BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience

Key Points

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Program description

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system and is one of the most challenging and exciting fields of science today.

The nervous system of mammals regulates all functions of the organism. In humans, at least, it has unique functions that are independent of the other organ systems of the body. These independent functions allow us to become aware of ourselves.

The extraordinary properties of the human brain have made it possible for us to dominate the Earth, walk on the Moon, alter the course of evolution and create art and music.

The brain functions as an information processing system. Information consists of internal representations of the external environment in which the organism exists. Neuroscience is the study of how these internal representations are created, transformed, and used to affect the organism’s behavior.

This is an interdisciplinary undergraduate course organized by the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, with significant contributions from several other departments. It is a rapidly expanding field of study and this course is intended to provide graduates with a thorough basic training in this increasingly important area. Neuroscience is studied at the molecular, cellular and systems levels.

Why choose this course

Neuroscience is one of the most challenging and exciting fields of science today. It is a multidisciplinary subject and neuroscientists study all aspects of the nervous system: its molecular, cellular and systematic structure, how it develops, the chemical and electrical phenomena that take place in its nerve cells and, of course, its unique output: behaviour and cognition.

Multidisciplinary degree in molecular and cellular biology, anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology and clinical neuroscience.
Broad-based course that integrates general scientific training with specific skill sets relevant to employment in basic and applied biomedical and neuroscience research, as well as biological and neuroscience education.
Research-led teaching by highly active neuroscience researchers
Well-established record of graduate employment in a wide range of academic and industrial settings.

Skills and career information

Career opportunities in neuroscience reflect the worldwide expansion of interest in the field.

This broad-based course will provide graduates with a general science background similar to that of other honours science degree courses, as well as specific and relevant training for employment in biological and neuroscience education and in basic and applied biomedical and neuroscience research.

Neuroscience graduates will also be able to pursue diverse jobs in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and in scientific consulting and publishing.

Program structure

YEAR 1

Central modules:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics.

YEAR 2

The core modules in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry deal with molecules, cells and tissues, the principles of human structural organisation and the relationship between structure and function.

Central modules:

Molecular Biology
Biostatistics
Principles of human structure
Structure of mammalian cells and tissues
Introductory Physiology
Cardiovascular and respiratory physiology
Biomolecules and metabolic pathways.

YEAR 3

A detailed study of the human nervous system begins and this is placed in the general context of the structure and development of the human body as a whole. Other modules concentrate on the principles of molecular biology and biochemistry, pharmacology and diseases of the nervous system.

Central modules:

Human Nervous System
Neurobiology of regulatory systems
Human Embryology and Developmental Biology
Human regional neuroanatomy
Neurobiology of the disease
Molecular Biology
CNS Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Research methodology in neuroscience
Library project
Plus an elective module.

YEAR 4

You will study the nervous system in detail and undertake a substantial research project, supported by modules in research techniques (year 3) and in developing scientific literacy through a structured review of neuroscience research.

Central modules:

Advanced Research Methodology in Neuroscience
Neurobiology of development
Cognitive and behavioural neuroscience
Medical Imaging and Biomedical Devices in Neuroscience
Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
Neuropharmacology
Molecular basis of brain disorders
Research project

Admission requirements

Minimum requirement 1 x H4, 1 x H5, 4 x O6/H7; Mathematics and laboratory science courses required.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or internationally recognised equivalent).