“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
| Degrees available: |
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| Academic School: | College of Life Sciences, School of Learning and Teaching |
| How to apply: | Apply through UCAS |
| Institution Code: | D65 |
Understanding how the brain functions in both health and disease is one of great intellectual challenges of this century. Such studies are vital as we seek to better understand and treat neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Elucidating how drugs influence our mood and behaviour is essential in developing new treatments for conditions such as anxiety and depression and in the better management of drug addiction.
Neuroscience is the study of the functioning of the nervous system, both in health and disease. 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.
Modern neuroscience is not an isolated discipline, but rather one that integrates the inputs of, for example, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, psychology and psychiatry to address the normal and abnormal functioning of the nervous system in a multifaceted approach. Such inputs are emphasised in the course developed at Dundee which offers a balance between molecular and cellular aspects of the subject and systems and clinical neuroscience.
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. All Honours units are pitched at the cutting-edge of neuroscience research and are delivered by acknowledged experts in their field.
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.
We use a variety of teaching methods, with lectures and practicals forming the core. In addition, we use workshops, tutorials, computer-aided learning, and field excursions, as appropriate to each module.
All modules are assessed by a combination of in-course and end-of-course procedures. Regular in-course assessments (e.g. practical reports, computer-based exercises, essays and data processing exercises) provide feedback on your progress and help you prepare for end-of-module examinations. On-line assignments are used extensively at Levels 1 and 2, with access via a PC on or off campus. Peer assessment operates in many team projects.
There are regular meetings of staff-student liaison committees. While this provides a forum for formal contact, there is also opportunity for informal contact between you and academic staff, whom you will find friendly and approachable.
| Typical Degree Programme Example | |||
| Honours Degree | |||
| Advanced Entry Honours Degree | |||
|
Level 1
6 modules including Molecular Science A Molecular Science B and at least 2 from Biomolecular Mechanisms Evolution and Biodiversity Environmental Biology Genes, Heredity and Development Level 1 provides a general introduction to the life sciences. Through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions you are provided with a firm grounding in biology, from molecules to whole organisms, plus the necessary chemical principles. You can combine your Life Sciences modules with up to two modules from outside the Life Sciences, in subjects such as Environmental Science, Psychology, IT, Mathematics or a foreign language. |
Level 2
6 modules including Comparative Physiology Genetics Cellular and Molecular Biology Drugs and Drug Targets Human Form and Function An additional module is taken from a choice of Biomolecular Chemistry, Diversity of Life, Society and the Life Sciences, or an option from outside the Life Sciences. In Semester 1 you study core topics of importance to all areas of the life sciences including genetics and physiology. In Semester 2 your studies remain broadly-based and you take modules that keep open your options to study Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiological Sciences at Level 3. |
Level 3
4 modules Neuropharmacology Biochemical Pharmacology either Cell and Molecular Physiology or Genome Science and either Human Systems Physiology or Molecular and Cell Biology Level 3 modules offer comprehensive surveys of peripheral and central nervous system neuroscience and pharmacology, common mechanisms of cell signalling, basic principles of drug-receptor interactions and various aspects of molecular neuroscience and pharmacology. |
Level 4
8 units Advanced study of topics in the area of your degree subject, at the level of current research and in particular those that are the areas of strength in Dundee. Neuroscience students study units in a range of topics that currently includes
Research project An important feature of Level 4 is your project. Several formats are available including laboratory-based research under the supervision of a leading scientist, computer modelling, multimedia teaching packages, literature and electronic database review. |
All Life Sciences degree programmes share common core modules at Level 1 that provide a general introduction to the life sciences through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions.
Level 2 begins to introduce the various subject areas within the life sciences, in which you might subsequently specialise, but remains broadly-based and multidisciplinary. There are opportunities to study in the USA or Canada at Level 2, through the Transatlantic Student Exchange scheme.
At Level 3 you specialise much more in your chosen degree subject, although many of the degree programmes allow you to keep your options open by continuing to study a second degree subject. Many students take advantage of opportunities for summer work placements, normally between Levels 3 and 4, which are available as externally-funded competitive placements, or as voluntary laboratory work.
Your studies at Level 4 will be at the level of current research in your chosen subject area and involve extensive use of scientific literature and the opportunity to attend a regular programme of seminars given by invited speakers from Britain and abroad. You choose a research project from an extensive list of options. This can be a laboratory-based project in the laboratories of one of the leading research groups in the field; it can be a field-based project, taking advantage of the location of Dundee within easy reach of a very wide variety of natural habitats; it can be a library- or computer-based project involving web design, analysis or review of scientific data, or a school-based science education project.
Two broadly-based degree programmes, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, provide an opportunity for you to graduate with a life science degree that does not involve an excessive degree of specialisation. The Joint Honours degrees allow you to study two subjects to the same level of specialisation.
