Course description
Programme description
- The world's first multi-disciplinary degree course on epilepsy.
- This unique programme includes practical experience in clinical or research departments.
- Covers topics related to all aspects of human epilepsy from underlying neurobiological mechanisms to clinical aspects and psycho-social consequences.
It consists of four compulsory modules for a diploma and one additional research module for a MSc degree: Fundamental Science; Diagnosis of Epilepsy; Treatment & Management of Epilepsy; Special Topics from: Psychosocial & Legal Issues and a Research Project (MSc only)
Programme format and assessment
Each taught module comprises 30 credits: 50 hours lectures; 10 hours seminars/ tutorials; 240 hours study and extracurricular activities. Each will be assessed with: one and a half-hour unseen written examination, 70 per cent; one assessed essay of 2,000 words, 30 per cent. Research module (MSc Students only): 600 hours research project including 15,000 word dissertation (50 per cent for written dissertation, 50 per cent for dissertation viva).
Programme modules for MSc Epileptology
Diagnosis of Epilepsy (30 Credits) (Core Module)
The aim of this module is to provide the students with a firm knowledge base in the field of clinical epileptology, and enable students to comprehend and interpret clinical history and clinical diagnostic tests often required for the management of epilepsy, such as EEG and MRI. At the end of the module, the student will have an advanced knowledge of the classification of seizures and epilepsies and the interpretation and indications of techniques used for the diagnosis and classification of epilepsy. Students will also be able to: interpret clinical history, EEG and MRI results for the diagnosis and classification of epilepsy; evaluate the features the technology needed for the diagnosis of epilepsy; critically appraise diagnostic technologies and their clinical application. Assessment is by a three-hour unseen written examination (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and a 2000-word essay (30%).
Fundamental Science (30 Credits) (Core Module)
The aim of this module is to provide the students with a firm knowledge base in the field of basic epileptology. At the end of the module, the student will understand: the basic physiology and molecular biology of the synapse, receptors and neurotransmitters involved in epileptogenesis; the principles of basic neurophysiological and genetic mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis. Assessment is by a three-hour unseen written examination (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and a 2000-word essay (30%)
Research Project - Epileptology (60 Credits) (Core Module)
The aim of this module is to: further develop the student's ability to critically evaluate research and audit findings, and scientific publications in epileptology; provide a structured approach to conducting original laboratory and clinical research at postgraduate level, with appropriate supervision; encourage students to become autonomous learners, taking responsibility for their own academic progress and evaluating information from a variety of sources; equip the students with knowledge and skills to actively participate in clinical audits, research and development; manage work and time through deadlines. At the end of the module, the student will have an advanced knowledge of: scientific research and/or audit methodology; in depth knowledge of the techniques and significance of the fields directly related to the project. Students will also be able to: search and understand scientific literature on basic, clinical, social and legal aspects of epilepsy; critically search, select, appraise and integrate information from publications into written assignments; participate in all stages of a laboratory and/or clinically based research and audit projects; describe in written and spoken form a research project in terms of aims, hypothesis, background, methodology, results and conclusions; communicate ideas, research findings, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means. Assessment is by a 15,000-word dissertation (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and one 30-minute oral examination (30%).
Special Topics, Psychosocial & Legal Issues (30 Credits) (Core Module)
The aim of this module is to provide the students with the range of skills required for the effective and management of patients with epilepsy globally, taking into consideration individual, social, psychological and legal circumstances. At the end of the module, the student will have an advanced knowledge of: the consequences and management of epilepsy in special circumstances such as during pregnancy or in the context of learning difficulties; the personal, social, family and work implications of suffering from epilepsy; the legal consequences of having epilepsy. Students will also be able to: search and understand scientific literature on basic, clinical, social and legal aspects of epilepsy; critically evaluate the organisation in terms of the patient care and the quality of service provided. Assessment is by a three-hour unseen written examination (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and a 2000-word essay (30%).
Treatment & Management of Epilepsy (30 Credits) (Core Module)
The aim of this module is to provide the students with the range of skills required for the effective management of patients with epilepsy, and to enable students to understand the principles, indications and some practical skills necessary for adequate medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy. At the end of the module, the student will have an advanced knowledge of the principles, indications and efficacy of medical and surgical treatments, and will be able to: acquire practical clinical skills in order to manage patients with epilepsy in a safe and competent fashion; apply professional, practical and theoretical skills appropriate to the clinical situation; evaluate and reflect on own practice; engage with peers through reflecting on own and others' practice in order to improve own/others' practice. Assessment is by a three-hour unseen written examination (accounting for 70% of the final grade) and a 2000-word essay (30%).
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
