Summer School: Science, Engineering and Medicine

Study a range of complex and vital topics in our broad range of modules.

From brain scanning to ecology

Be inspired by our expert academics and high-quality facilities while pursuing your passion for science, engineering and medicine. 

Choose from modules on everything from conservation to psychology to physics.  

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Modules you can study

Select from the following modules:

Session One 

• Intensive Introductory Physics for Life Sciences (1)

  Module Code: ISP01
  

  This module is suitable for those on Life Sciences, Engineering and Medical pathways. It is also suitable for other pathways with appropriate pre-requisites.

  This calculus-based module will provide a firm foundation in physical concepts and principles, covering kinematics and dynamics, fluids, elasticity, wave motion, sound, ideal gases, heat and thermodynamics. Applications of physical concepts will be stressed, particularly those related to biological and medical phenomena as well as those forming the basis of much of modern technology. You gain further insight into the physics taught by carrying out a series of laboratory experiments and learning how to analyse and interpret the data. 

  Recommendation: This is an intensive module, requiring good mathematical skills, including algebra and trigonometry and a knowledge of vectors and of differential and integral calculus. We also recommend that you view our Maths preparation and Excel training. Please check with your home institution that your mathematics is at an appropriate level. 

  Note: For a 15-credit module taken over four weeks you need to do about 85 hours of self-study over and above the scheduled 65 contact hours. This means that you should be working for about 20-25 hours per week, on average, in addition to attending classes. You need to bear this in mind when planning trips and travel and outside class.  

  Learning outcomes: 

  • have a basic knowledge of the physics topics covered in the course 

  • be able to solve physics problems at the appropriate level which requires use of this knowledge 

  • be able to demonstrate familiarity with simple scientific equipment, make accurate measurements, keep records of observations, analyse and interpret data and write scientific reports on experiments. 

  Teaching method: Laboratory, lectures and workshops 
  Assessment: 65% Exams, 25% Practical Laboratory Reports, 10% In-class tests 
  Contact hours: 82 hours, with 28 hours additional support, totalling 110 hours 
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 
  Laboratory Fees: £300 

• Clinical Psychology and Mental Health

  Module Code: IS422  

  This module will appeal to students who are currently in or are progressing onto psychology, biology and public health. You will be introduced to the most common psychological disorders, explore contemporary issues with regard to both diagnosis and treatment. You will receive a basic understanding of the causation, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. 

  Teaching involves a blend of lecture and seminar methods, and you will have the opportunity for small group work, interacting effectively within a team, exploring key societal issues and debates pertaining to the conceptualisation and treatment of mental health. For each group of psychological disorders, you will learn about diagnostic criteria, key theories of causation across a range of models (such as biomedical, cognitive and psychological models), and the efficacy of therapies and/or treatments available. 

  Typically (but this can change from year-to-year) students will explore anxiety disorders (like social anxiety), mood disorders (like depression), and psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia), but coverage of disorders is not limited to these groups. You will also have the opportunity to consider the societal consequences of medicalising mental health and explore contrasting non-mainstream approaches. 

  Learning outcomes: 

  • demonstrate an understanding of the theories applied to explain the causation, maintenance and treatment of the most common mental health disorders 

  • demonstrate an understanding of key societal issues and debates pertaining to the conceptualisation and treatment of mental health 

  • analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing theoretical perspectives and/or research evidence 

  • interact effectively as a group, sharing experiences, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate. 

  Teaching method: Lectures, seminars and tutorials 
  Assessment: 65% essay, 25% group presentation, 10% observation 
  Contact hours: 40 hours Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 5 

  If you are interested in this module, you may want to build on your experience in the Session Two module Exploring the Brain: Hands-on Neuroimaging. 

• Translational Neuroscience: Molecules to Medicine 

  Module Code: IS458

  This module will introduce students to the core principles of neuroscience and translation, including the core structural and functional principles of the brain. It will provide a deep-dive into neurological disease from molecular, cellular, and clinical perspectives and with clinically oriented sessions will be offered including cadaveric anatomy, neuroimaging, and patient-facing skill building. It will offer hands-on laboratory practical experience in molecular and cellular techniques, supported by focused workshops and seminars.   

  Students will undertake a lecture series providing contemporary perspectives in translational neuroscience, which will be solidified through seminars investigating cutting edge research in the field.  Students will also gain hands-on laboratory experience, allowing application of learning in translational neuroscience to research practice, further supported by workshops to develop critical data analysis and evaluative skills. Further, clinically focused cadaveric anatomy classes, introduction to patient-facing skills, and imaging techniques will provide students with a valuable bench-to-bedside experience.  

  An academic poster assessment and skills evaluation will provide the opportunity to combine theoretical and practical learning with independent research, while developing competencies crucial for the pre-medical student portfolio. 

  The module will be situated within Sussex Neuroscience, a centre for excellence in neuroscience, of over 50 independent research groups and collaborations with Brighton and Sussex Medical School.   

