Neuroscience

Programme Short Name:	BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT):	Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	CAO Code: DN200 BBB CAO Points Range 2015: 510 - 625 Length of Course: 4 Years DN200 Places: 402 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3), one laboratory science subject or Applied Mathematics or Geography (Min OB3/HD3). Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: A-Level/GCSE Other EU Applicants Non-EU Applicants Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes Level 6/7 Progression Routes Mature Entry Route
Why is this course for me?	Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, directed towards understanding how cells within the nervous system interact with each other to form the brain and regulate body functions, human behaviour, memory, emotions and consciousness. The malfunction of the nervous system lies at the heart of a number of devastating and currently incurable conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Neuroscience research probes the mechanisms underlying such malfunctions with a view to helping in the discovery of drugs to prevent or manage these disorders.
What will I study?	This is a sample pathway for a degree in Neuroscience. Topics include membrane biology, developmental neuroscience, higher cortical function, synaptic plasticity, sensory neuroscience, as well as core modules in biomolecular and biomedical science. First Year Biology Chemistry Mathematics Optional Science modules Elective modules Second Year Neuroscience + 2 Other Science Subjects Elective modules Third Year Neuroscience Elective modules Fourth Year Neuroscience (includes a research project in topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, cognition and synaptic plasticity) All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials. Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities. For detailed information on subject content click the relevant link below: First Year Second Year Third - Fourth Year
Professional Work Experience	A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	As a Neuroscience graduate you’ll have the opportunity to obtain employment in: Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies Medical research including drug development and clinical trials Hospital and university laboratories Neuroscience research institutes Government agencies Neuroscience graduates also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas as diverse as biotechnology, cell biology, and biomedical and health science. Many graduates also pursue graduate medicine and graduate pharmacy courses.
International Study Opportunity:	A limited number of fourth year projects are available in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Student Profile	Halfway through 6th year, we started studying the nervous system in Biology. Immediately, I knew I wanted to study the brain. I chose Science in UCD because the course allowed me to take modules in all areas of Biology. Currently, in second year, I am trying out Genetics and Biochemistry as well as Neuroscience. I enjoy Genetics just as much as Neuroscience so, in future, I will take Genetics modules with my core Neuroscience modules. This ability to tailor your degree is part of why I love studying Science at UCD. After my degree, I hope to do a PhD and research the genes involved in Alzheimer's disease. Aoife Hardesty
Related Programs:	Pharmacology Physiology
Pathway
Contact Information:	Prof Michael Scott UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 6925 Email: michael.scott@ucd.ie