BSc Neuroscience

Duration: 4 years full-time with integrated placement year

UCAS Code: B140

Number of places: 20

Please note:

• All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on all previous and predicted qualifications, experience, references and motivation. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that are below the typical offer level if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated below).

• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.

• GCSE requirements: Five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics.

• All applicants receiving offers will be invited to an Applicant Visit Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.

• Find out more about our admissions policy.

• The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
  

• Take a look at our FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• A Levels
• IB
• BTEC
• Access to HE
• International and other qualifications

ABB. Should include at least one A-level in a science (either Biology or Chemistry). General studies accepted as a fourth subject. You must also pass at least one of your science practicals.

A Level applicants who select this course as their Firm UCAS choice may be eligible for our lowered offer scheme. This means that the grades that you will need in order to be accepted on to the course will be reduced.

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications. However, if you have had more than one attempt at improving your grades, your application will be considered on an individual basis and we reserve to make an amended (higher) offer, or not make an offer.

32 points overall, to include 655 at HL, which must include either Biology or Chemistry at 6

• D*DD in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science, Laboratory & Industrial Science or Medical Science) together with grade B in A level in Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Psychology, Applied Science or Physics).
• DD in BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science, Laboratory & Industrial Science or Medical Science). With these qualifications we also require grades A and B in two A Levels including one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Psychology, Applied Science or Physics).

We welcome applications from students who have taken BTEC qualifications as a first option and who achieved five or more GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade C or above. You must also meet the A Level requirement listed above and successfully pass the science practical element of the A-levels.

We do not consider applications from students who are unsuccessful in obtaining the required number and/or standard of A Levels for admission to our programmes and subsequently embark on a BTEC as a second option. Instead we would encourage you to resit your A Levels (see our resit policy in the A Levels section).

Access to Science for mature students (21+) considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications: International students can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.

International Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): We also welcome international students with equivalent qualifications to apply for our courses. For international students without equivalent qualifications, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing an International Foundation Programme at Aston University, although please note the progression requirements to our courses. International applicants expected to gain foundation diplomas from other providers are welcomed and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): For students with good A-level (or equivalent) grades, but who narrowly miss our standard requirements, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing our Foundation Year Programme, although please note the progression requirements.

Other qualifications: If your qualification is not listed, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.

For 2017 entry:

• UK / EU students: £9,250 per year (£1,250 during placement year)
  
• International students: £17,200 per year (£2,500 during placement year)

Explore the costs involved in university and the financial support that may be available to you.

• You will receive broad training in the understanding of the brain and nervous system at multiple scales from the microscopic to the whole organism in both health and disease through a series of core and optional modules delivered across three years of study and through a compulsory placement year.
  

  Year 1

  During your first year, you will gain a thorough and ‘hands-on’ grounding in the core principles and techniques used in neuroscience through a mixture of lecture and practical experience.
  

  Modules will include:

  • Introduction to Cellular Neurophysiology: You will study: the physiology of action potential generation and conduction in nerve and muscle cells, central and peripheral synaptic transmission, the concept of homeostasis, the structures of the brain and basic function, functional anatomy and physiology of spinal reflex arcs and neuronal pathways in the central nervous system.
    
  • Development and Human Anatomy: An introductory review of human anatomy in relation to function. Introduction to histology and cellular pathology, which can be used as a basis for subsequent study of cellular pathology.
    
  • Research Methods and Statistics: Teaches students about the different types of research methods used in psychological research and issues associated with them. Also covers students a variety of descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical tests and when it is appropriate to use them.
    
  • Key Skills in Neurosciences 1: Covers basic mathematical, statistical and ethical concepts in neuroscience. Develops proficiency in searching the literature, the ability to critically analyse research and present arguments in both oral and written formats. Demonstrates the ability to work in teams.
  • Biochemistry for Neuroscience: The main aim of this module is to ensure that students are familiar with those aspects of biochemistry that are most relevant to a study of neuroscience. The applications of these will be explored in subsequent years in the course.
    
