Course Description
The Neuroscience with Psychology programme aims to instil a broad base of knowledge regarding the functioning of the nervous system. This is done via a bottom-up approach through an understanding of the nervous system at a molecular and cellular level, but also via a top-down approach through behavioural neuropsychology.
Neuroscientists have to push technologies to the limit to study the nature neural function by recording from individual nerve cells and even from single molecules to understand diseases. Neuroscience research aims to understand diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. It can also include work on the optic nerves, cardiac function, sense of smell, difficulty in swallowing, weakness in the muscles and other diseases and health problems since many of these have a neural basis.
In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but in general terms, you will be placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.
Course Content
A degree in Neuroscience with Psychology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences, Psychology and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001) - 15 Credit Points
Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009) - 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020) - 15 Credit Points
The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509) - 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512) - 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
Year 2 courses are taken in Physiology and Psychology combined with courses delivering key skills applicable to Neuroscience.
Compulsory Courses
Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2) - 15 Credit Points
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001) - 15 Credit Points
Advanced Psychology A: Concepts and Theory (PS2017) - 15 Credit Points
Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2) - 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501) - 15 Credit Points
Advanced Psychology B: Concepts and Theory (PS2517) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
Year 3 courses provide a systematic study of nerve cell communication at ascending levels of integration. These are accompanied by parallel courses in Biological Psychology, Memory and Language and Perception.
Compulsory Courses
Perception (PS3012) - 15 Credit Points
Biological Psychology (PS3014) - 15 Credit Points
Working Out: Placement & Career Skills (BT3006) - 5 Credit Points
Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BM3502) - 15 Credit Points
Cognitive Neuroscience (PS3524) - 15 Credit Points
Neuroscience Research Topics (BM3804) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following courses:
- Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM3501)
- Behavioural Biology (BI3505)
Plus select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM3501) - 15 Credit Points
Behavioural Biology (BI3505) - 15 Credit Points
- Year 4
You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
Compulsory Courses
Industrial Placement (BT5007) - 120 Credit Points
- Year 5
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific areas introduced in third year. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
Brain Function and Malfunction (AN4002) - 15 Credit Points
Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM4004) - 30 Credit Points
Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302) - 15 Credit Points
Physiology Project (PY4501) - 60 Credit Points
Entry Requirements
SQA Highers - AAAB*
A Levels - ABB*
IB - 34 points, 6 at HL*
ILC - 5H with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3, with H2 and H3 from Chemistry and Biology, OR AAABB including AB from Chemistry and Biology. The grading within band B must be at B2 or above.*
*Including good performance in Chemistry and Biology.
Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers AAB or A Levels AAB, or IB 36 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be an A-grade.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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