66 neuroscience minimum requirements and degrees available are given on page 56. why study neuroscience?
Understanding how the brain functions in both health and disease is one of the 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.
employability
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 & biotechnology industries. Opportunities also exist in medical/scientific information, the media and publishing.
what our students say
The standards of teaching are phenomenal, with staff being expert in their knowledge and enthusiastic when lecturing.
Final year student comment from the National Student Survey
programme content • typical degree programme example
Please refer to the Biological/Biomedical Sciences overview on page 56 for details of the common curriculum in Levels 1 and 2 and progression into the Integrated Masters (Level 5).
Level 3 At Level 3 you specialise in neuroscience, and choose additional subjects that interest you to study alongside your main subject. You will develop your knowledge and skills in the following aspects of neuroscience:
> peripheral and central nervous system neuroscience and pharmacology
> common mechanisms of cell signalling > basic principles of drug receptor interactions > aspects of molecular neuroscience and pharmacology
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.
www.dundee.ac.uk/prospectus/lifesciences Level 4
Your studies at Level 4 will be at the level of current research in your chosen subject area. > Advanced study of neuroscience topics that currently include:
• sensational channels – the transient receptor potential family
• neurodegenerative disorders • molecular mechanisms of learning and memory • neuroanatomy and neuropathology • analgesics and anaesthetics • psychobiology and treatment of mental illness • faints and fits – a neurological disorder • neurobiology of drug addiction
> Research project
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