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LSC-20078 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-20078 - Neuroscience Research Methods
Coordinator: Jenny Shin
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Experimentation lies at the heart of scientific discovery. In this module, you will explore the key principles of research design, data analysis, statistics, and scientific communication, learning how to present data effectively and draw robust, evidence-based conclusions. These skills will support your preparation for the final-year research project and enhance your employability across a wide range of scientific careers.
Alongside the practical experience gained in LSC20127 Practical Skills in Bioscience - where you will engage in techniques such as microscopy, electrophysiology, pharmacology, and molecular and behavioural methods - this module provides the conceptual framework to understand these approaches in depth. You will learn how individual research techniques work, what they measure, and when they should be used, as well as how to evaluate their strengths and limitations. You will also develop the ability to present scientific findings to a variety of audiences.

Aims
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core neuroscience research methods, enabling them to design, conduct, and critically evaluate experimental approaches across molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioural levels while applying appropriate ethical and statistical principles.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate the principal techniques employed in neuroscience research across molecular, cellular, and systems levels.: 1,2
Analyse and interpret experimental data, and present findings effectively in appropriate tabular and graphical formats: 1,2
Locate, retrieve, and critically evaluate information from a range of sources, including textbooks, primary literature, and online resources, and communicate scientific information accurately and concisely: 1
Apply appropriate digital and statistical tools (including spreadsheets, word processing software, and statistical packages) to compile, analyse, compare, and interpret experimental data: 1

Study hours

* Active learning hours (123 hours):
- 47 hours live lectures (9 x 2hr), tutorials (9 x 2hr + 3 x 1hr) and workshops (4 x 2hr)
- 11x 5 hours engagement with asynchronous material
- 21 hours preparation for 6 labs delivered as part of LSC-20127.
*Independent study hours (177 hours):
- 70 hours completion of ICA
- 2 hours exam
- 105 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Laboratory Report weighted 50%
Lab report (2,000 words)
A 2,000-word mini-project report based on six weeks of practical work undertaken in LSC-20127, in which students analyse and present experimental data, and critically evaluate their findings in relation to underlying theory and relevant primary literature.

2: Exam weighted 50%
In-person exam (MCQs and SAQs)
The unseen in-person exam will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions assessing lecture-based material. The test is designed to be completed within approximately one hour; however, all students will be allocated two hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students are permitted to bring a double-sided A4 memory aid containing their own notes.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026