Throughout your scientific studies you will be developing transferable skills. Running from Levels 1-3 is compulsory transferable skills module: SPELS (Skills, Professionalism and Employability in Life Sciences), a transferable skills module taken by all Life Sciences students. Your degree programme will involve a combination of independent learning and team work, through which you will develop your skills in information processing, use of computers, problem-solving, experimental design, analysis and critical evaluation of scientific literature, report writing, making presentations, communication and time management. These are important elements of all of our degree programmes, and they will help to ensure that you have the skills to make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
See the full structure of the BSc Biological / Biomedical / Biomolecular Sciences degrees as well as further general information.
All Life Sciences degrees have the same entry requirements except Forensic Anthropology (please visit the Forensic Anthropology webpage for further details).
| Typical Entry Requirements | |
| Higher | BBBB |
| A-Level | CCC |
| Essential Subjects | Biology or Chemistry (H or A-Level) Chemistry and Mathematics (Standard Grade/Intermediate 2/GCSE) |
| Advanced Entry | |
| Advanced Higher | BB (AH) + BB (H) in other subjects |
| A-Level | BBB |
| Essential Subjects | Biology and/or Chemistry, preferably both, at AH or A-Level. If not both, at least B at H or AS Level in whichever is not taken at AH or A-Level. Mathematics (Standard Grade/Intermediate 2/GCSE) |
| Alternative Qualifications | |
| EDEXCEL | A relevant HNC in an appropriate Science with Merit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND in an appropriate Science with Merit (Level 2 entry) |
| BTEC | A relevant National Diploma in an appropriate Science at MMM (Level 1 entry) A relevant National Diploma in an appropriate Science at DDM (Level 2 entry) A relevant HND (Level 2 entry) A relevant HND with at least 6 merits in specified units (Level 3 entry) |
| SQA | A relevant HNC with grade B in the graded unit (Level 1 entry);
applications for Level 2 entry will be considered individually. A relevant HND with grade BB in the graded units (Level 2 entry); applications for Level 3 entry will be considered individually. |
| ILC | BBBB at Higher Level including Biology or Chemistry at grade B. Mathematics and Chemistry are required at Ordinary Level grade B, if not offered at Higher Level (Level 1 entry). |
| IB | 28 points including Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level grade 5 (Level 1 entry) 34 points including two appropriate subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, at Higher Level grades 5 and 6 (Level 2 entry) Subsidiary Level Mathematics is required for all degrees |
| European Baccalaureate | 70% or better, including Biology or Chemistry (Level 1 entry) |
| SWAP Access to Science Programmes | Relevant subjects with overall grade B (Level 1 entry) |
| Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website. | |
All Life Sciences degrees have the same entry requirements except Forensic Anthropology (please visit the Forensic Anthropology webpage for further details).
| Typical Entry Requirements | |
| SQA Higher | BBBB |
| GCE A-Level | BCC |
| ILC Higher | BBBB |
| IB Diploma | 30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level) |
| Essential Subjects | Biology or Chemistry (H or A-Level) Chemistry and Mathematics (Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, GCSE, ILC Ordinary Level or IB Subsidiary Level) |
| Advanced Entry (to Level 2) | |
| SQA Advanced Higher | BB (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/or Chemistry, preferably both, at AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). Biology and Chemistry to at least H at B, AS at B, IB Higher Level at 5. Mathematics (Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, GCSE, ILC Ordinary Level or IB Subsidiary Level) |
| Note: Applicants for Forensic Anthropology may be called for interview and are expected to show evidence of their knowledge of, and commitment to, the subject. | |
| Other Qualifications | |
| EDEXCEL | A relevant HNC in an appropriate Science with Merit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND in an appropriate Science with Merit (Level 2 entry) |
| BTEC | A relevant National Diploma in an appropriate Science at DMM (Level 1 entry) A relevant National Diploma in an appropriate Science at DDM (Level 2 entry) |
| SQA | A relevant HNC with grade B in the graded unit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HNC with grade A in the graded unit and 120 SCQF credits or a relevant HND with grade BB in the graded units (Level 2 entry) |
| Scottish Baccalaureate | Pass with CC at AH including Biology or Chemistry. Mathematics and Chemistry at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 1 entry) Pass with BB at AH including Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 2 entry) |
| Advanced Diploma | Grade C with ASL-A Level Biology or Chemistry B. Mathematics and Chemistry GCSE C. (Level 1 entry) Grade B with ASL-A Level Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE C. (Level 2 entry) |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | Pass with A-Levels in Biology or Chemistry and another subject at BC. Mathematics and Chemistry at GCSE grade C (Level 1 entry) Pass with A-Levels in Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE grade C (Level 2 entry) |
| SWAP Access to Science Programmes | Relevant science subjects with ABB grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry) |
| Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website. | |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diana Davidson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland
Telephone: 01382 384 029 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 029 (from outside the UK)
Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk
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