  This module will be suited to 2^nd year University level students. It is suitable for students from a variety of life sciences and medical studies backgrounds. It is particular suited to those looking for practical experience and exposure ahead of applications to medical school or health careers 

  Indicative weekly schedule and content: 

  Week 1: 

  • lectures: Introduction to structural and functional properties of the brain; synaptic communication and the motor system; Molecular and cell biology of neurodegenerative diseases; genetic targets and diagnostic procedures 

  • journal club 

  • pre-lab workshops 

  • practicals: qPCR and immunofluorescence imaging. 

  Week 2: 

  • workshops on qPCR data analysis, group work and poster preparation 

  • lectures: Pharmacological targets; drug discovery process targeting neurodegenerative disease 

  • journal club 

  • seminar: Biomedical careers and Q&A 

  • group work: Poster presentation for assessment. 

  Week 3:  

  • lecture: anatomy, with cadaveric brain and spinal cord sessions 

  • workshop: Hands-on MRI and fMRI, including data interpretation 

  • seminar: Interaction with clinicians through seminars and lab tours 

  • group presentations: Final project presentations to peers and faculty 

  • assessment support: Feedback and reflective discussion. 

  Learning Objectives 

  • demonstrate an understanding of core and contemporary neuroscience from a translational perspective, including application of practical and analytical laboratory skills to investigate neurological disease

  • communicate complex scientific information effectively through multiple modalities 

  • demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills as core pre-medical competencies through group work

  • reflect on clinical exposure and neuroimaging experience to understand real-world diagnostic approaches and patient perspectives in neuroscience.  

  Teaching method: Lectures, seminars, workshops, practical laboratories, anatomy sessions (dissection room) and clinical exposure 
  Assessment: Academic poster (50%), engagement and skills portfolio (50%) 
  Contact hours: 40 hours   
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits  
  Level: 5  

  If you are interested in studying this module, why not take a look at our session two module Exploring the Brain: Hands on Neuroimaging. 

Session Two 

• Ecology and Conservation: Current Topics

  Module code: IS417 

  This summer module covers current topics in ecology and conservation. In addition to lectures and workshops, fieldwork and ecological/conservation excursions are fundamental elements of the module.

  Students will be taken into the South Downs National Park adjacent to the campus to directly observe the unique landscape of southern England, to the nearby seaside for observation and instruction on marine biology and conservation, and participate in the collection and identification of invertebrate life on campus as part of our groundbreaking Living Lab research programme.  

  You will have the opportunity for experiential learning on ecology and conservation, presented by practicing scientists using their own research projects as examples. You will:

  • learn survey and identification skills through field trips  

  • develop and gain an understanding of conservation/applied ecology in relation to real world problems in such diverse areas as coastal conservation, rewilding and/or biodiversity monitoring in arthropods and vertebrates.  

  The School of Life Science has leading research in ecology and conservation; including Professor Dave Goulson, who is the founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, holds multiple awards, including the 2013 Zoological Society of London's Marsh Award for Conservation Biology.   

  The module assumes a basic level of biological/ecological knowledge, such as that provided by a Biology A-Level or first-year undergraduate instruction. It would be of interest to any student keen to learn about cutting-edge research on temperate region ecology and conservation and about the exciting opportunities available for postgraduate study at Sussex. 

  Learning Objectives 

  • understand biological principles essential to ecology and conservation

  • develop knowledge of basic theories and concepts in ecology and conservation

  • demonstrate understanding of conservation and applied ecology in relation to real world problems

  • be able to present and interpret evidence from fieldwork on behavioural ecology.

  Teaching method: Fieldwork, lectures, seminars and workshops 
  Assessment: Fieldwork report (40%), Iin-class test (50%), observation (10%) 
  Contact hours: 40 hours   
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits  
  Level: 4  

  If you are interested in this module, you may also want to join the Session One module Climate Justice.   

• Intensive Introductory Physics for Life Sciences (2)

  Module code: ISP02. 
  

  You can only take this module if you have completed Intensive Introductory Physics for Life Sciences (1). 

  This calculus-based module will provide a firm foundation in physical concepts and principles, covering electric forces and electric fields, continuous charge distributions, Gauss’s Law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current and resistance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, force on a charge moving in a magnetic field, charged particle moving in electric and magnetic fields, sources of the magnetic field, Faraday’s law and induction, AC circuits, EM waves, the nature of light and principles of ray optics, image formation and lenses, wave optics and diffraction patterns, introduction to quantum physics, the uncertainty principle, atomic physics, nuclear physics and radioactivity. Applications of physical concepts will be stressed, particularly those related to biological and medical phenomena as well as those forming the basis of much of modern technology. You gain further insight into the physics taught by carrying out a series of laboratory experiments and learning how to analyse and interpret the data. 

  Recommendation: This is an intensive module, requiring good mathematical skills, including algebra and trigonometry and a knowledge of vectors and of differential and integral calculus. We also recommend that you view our Maths preparation and Excel training. Please check with your home institution that your mathematics is at an appropriate level. 

