Compulsory modules

Introduction to Neuroscience
This module introduces the anatomy and function of the nervous system, with a primary focus on the human nervous system. It draws on information from various organisms to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the nervous system operates. Key structures and their roles in maintaining bodily functions will be highlighted, offering insights into the complex interactions that enable sensory perception, motor control, and homeostasis. Knowledge acquired in this module will be expanded in more depth in the subsequent years.

Human Physiology and Anatomy
The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop because of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences. 

Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience
Here, you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting on your key skills development and career-planning. 

Molecules of Life
This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.

Molecular Cell Biology
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. You will explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. You will also develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.

Compulsory modules

Neuroscience Research Methods
Experimentation is at the heart of scientific pursuit. Within this module, you will explore key research techniques (e.g. electrophysiology, histology, biological models) and analytical methodology (e.g. advanced software, artificial intelligence) used in Neuroscience research. This will help you design a research project with appropriate methods, statistically analyse data, present data and draw appropriate conclusions. Subsequently, it will prepare you for your final year experimental project and help you develop key scientific skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Practical and Professional Skills in Bioscience
Here, you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting on your key skills development and career-planning. 

Functional Neuroanatomy
Understanding the functional anatomy of the human nervous system is essential for grasping neurophysiology and pathology. This module will explore the nervous system’s anatomy, blood supply, and cerebrospinal fluid movement. You will examine the morphology and organization of key neurological structures, including the thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, limbic system, brainstem nuclei and major sensory and motor projections. Transferable skills will be developed through the development of an outreach video exploring functional neuroanatomy of a student selected neural structure. 

Optional modules

Neurophysiology
Neurophysiology is important for understanding how the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. In this module, you will examine the physiological mechanisms behind neuronal activity, including membrane properties and ion channels, which are crucial for generating action potentials. Synaptic transmission and plasticity will explain how neurons communicate and how learning occurs. You will also explore sensory system physiology and functional connectivity, which are key to understanding perception, cognition, and how disruptions lead to neurological disorders.

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
The study of cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cells are vital for understanding how molecules, intracellular pathways and brain cells together form complex brain networks within the nervous system. The module will look at the variety of brain cells and their cellular features, which are intrinsically linked to function. Meanwhile, we will consider molecular neurobiological pathways and parallel methodologies such as gene and protein “omics”.  How cellular and molecular aspects culminate in numerous brain-based disorders will also be covered.

Neurodevelopment
The nervous system is incredibly complex, containing billions of neurons linked together in intricate circuitry. In this module, you will explore the mechanisms which control how the nervous system builds this complexity from the humble beginnings of a single-celled fertilized egg. Further, we will discuss how the nervous system keeps developing in gestation and after birth into adulthood. You will also acquire knowledge of classical neurodevelopmental techniques both in the lectures, but also, hands-on, in the laboratory.

Neuropharmacology
Numerous medications are used and are under development to treat neurological and mental disorders. Success depends on an understanding of the drugs mode of action and utility within the brain. This module will explore mechanisms of neurological drugs and key pharmaceutical concepts - absorption, metabolism, solubility, ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, clearance (excretion and secretion), and toxicity (ADMET) - applied to the brain.

Learning and Memory
The acquisition and retention of new information is a critical component of adaptive behaviour in humans and animals. Learning about the world allows us to interact and/or react appropriately to a wide array of challenges.

This module covers brain-related processes underlying acquired changes in behaviour. Specifically, this includes the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition, consolidation and retention of information, leading to changes in synaptic physiology and connectivity. Diseases and disorders with memory impairments will also be discussed.

Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.

Neuroimaging and Cognitive Neuroscience
One of science’s biggest unanswered questions regards how complex cognition, behaviour, and consciousness arise from the structure and activity of the brain. This module will introduce methods and applications of cognitive neuroscience as a way to study brain-behaviour relationships, how to test psychological theories of cognition, and understand the effects of brain injury and disease. You will learn about brain imaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) and EEG, etc. In addition, you will learn to apply each method to theoretical, applied, or clinical issues.

