Neuroscience

The Neuroscience BSc at King's is a modern and multidisciplinary degree that harnesses elements of cell, molecular & developmental biology, neuroanatomy, physiology & pharmacology, and links to sciences of the mind: psychology and philosophy. Students gain a broad grounding in the subject, with special emphasis on developmental neuroscience, diseases & disorders of the nervous system, clinical and psychological aspects.

• Multidisciplinary BSc programme encompassing aspects of neuroscience from molecules to mind.
• A contemporary approach to the study of neuroscience, reflecting state-of-the-art research techniques and models.
• Teaching led by experts, many based in King's world class research centres.
• Integrated set of core courses in first and second year; the third year provides an opportunity to specialise in eg developmental or systems neuroscience or in neuropsychology.
• Opportunity to perform a substantial original research project in a leading laboratory.

 

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.


In the first year of the Neuroscience BSc programme, students take a common set of modules which provide important grounding in many aspects of the biosciences. These modules cover basic principles of cell biology and neuroscience, chemistry and biochemistry, aspects of the form and function of tissues and organs and pharmacology. They therefore encompass the fundamental ideas and principles which will underpin all the neuroscience learning in the second and third year. A skills module covers a range of communication, analytical and numerical aspects of the biosciences, introductory tutorials specific to the Neuroscience students are also provided.

In the second year, all modules are compulsory, including a major neuroscience course, with anatomical and physiological aspects, developmental and molecular modules, and a course on psychology.

The modules are integrated to give an overview of neuroscience disciplines and to equip students with the knowledge to progress to the third year and to choose one of three main directions. These include a stream with a substantial laboratory-based practical project focussing on developmental, cells/systems neuroscience or neural disorders, and a neuroscience/neuropsychology stream based around a psychology project or a stream including a library project and neuroscience lab practicals.

Students take modules in the core biomedical science disciplines common to all BSc programmes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The topics include molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and the practice of biomedical science. In addition, a series of specialised neuroscience introductory lectures are offered. Students also benefit from subject-specific small group tutorials.

Modules cover biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, cell and tissue structure and function, statistics and issues related to the practice of science, including ethics and communication.

Students take an integrated set of core modules, including a substantial neuroscience course encompassing neuroanatomy and physiology, modules in molecular and developmental biology and pharmacology of the nervous system. Further specialised modules give insights into psychological and philosophical theories of mind.

Neuroscience
Neuroscience & the Mind
Physiology & Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System
Essentials of Embryology
Psychology
Gene Cloning & Expression A

There is a wide range of module choices, and students specialise in one of three streams. All students are expected to undertake a research project as part of their final year, in most cases this will be laboratory-based and gives students the opportunity to experience original research first hand. Stream one includes a substantial laboratory-based project in developmental or cells and systems neuroscience or neural disorders, whereas stream two involves a Neuropsychology research project, and stream three includes a Library project with a wide range of taught courses, including neuroscience lab practicals.

Stream 1: Neuroscience - Laboratory Research
Features a major neuroscience project within a research laboratory, which can be on a wide range of topics within cells, systems or developmental neuroscience. There is an accompanying course on the principles of research and two further courses as follows:
• Laboratory-based Project in Neuroscience
• Principles of Neurobiological Research

Students then take two out of four of the following options:
• Developmental Neurobiology
• Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
• Perspectives on Pain & Nervous System Disorders
• Mechanisms of Development


Stream 2: Neuroscience and Neuropsychology
Features a psychology research project and various combinations of taught courses:
• Research Project in Psychology (including a taught course in research methods and statistics)
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
• Experimental Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders 
• Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders
• Neuroendocrinology

Stream 3: Neuroscience - Literature and Practical Topics
Features a literature-based neuroscience project and a wide range of taught modules in addition to a shorter laboratory-based module comprising structured experimental sessions:
• Literature-based Neuroscience Project
• Experimental Topics in Neuroscience

and a selection from:

• Cellular & Systems Neuroscience
• Experimental Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders
• Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders
• Neuroendocrinology
• Behavioural Science
• Developmental Neurobiology
• Cellular Basis of Drug Dependence
• Perspectives on Pain & Nervous System Disorders
• Project Design in Neuroscience