  Note: For a 15-credit module taken over four weeks you need to do about 85 hours of self-study over and above the scheduled 65 contact hours. This means that you should be working for about 20-25 hours per week, on average, in addition to attending classes. You need to bear this in mind when planning trips and travel and outside class.  

  Learning outcomes: 

  • have a basic knowledge of the physics topics covered in the course 

  • be able to solve physics problems at the appropriate level which requires use of this knowledge 

  • be able to demonstrate familiarity with simple scientific equipment, make accurate measurements, keep records of observations, analyse and interpret data and write scientific reports on experiments. 

  Teaching method: Laboratory, lectures and workshops 
  Assessment: 65% Exams, 25% Practical Laboratory Reports, 10% In-class tests 
  Contact hours: 82 hours, with 28 hours additional support, totaling 110 hours 
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 
  Laboratory Fees: £300 

• Psychology Now! Contemporary Issues in and Applications of Psychology

  Module Code: IS445. 

  Psychology Now! will introduce students to a variety of contemporary topics in psychology and a variety of ways in which psychological knowledge is applied to understand and solve everyday problems. It covers topics related to well-being, mental health, some everyday aspects of psychology and some theories that help us explain everyday problems. Topics vary from year to year but might typically include: 

  • psychology of work and rest 

  • hypnosis 

  • body images 

  • clinical psychology and mental health 

  • educational psychology 

  • how the presence of others affects our behaviour. 

  This module integrates lecturing and small group teaching to support you in acquiring knowledge on psychology theory and research and evaluating the effectiveness of the application of psychology to solve real world problems. Most of the reading for this course is intended to be accessible to a lay person, but you will also develop the ability to evaluate the adequacy of empirical psychology research on the topics covered and communicate theoretical ideas through group discussions and assignments. 

  This module is suited to students with no background in psychology who are interested in learning the subject. 

  Learning outcomes: 

  • describe and evaluate contemporary topics in psychology and contributions of key areas of applied psychology 

  • describe and evaluate some of the research and theories that support these contemporary and applied areas 

  • evaluate how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems encountered by different types of psychologists 

  • interact effectively as a group, sharing experiences, giving and receiving information and ideas, and modifying responses where appropriate. 

  Teaching method: Lectures, seminars and tutorials 
  Assessment: 65% essay, 25% group presentation, 10% observation 
  Contact hours: 40 hours  
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

• Exploring the Brain: Hands-on Neuroimaging 

  Module code: TBD

  This course integrates foundational concepts in neuroimaging, with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical neuroscience through hands-on, research-based learning. Students will work in teams of 2–3 to design and carry out mini research projects using MRI data they help acquire. Through this process, they will gain hands-on experience with using an MRI scanner, experimental design, basic image processing, and scientific writing and presentation. 

  Throughout the course, students will attend a series of one-hour seminars delivered by researchers and clinicians from the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. These sessions are designed to provide real-world context by highlighting how neuroimaging is used in clinical practice and research. Topics may include neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, brain injury, and advanced diagnostic imaging. The seminars will give students a unique opportunity to engage with experts, explore the translational impact of neuroimaging, and better understand its role in patient care and neuroscience research. 

  The course is led by a senior MRI physicist and educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and neuroscience applications of MRI. Teaching and supervision throughout the course are provided by an interdisciplinary team of leading academics, clinicians, and research scientists drawn from across neuroscience, psychiatry, and medical imaging. This diverse teaching team brings a research-informed perspective to every component of the course. 

  This module will be suited to 2^nd year University level students and is ideal for pre-medical students, neuroscience majors, and any undergraduate interested in medical imaging, brain research, or data-driven science. It is particular suited to those looking for practical experience and exposure ahead of applications to medical school or health careers  

  By the end of this module, students will be able to: 

  • explain how different MRI contrasts (e.g., T1, T2, functional, perfusion) are used to visualize brain structure and function in neuroimaging 

  • identify key structures of the human brain in MRI images and understand their relevance in clinical and research contexts 

  • design a basic neuroimaging study and Interpret neuroimaging results, including conducting literature search, formulating research questions, and developing hypotheses 

  • participate in MRI data acquisition, following ethical and safety guidelines in a clinical or research imaging environment 

  • collaborate effectively in a research team, sharing responsibilities and integrating individual contributions into a cohesive project 

  • communicate scientific findings clearly, both in written reports and oral presentations, using appropriate terminology and structure 

  • engage with current topics in clinical neuroscience, understanding how imaging informs diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders 

  • reflect critically on the strengths and limitations of neuroimaging as a research and clinical tool. 

  Teaching method: Fieldwork, lectures, seminars and workshops 
  Assessment: Fieldwork report (40%), Iin-class test (50%), observation (10%) 
  Contact hours: 40 hours   
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits  
  Level: 4  

  If you’re interested in this module, you might also be interested in two of our Session One modules: Translational Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology & Mental Health. 

Read our top tips for choosing your modules. You can also find out about our teaching structure, assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.

Read Gabriella’s Summer School story.

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