Neuroscience

BSc

Full Time

| UCAS code: B140

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

Neuroscience is a vibrant and emerging discipline which seeks to understand the development, structure and function of the nervous system, as well as giving insights into possible therapies for neural diseases and disorders. The neuroscience field draws its impetus from recent advances in molecular biology, neuroimaging, systems neuroscience and bioinformatics, as well as incorporating a wide variety of conventional disciplines including anatomy, neurology, physiology and psychology.

A major strength of the Neuroscience BSc at King's is that it is research-led, and is constantly updated in the light of recent discoveries, informed by the expertise in our major neuroscience research centres which are at the international forefront of the field. These include the MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, the Wolfson Centre for Age-related Diseases and the Centre for Neurodegeneration and Brain Injury at the Institute of Psychiatry.

The aim of our undergraduate programme is to produce students with an integrated knowledge base in Neuroscience, and a wide set of skills. Students develop analytical and critical thinking and the ability to understand and communicate complex ideas via a number of different media.

The first year provides a solid foundation in the biological sciences underpinning neuroscience.

In the second year, students specialise in neuroscience, taking an integrated range of courses from molecular and developmental biology, neuroanatomy and physiology up to psychological theories of mind.

The third year provides the opportunity for further specialisation in depth in either developmental neuroscience, systems neuroscience and neurodegeneration or neuropsychology. The majority of third year students undertake a substantial research project. Alternatively, a literature-based project is available with an extensive choice of other modules.

ABOUT THE Neuroscience

CAREERS

Neuroscience graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers, which include the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, scientific research or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD. Some neuroscience graduates apply for entry into medicine. As well as specific training in neuroscience, the degree programme provides training and experience in many transferable skills that are important for occupations which value numeracy, problem solving, presentation, analytical and research skills. These include careers in teaching, law, journalism and business. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Strategy Team, Oriel Securities • Health Care Assistant, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust • Research Technician, UCL Cancer Institute • Freelance Web Developer

TEACHING STYLE

Teaching is delivered by a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory work. Tutorials are teaching sessions between an academic tutor and small groups of students where there is an opportunity to discuss work in detail and where subjects for coursework are agreed. Student seminars, involving larger groups, poster presentations (like those used at formal scientific meetings) and personal tutor sessions supplement tutorials. A strong focus of the programme is on developing students’ communication skills, including oral and poster presentations and skills in discussion and debate.

STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT

Assessment is usually by written examination at the end of each academic year, with increasing weight given to later years of study. First-year students have mid-sessional tests in most first-semester modules in January. Increasing importance is being given to coursework which takes the form of essays, reports of practical classes and analysis of scientific papers or poster presentations.

LOCATION

Teaching facilities cater for the full range of small and larger group teaching available within the neuroscience programme. Third-year practical projects take place in the well-equipped and well-funded laboratories of our neuroscience research centres. Students benefit from a personal tutor who teaches within the neuroscience programme. A student neuroscience society (Neurosoc) provides a social focus and networking opportunities for our students, while an outstanding programme of neuroscience seminars allows students to explore subjects of interest. As a large multifaculty university, we have excellent social and sporting facilities, but a key attraction is our central London location. Our three campuses along the River Thames are located in the cultural and social heart of the capital and offer our students the opportunity to explore art galleries, theatres, museums, markets, restaurants and cafés.

SPECIAL NOTES

All third year courses available through the Neuroscience BSc programme are also available to Intercalated students.

KEY FACTS

UCAS code

B140

Awarding institution

King's College London

Programme type

Single honours

Duration

Three years

Location