Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Stream
Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience MRes trains students in neuronal signalling, synaptic function and plasticity within UCL NPP, working with leading research labs.
The Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience stream provides Biosciences MRes students with immersive research training focused on the molecular machinery that underpins neuronal signalling, synaptic function, and cellular mechanisms of neural plasticity. Students join a world‑leading research community in the UCL Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), working closely with laboratories investigating ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, intracellular organelles, and signalling pathways at molecular, structural, and cellular levels.
Research Environment
Research within the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience labs in NPP focuses on the structure and function of ligand‑ and voltage‑gated ion channels, G‑protein‑coupled receptors, and organelles, investigating their contribution to synaptic transmission, plasticity, and behaviour. Approaches span molecular and cellular techniques, including patch‑clamp electrophysiology, biochemical and molecular biology methods, super‑resolution microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, X‑ray crystallography and cryo‑EM, through to rodent behavioural studies.
Major research areas include:
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Mental health
- Neurodegeneration
Students will have the opportunity to conduct their research project within laboratories led by people including:
What Students Gain
Students in this stream will:
- Develop advanced experimental and analytical skills tailored to molecular, structural, and/or cellular neuroscience
- Develop skills in quantitative electrophysiology, protein biochemistry, receptor pharmacology, imaging, and/or structural analysis
- Undertake taught modules in specialist neuroscience topics and academic research skills
- Integrate into an active research community and engage with departmental seminars, journal clubs, and specialist training opportunities
- Receive mentoring and academic support from the Stream Tutor and project supervisors
- Develop a strong foundation for a future career in neuroscience research in academia or industry
As Stream Tutor, Dr Dan Brierley supports students throughout the year, helping them select research projects, engage with the departmental community, and prepare for future PhD study or research careers.
Example Research Projects
Below are some examples of recently offered projects, but students will be provided with an up to date list at the beginning of their course, and are also welcome to contact any neuroscience lab at UCL to enquire about hosting their project.
- Brain inhibition, GABA-A receptors and neurosteroids (Trevor Smart)
- MGluR7 as a survival factor for good hearing (Jonathan Ashmore)
- Visualising neuromodulation in vivo (Arantza Barrios)
- Novel Non-Toxic Viral Tracers for Dynamic Neural-Circuit Mapping (Ernesto Ciabatti)
Suggested Taught Modules
Students choose one Masters level optional module (recommended examples below), which should be matched to the topic of their research project. They additionally undertake 3 compulsory modules (BIOS0009 / BIOS0010 / BIOS0011) which provide a grounding in the crucial skills required to succeed in a research career in biosciences.