Sleep and Chronobiology MRes
1 Year Full-Time | September Start

On this module, you will explore a range of topics to develop an accurate understanding of the nature, purpose and use of sleep science and chronobiology knowledge. You will learn about the physiological basis of sleep and circadian rhythms, key factors associated with the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, the changes and adaptations of biological functions to sleep, theories on the functions of sleep, ageing and sleep, and the mechanisms and effects of acute and chronic sleep deprivation. Questions such as ‘How does sleep change during puberty and adolescence?’, ‘What are the genetic basis of sleep and circadian rhythms?’ and ‘How does light interact with our sleep?’ will be approached scientifically with reference to published research and theoretical frameworks. Discussions will examine the contribution made by sleep scientists and chronobiologists to the current understanding of health and disease, focusing on interindividual, ontogenetic differences and multiple sources of disparities in sleep and circadian rhythms, as well as on biological markers that currently guide the scientific and clinical rationale.

The module is designed to give you theoretical and practical knowledge of more advanced methods for analysing data in sleep and chronobiology. A variety of methods will be studied, using relevant hardware and software, in exercises. You will receive training on the entire cycle of data management, covering structured planning, best practices in data curation and management, as well as current approaches in statistical analysis (descriptive, inferential, machine learning) and reporting. The communication of findings according to the most recent and suitable conventions used in world-leading research settings and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each method so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in research.

This module introduces you to a range of research skills and practical techniques essential for academic researchers. In semester 1, you will focus on specialist hardware and software techniques for sleep and chronobiology. Techniques will include the use of electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrooculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), actigraphy and wearable technology (ACT), sleep and chronobiology-related questionnaires and scales. Sessions will cover the rationale for using particular techniques and the associated practical, methodological issues and regulatory recommendations. Furthermore, you will spend several sessions learning how to implement your research designs and craft experiments using dedicated software and open-source programming language alternatives, such as Python. During semester 2, you will learn about the practicalities of being a researcher, including an overview of research funding, project planning and managing time, participant recruitment research ethics, the peer review process, responding to referee comments, and conference presentation skills. You will also be encouraged to self-reflect as a researcher, considering your media skills, employability prospects and research career.

On this module, you will explore a range of topics to develop an accurate understanding of sleep and circadian disorders and how sleep and circadian rhythms interact with other aspects of pathological processes. You will learn about the pathophysiological basis of sleep and circadian disorders, key factors associated with the aetiology, prevalence, assessment and treatment of the most prevalent health issues associated with sleep and circadian rhythms, such as insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, as well as how sleep and circadian rhythms interact with psychiatry, neurology and internal medicine. Questions such as ‘How can we differentiate insomnia from delayed sleep-wake rhythm disorder?’, ‘What are the impacts of sleep apnoea on cardiovascular risk?’, ‘Which variables must be assessed to study the relationship between sleep and depression?’ and ‘Which socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, gender-related and cultural differences contribute to disparities in sleep and circadian disorders?’ will be approached scientifically with reference to published research and theoretical frameworks. Discussions will examine the contribution made by sleep scientists and chronobiologists to the current understanding of diseases, focusing on the methods and on biological markers that currently guide the scientific and clinical rationale.

On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to sleep science and chronobiological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence to generate research questions. You will engage with the relevant discussions about ethical guidelines to design feasible project plans. You will develop your research skills during this module as well as identify points of collaboration with the supervisor or supervision team, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to communicate your research plans and then use a variety of relevant skills, techniques, and research methods to implement your study. Finally, you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.