  • Abnormal Psychology: Provides an introduction to the concept of psychopathology and an overview of the different models of abnormal behaviour. To provide an outline of the aetiology and treatment of a number of key psychological disorders
    
  • Cell Biology: Provides a basic introduction to cellular components and processes involved in the birth, life and death of cells. This will include the identity, nature and properties of important cellular organelles and how these organelles function in the physiology and replication of cells. In this module a range of biological analytical techniques used for elucidating cellular structure and function are described. Furthermore the role of abnormal cellular function in pathology is highlighted.
  • Inheritance and Population Genetics: A classical genetics course which examines modes of inheritance of 'the gene' as described in Molecular Biology.The relationship between inheritance and human disease is addressed, to give an appreciation of congenital disorders and their prevalence within different populations.
  • Psychology of Attention and Perception: The module introduces students to the field of cognitive psychology and familiarises them with the information-processing approach to the study of attention and perception.
  • Neuroscience Practicals: Learn how psychophysical measurements can be taken and interpreted using Biopac and how to design and program experiments using Superlab. To be able to write up experiments in a lab report.
    
  Year 2

  Your second year will involve building upon the knowledge that you gained in your first year. You will study in great depth the foundations of Neuroscience from both research and theoretical perspectives
  

  Modules will include:

  • Brain and Behaviour: covers the neural basis of more specific functions: low-level visual perception, emotions and higher order cognitive function.
    
  • Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience Research Methods: Learn about modern neuroscience research including research methods with children and special populations, neuropsychology, Eye tracking, Neurostimulation techniques, Electrophysiology/Neurophysiology, Magnetic resonance based techniques
    
  • Systems Neuropharmacology: Fundamentals of synpatic transmission in the CNS. Biological basis of drug actions in the CNS, including drugs of abuse and common prescription drugs. Biological basis of common neurological disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacotherapeutic approaches to neurological disease. Drug interactions in CNS disease.
    
  • Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience: To equip the student with understanding of neuroscience and neurodevelopment from a cellular perspective, giving insight into how cortical structure develops and how synaptic and cytorchitectural features are subject to change during development. Teaches a broad working knowledge of the cellular elements of the brain, with special reference to inhibitory interneurones, local circuits, pyramidal and stellate cells, dendrites, synapses, presynaptic function and biophysical aspects including ion channel function, membrane properties and compartmentalisation.
    
  • Advanced Statistics: develops proficiency in statistical analysis for a variety of research designs
    
  • Key Skills in Neurosciences 2: Focuses on development of professional, intellectual and transferable skills used in the field of neuroscience. Develops key research skills from the theoretical conception of the project, through stimulus design and implementation, through to analysis and interpretation of results.
    
  Placement year

  The placement year is an opportunity for you to set your undergraduate studies in context by taking a neuroscience placement in the UK or abroad. Discover more below.

  Final Year

  During the final year of the course you will expand and specify your knowledge through a series of core and optional modules of your choice, and through the completion of an original piece of neuroscience research as a final year project.
  

  Core modules:
  

  • Advanced topics in Cellular Neuroscience: By the end of this module the student will be able to: 1. Analyse how neuronal network dynamics reflect brain function in health and disease 2. Appraise advanced aspects of pharmacodynamics. 3.Critically evaluate new research techniques such as optogenetics and new philosphical approaches e.g. "causal neuroscience".
  • Final Year Project (choice between cognitive neuroscience or cellular resear ch): You will receive individual project supervision to undertake a project of mutual interest between you and your supervisor.
  Choose two modules from:
  
  
  • Cell Biology
  • Stem cell biology
  • Physiology

  And choose four from:

  • Brain Imaging
  • Mind and Brain
  • Social cognitive neuroscience
  • Neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Autistic spectrum
  • Psychosis
  • Music and the brain
  • Basics of joint attention
    

  Please note that not all modules are available every year and some may be subject to change. Final year modules are based on staff expertise.