Speech Processing, and Mathematical Methods for Bioengineers). These modules are assessed by a written report.

Research Element

The research element comprises 78% of your MRes and provides an opportunity to demonstrate your advanced knowledge and write extensively on an emerging research theme.  In terms 2 and 3, you will focus on your research project, leading to the submission of the MRes thesis in early September.  Your project will be supervised by one or more Imperial College London supervisors who will bring technical and neuroscience expertise to the project.

There are four assessed components of the Research Element:

Planning for Research (14%, submitted at the start of the Spring term)