BMS BSc (Hons) Neuroscience


  • Introduction
  • Degree Aims and Objectives
  • General Enquiries
  • General Requirements
  • Assessment
  • Course Details
  • Course Requirements Year 1 - Year 2 - Year 3 - Year 4


    • Introduction

    Neuroscience is the study of nerve cells and how they work together to form the brain. The nervous system regulates many internal functions and also co-ordinates the activities we know as human behaviour. Since nerves communicate with each other by producing electrical signals, Neuroscientists have to push technologies to the limit to study the nature of these signals by recording from individual nerve cells and even from single molecules. The brain is clearly a very complex and delicate organ. By unravelling the mysteries of normal brain function, Neuroscience promotes our understanding of the devastating illnesses of the brain which afflict the lives of so many people.

    Neuroscience as a distinctive discipline has only emerged within recent years. At present there is an almost explosive growth going on regarding research in this area, which is creating a demand for graduates with a broader background in Neuroscience-related disciplines than has been available in traditional single subject degree schemes. This new degree permits the student to follow a coherent course in Neuroscience drawn from a variety of disciplines offered by the Department of Biomedical Sciences and related University Departments.

    Degree Aims and Objectives

    This degree course aims to instill a broad base of knowledge regarding physiological function at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Additionally, students will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Neuroscience which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the Department. A thorough understanding of the scientific method and the development of a critical approach to problem solving and research literature also will be gained. In carrying out a research-based project and the presention of the project findings as a thesis, students will gain expertise in time management, data handling, and in the transferable skills associated with mastering statistics, graphics and word processing software packages.

    General Enquiries

    The degree co-ordinator is Dr C.D. McCaig and any query concerning the degree programme should be addressed to him (Dr C.D. McCaig is available by appointment between the hours of 12noon and 2pm most days of the week in term time. Appointments should be made via the Departmental Office). Enquiries concerning a specific module should be made to the course co-ordinator for that module (See University Catalogue of Courses or BMS World Wide Web Pages for names). The Head of Department of Biomedical Sciences is always available for advice regarding any of the degree schemes run by his department as well as matters such as careers advice. In the first instance appointments to see any of the above staff should be made with the Departmental Office sited on the first floor, South West Wing, Marischal College (01224-273006).

    General Requirements

    In order to complete the degree scheme the students programme of studies must comply with the Supplementary Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Pure Science (BSc) supplied to the student in the extract from the University Calender "Degrees in Science". This will involve taking a number of modules outwith the Department of Biological Sciences during years 1 and 2 and the student should consult their Advisor of Studies when selecting these courses. This document supplements the regulations in the University Calender and the descriptions of modules given in the University "Catalogue of Courses". It is correct at the time of going to press but is open to change.

    Assessment

    Throughout your course, assessment takes the form of continuous assessment (based upon performance in prescribed tasks such as practical reports and essays) and written degree examinations (essay questions) taken in the examination diets allotted to each half session. The final year assessment is made up of four essay papers one of which includes an in depth problem solving section and the submission of a thesis. The thesis is based on a 10 week research project and is defended in an oral examination. Details concerning assessments and course work are provided in the Course Handbooks associated with each specific module. These Course Handbooks are available either from the Departmental Office or on the BMS World Wide Web Pages.

    Course Details

    All courses run in the department have practical and general skills (enterprise) components as integral parts of the teaching package. For detailed descriptions of the courses that make up the BSc (Hons) Neuroscience Degree consult the University Course Catalogue, or in the case of modules taught within the Department of Biomedical Sciences consult the BMS World Wide Web Pages.


    First Year Neuroscience Course Requirements

    There are no courses in Neuroscience at Level 1. Intending Honours students in Neuroscience require a basic understanding of general biological and chemical principles with an introduction to psychology. Hence they are required to take (or gain exemptions from) in the first half session BI1002 Cell biology AND CM1003 Introductory Chemistry 1 OR CM1004 General Chemistry 1 AND PS 1001 Introductory Psychology A.and in the Second half session BI1501 Animal and Plant Biology OR BI1502 Molecular Biology AND CM 1504 General Chemistry 2 AND PS 1501 Introductory Psychology B. The BI modules will provide a general background in animal biology, thus preparing the student for the more detailed studies of mammalian physiology that will be made in the second year of study.




    Prescribed Level One Courses

    Timetable for Year 1

    First Half Session Second Half Session
    BI 1002 BI 1501 and/or BI 1502
    CM 1003 or CM 1004 CM 1504
    PS1001 PS1501
    1 other module and / or 1 other module

    Second Year Neuroscience Course Requirements

    The second year of the Neuroscience degree scheme involves the modules described below.

    Prescribed Level Two Courses

      First Half Session

        Human Cells and Tissues (AN2001, 3 credits)

        Physiology A - Control Mechanisms (PY2001, 3 credits)

        Psychology for Neuroscience A (PS 2502, 3 credits).

      Second Half Session

        Human Organ Systems (AN 2501, 3 credits)

        Physiology B - Co-ordinated Systems (PY 2501 3 credits),

        Psychology for Neuroscience B (PS 2502, 3 credits)

    Timetable for Year 2

    First Half Session Second Half Session
    AN2001 AN2501
    PY2001 PY2501
    PS2002 PS2502
    1 other module 1 other module

    Third Year Neuroscience Course Requirements

    Twenty four credits are made up from courses involving cognate inputs from the Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Psychology and Zoology. These provide students with a broad background across the wide subject area of Neuroscience.

    Prescribed Level Three Courses

      First Half Session

        Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM 3006, 6 credits)

        Biopsychology (PS 3006/3056, 3 credits)

        and

        Human Neuroanatomy (AN 3003, 3 credits)

      Second Half Session

        Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BM 3502, 3 credits)

        Integrative Neuroscience (BM 3801, 3 credits)

        Animal Behaviour (ZO 3501, 3 credits)

        Learning and Memory (PS 3504/3554, 3 credits)

    Timetable for Year 3

    Thread First Half Session Second Half Session
    1 BM 3006 BM 3502 BM 3801
    2 PS 3006/3056 & AN 3003 ZO 3501 PS 3504/54

    4th Year Neuroscience Course Requirements

    In the first half session, selected areas which were dealt with in a broad context at level 3 are now considered in depth. These include aspects of Developmental Neurobiology, Neuropsychology and Perceptual Processing. The second half session is occupied fully with a laboratory-based research project, selected by students from a list which reflects local expertise.

    Prescribed Level Four Courses

      First Half Session

        Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM 4004, 6 credits)

        Developmental Neuroscience (PY 4003, 3 credits)

      Second Half Session

        Physiology Project (PY 4501, 12 credits) and either

        Health Psychology (PS 4501, 3 credits) or

        Perceptual Processes (PS 4506, 3 credits).

    Timetable for Year 4

    Thread First Half Session Second Half Session
    1 BM 4004 PY 4501
    and either
    PS 4501 or PS 4506
    2 PY 4003 -

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