Neuroscience

Why study Neuroscience at Dundee?

Neuroscience is the study of the functioning of the nervous system, both in health and disease, and is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of modern biomedical research.

The topic ranges from understanding the molecular, biochemical and cellular events that underpin communication between nerve cells, through to the execution of complex behaviours such as playing a piano. Higher cognitive functions, such as learning, memory and emotions ultimately depend upon cellular and neuronal networks that neuroscience endeavours to reveal and explain. The discipline grows in importance to society as the aged proportion of the population increases, bringing new challenges in the treatment and management of neurological disorders.

Discovering how drugs influence our mood and behaviour is also essential in developing new treatments for conditions such as anxiety and depression and in the better management of drug addiction.

Interdisciplinary study

Modern neuroscience is not an isolated discipline. It integrates the inputs of, for example, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, psychology and psychiatry to address the normal and abnormal functioning of the nervous system.

Our course emphasises such inputs, and offers a balance between molecular and cellular aspects of the subject and systems and clinical neuroscience.

What's so good about Neuroscience at Dundee?

Clinical involvement

A major strength of the programme in the Honours year is its emphasis upon clinically relevant aspects of the discipline and coverage of behaviours and neurological conditions that by their prevalence or severe morbidity are issues of concern to society.

In this respect, many course units benefit from the active involvement of medical doctors, bringing a therapeutic perspective to our Honours degree programme.

Research-led teaching

Our staff are at the cutting-edge of neuroscience research. Third and fourth year lectures are delivered by acknowledged experts in their field.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff based in the College of Life Sciences.

Careers

Graduates in Neuroscience pursue a variety of careers that utilise their specialist knowledge, or more generally draw upon the analytical and organisational skills developed in their training.

Furthermore, a degree in Neuroscience, in common with many other Life Science degrees, can provide a qualification for graduate entry to Medicine or Dentistry.

Specific career paths for Neuroscience graduates include: academic research in universities, institutes and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Opportunities also exist in medical/scientific information, the media, and publishing.

Postgraduate Study

Some of our students proceed to higher degrees (MSc or PhD) and go on to undertake or supervise original research.

We offer a number of Masters level courses in addition to PhD research opportunities in the College of Life Sciences.

Entry Requirements

These are minimum indicative entry requirements, not a guaranteed entry level. You will get an individual offer from us following our review of your application. Please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Your application for entry will be judged based on the highest level qualifications you have or are taking, e.g. students offering A-Levels or Scottish Baccalaureate will be made an offer based on entry to the 3 year Honours degree as this offers the best academic progression.

4 year Honours degree (Level 1 / SCQF 7 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	not available
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (Higher, ILC Higher, IB Higher Level) Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, ILC Ordinary Level at C or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

3 year Honours degree (Level 2 / SCQF 8 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (AH) + BB (H) in other subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade A in the graded unit with appropriate Science units, and 120 SCQF credits (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade AA in the graded units with appropriate Science units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Distinction with AB at AH Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access to Science Programmes	Relevant science subjects with AAA grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science modules (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade A with ASL-A Level Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE C (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-Levels in Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE grade C (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£10,500 per year.	Sir James Black Scholarship Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BSc Neuroscience	B140	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

Your personal statement should demonstrate an interest in the subject you are applying for and a commitment to the study of that subject. How did your interest in the subject arise, and do you have a particular career path in mind?

You should comment on your participation in both school/college/work and extracurricular activities and on the extent to which they have aided in your personal development and the acquisition of skills that will be of value to you as a life sciences student.

• Do you have an enquiring mind?
• Do you have good analytical skills and problem-solving ability?
• Are you self-motivated and able to work independently?
• Are you a good team player?
• Do you have good communication skills?

If you are planning a gap year, comment on the intended activity and the benefits that you think you are likely to gain from the experience.

Tips for your application

Give careful consideration to both the style and content of your personal statement as it can be an indicator of your ability to communicate as well as providing an account of your personal achievements and skills.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: