Program Overview

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Neuroscience

Course Fact File

• Code: CK402
• Duration: 4 Years
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Fees: See Fees and Costs for full details.

Course Outline

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system and is one of the most challenging and exciting fields of science today.

The mammalian nervous system regulates all the functions of the organism. In the human, at least, it has unique functions that are independent of the other organ systems of the body. These independent functions allow us awareness of ourselves.

The extraordinary properties of the human brain have made it possible for us to dominate Earth, walk on the moon, alter the course of evolution, and create art and music.

The brain works as an information processing system. The information consists of internal representations of the external environment in which the organism exists. Neuroscience is the study of how these internal representations are created, transformed and used to affect the behaviour of the organism.

This is an interdisciplinary degree course organised by the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, with significant contributions from a number of other departments. It is a rapidly-expanding field of study and this course is intended to provide graduates with a thorough basic training in this area of increasing importance. Neuroscience is studied at the molecular, cell and systems level.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics

Year 2

• Foundation modules in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry deal with molecules, cells and tissues, the principles of human structural organisation and the relationship of structure to function.
• Core modules:
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Principles of Human Structure
  • Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure
  • Introductory Physiology
  • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
  • Biomolecules and Metabolic Pathways

Year 3

• Detailed study of the human nervous system commences and this is placed in the general context of the structure and development of the human body as a whole.
• Other modules concentrate on the principles of molecular biology and the biochemistry, pharmacology and diseases of the nervous system.
• Core modules:
  • Human Nervous System
  • Neurobiology of Regulatory Systems
  • Human Embryology and Developmental Biology
  • Human Regional Neuroanatomy
  • Neurobiology of Disease
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry of the CNS
  • Pharmacology
  • Research Methodology in Neuroscience
  • Library Project
• Plus one elective module

Year 4

• You will study the nervous system in detail and undertake a substantial research project, supported by modules in research techniques (Year 3) and in developing scientific literacy through structured review of neuroscience research.
• Core modules:
  • Advanced Research Methodology in Neuroscience
  • Developmental Neurobiology
  • Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Medical Imaging and Biomedical Devices in the Neurosciences
  • Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Molecular Basis of Brain Disorders
  • Research Project

Course Practicalities

• This course comprises a combination of lectures, practicals (experiments) and tutorials/workshops.
• Assessment:
  • Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.
  • Not all modules will have formal examinations.
  • Many modules use other types of assessment.

Why Choose This Course

• Neuroscience is one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas in Biomedical Science.
• This broad-based course will provide graduates with general scientific training similar to that in other honours science degree courses as well as specific, relevant training for employment in biological and neuroscience education and in basic and applied biomedical and neuroscience research.

Skills and Careers Information

• Career opportunities in Neuroscience reflect the worldwide expansion of interest in this field.
• Neuroscience graduates will also be able to seek diverse employment in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and in scientific consulting and publishing.

Requirements

• Refer to CK402.
• Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.
• In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
• Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

• Refer to CK402.
• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants:
  • Apply via the CAO.
  • See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
• Mature Applicants:
  • Apply via the CAO by 1 February.
  • To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
• QQI/FET Applicants:
  • Apply via the CAO.
  • See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process and whether there are routes available to this course.
• Non-EU Applicants:
  • If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.
  • See our International Office page for more information.