Please note: You cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 5) and Flexible Work Placement (Level 6) 

Compulsory modules

Professional Development in Bioscience
This module will develop your professional skills, attributes and qualities required for your next steps following graduation. You will have the opportunity to practice interview techniques and presentation skills to support your covering letters, personal statements and CV. You will explore online opportunities and the employment marketplace, building your social media profile to evidence your skills and attributes. Throughout the module, you will also consider the impact of discrimination and unconscious bias, and develop strategies to support resilience and wellbeing.

Employability and Communication Skills in Bioscience
Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scientific and lay audience. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard.

Behavioural Neuroscience
One of the most important features of the brain is that it supports, and leads to, complex behaviour of the organism and is the focus of the multidisciplinary field of Behavioural Neuroscience. Behavioural Neuroscience draws upon areas of anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology and neuroendocrinology to bring about a deeper understanding of mammalian and human behaviour. You will take a very active role in your own learning, developing lecture content in small groups and delivering parts of the module itself.

Current Research Topics in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the fastest growing research areas, with new concepts and ideas emerging constantly. Keeping track of these new areas is challenging but rewarding for neuroscientists, especially those interested in deep knowledge of their subject and potentially interested in a research career.

In this module, you will study a selection of relevant, current neuroscience research areas, which will promote reflection on neuroscience as a discipline and its possible future directions.

Research Project
Your research project is an excellent opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research, drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, and professional competencies. You can choose from a range of projects depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching and learning, or outreach. This culminates in a thrilling and authentic student conference that gives you an opportunity to celebrate and share your achievements with your peers. 

Optional modules

Neuropathology
Only research has the potential to rapidly revolutionise how people with neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia are diagnosed, supported, and one day, cured. We will explore a range of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. You will gain insight into the cause, pathophysiology, and prediction of these disorders, and learn how to critically evaluate advances made in precision diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of these pathologies.

Models in Neuroscience Research
The use of models in Neuroscience research ranges from in vivo (e.g. animal models) to in vitro (e.g. cells in culture) to in silico (e.g. predictions based on machine learning) and is essential to understand the nervous system. In this module, you will learn how several model systems are used to probe neurobiological questions, their advantages/limitations and associated ethical considerations. This will allow you to identify appropriate model systems for various experiments and critically evaluate research articles that use them. 

Omics Technologies
You will be introduced to a range of cutting-edge omics approaches used extensively across the life sciences. Through hands-on data handling exercises you will develop a theoretical appreciation of and practical competence in core genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches. You will undertake a whole transcriptome analysis for the purpose of differential gene expression detection from raw RNA sequencing data, developing and demonstrating competence in a highly sought after analytical skill. 

Regeneration and Repair in the Nervous System
Classically, the adult nervous system does not regenerate following degeneration or trauma. However, new technologies (e.g. stem cells, biomaterial implants) are emerging which could promote regeneration to ultimately restore neurological function. In this module, you will explore the barriers to nervous system repair and how new technologies are overcoming these barriers. You will also have the opportunity to write your own grant proposal used in the field to win funding for regenerative research.

Special Senses
How we sense our environment informs our lived experience of the world. In this module, you will learn the neuroscience which underpins special senses i.e., vision, hearing, balance, smell, and taste. In particular, you will be able to explain how the initial stimulus is converted into electrical signals in the periphery, how these are transmitted to the brain, how these are processed and perceived consciously. We will also examine how these processes are affected in common diseases and disorders.

Epidemiology
Epidemiology is concerned with the study of disease development and prevention within populations. Here, you will develop knowledge and understanding of epidemiological study design and data interpretation, exploring the scientific procedures of public health research, policies, program implementation and evaluation. You will develop skills in the design and conduct of epidemiological research, developing data collection tools, and interpreting epidemiological findings used in public health, including the relevance to outbreak investigations.

Tropical Biology Field Course
This module allows you to explore the vibrant world of tropical ecology first-hand and join an exciting opportunity to explore firsthand the challenges facing tropical ecosystems and how humanity impacts them. You will learn from leading experts about the critical role of biodiversity in these lush environments. Experience international travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Hosted by the University of Sains Malaysia (USM), this field course, which comes at an additional cost to be confirmed each year, promises cutting-edge knowledge in tropical ecology and conservation.  

Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.

Professional Experience in Education
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.

Please note: You cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 5) and Flexible Work Placement (Level 6). You also cannot take both Flexible Work Placement (Level 6) and Professional Experience in Education.