Undergraduate

Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system. You will learn about discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the brain and helped in the development of new treatments for disorders affecting millions of people. Neuroscience is one of the fastest growing disciplines within science.
This growing interest is fuelled by our desire to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the workings of the human brain. Such knowledge should increase our understanding of how subjective experience is gained. For example, how do our brains allow us to see, hear, feel and smell the world around us? Conversely how does the brain direct our bodies to use this information to interact with our external environment? Understanding the brain will provide further insights into the mechanisms responsible for complex behaviours, emotions, learning and memory. In addition, there is the urgent need to be able to provide effective therapeutic interventions for various neurological conditions and diseases such as stroke, Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, mental illness and chronic pain. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from current neuroscience research will go a long way to providing new therapies for such debilitating conditions. Why study Neuroscience at Bristol? The Neuroscience degree courses are run by the School of Physiology and Pharmacology. The quality of teaching within the Neuroscience degree course is very high. In 2005, we were identied as a national Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. We have used the money we were awarded to develop a number of exciting teaching initiatives, including the integration of computercontrolled Human Simulators into our practical teaching; development of a virtual microscope and a clinical anatomy suite. We also have wellequipped practical teaching laboratories and extensive new library and computer facilities. There is a wealth of research in Neuroscience carried out in Bristol and students studying Neuroscience benet enormously from being taught by staff who are leaders in their research eld. Our nal year BSc and MSci teaching is almost entirely research-led. Neuroscience research that contributes to the teaching on the Neuroscience degree includes studying the ways in which the brain and spinal cord control eye and limb movements, including in patients with motor disorders such as Parkinsons disease. Others investigate the neural circuitry and neurochemistry associated with the sensation of pain, and how the brain may modify our perception of pain. Researchers in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Synaptic Plasticity are investigating how synaptic transmission between neurones can be increased or decreased and what implications this has for brain functions such as learning and memory and for neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimers disease.

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What will I study? We offer two streams of study in Neuroscience (mainly mammalian). Single Honours courses BSc Neuroscience, three years B140 MSci Neuroscience with Study in industry, four years * * entry to MSci Neuroscience with Study in Industry is by transfer from B140 at the end of the rst year. A study of the nervous system requires the understanding of many different biomedical disciplines such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and psychology. Therefore, the objective of the course is to provide a broad base in the sciences that underpin investigations of the nervous system. There will be an increasing emphasis on specialisation as the course progresses through the three years. Year one You will be required to take Anatomical Science 1A (Fundamental Systems), Techniques in Neuroscience and Physiology 1 (Overview of Mammalian Physiology). Fundamental systems covers the basic anatomical organisation, tissue structure and development of mammals, including the human. Techniques in Neuroscience introduces some of the important methods that have enabled advances in understanding function and dysfunction of the nervous system. Throughout the unit there will be task-orientated group activities to enhance IT skills and group work. An overview of mammalian physiology gives a broad coverage of mammalian cellular and systems physiology including neural control mechanisms. In addition, an optional unit must be chosen from a wide range of biomedical units, such as Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology and Psychology.

Year two The Central Nervous System deals with the functional anatomy of key areas of the central nervous system including the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. A Pharmacology unit deals with drugs that interact with the central nervous system, including the pharmacological investigation of ion channels and central synaptic transmission. From Genes to Whole Body in Health & Disease covers the physiology of central and peripheral nervous systems, special senses, higher mental functions, control of movement, biophysics and synaptic mechanisms, physiology of exercise and temperature regulation. A further unit must be studied at either level one or level two; eg units in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cellular & Molecular Medicine or an open unit such as Philosophy or a language. In years one and two you will attend nine lectures a week supplemented by up to nine hours of practical work, depending on the units chosen. Ample opportunity is provided to discuss lecture material and to deal with individual problems. Tutorials that help to guide understanding are provided in years one and two. Final year In your nal year you will study Neuroscience full-time. Small-group seminars are given by staff in selected areas of Neuroscience related to their research. This allows you to study to the frontiers of knowledge in topics such as pain, sensory neuroscience, brain & movement, synaptic transmission, learning & memory and neuropsychiatric disorders. A research project is carried out for two days each week between October and March. This is supervised by a member of academic staff in a research laboratory or within a local hospital. We also offer educationbased research projects, often in collaboration

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with local schools. Throughout your degree course you will also receive training in transferable skills that will be valuable in many future careers. These include computer skills, communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to interpret and critically evaluate scientic data and manuscripts. In the rst two years, assessment depends on coursework and marks from mid-sessional and end-of-year examinations. Final year assessment is based on library-based and research projects, and your nals examinations. What support is available? All students are allocated a pastoral tutor on arrival. You will meet your tutor in Introductory Week and again midway through the autumn term. You will then have further meetings with your tutor throughout your degree and you are encouraged to contact them at any time to discuss personal issues as and when they arise. These may include concerns about your health, your accommodation, nancial difculties and any other issues that impact on your well-being and ability to study. If necessary, your pastoral tutor will also be able to recommend specialist support services within the University. Academic, as well as pastoral, support is also available. Most rst and second year units include small group tutorials that provide academic, subject-based support aligned to the content of the unit. In your nal year, you will receive support from your research project supervisor, with whom you will have regular meetings.

Whats life like as a student? Bristol is home to a large and diverse neuroscience community. To enable neuroscientists across Bristol to make full use of the expertise and facilities within the University and its partner hospitals the University founded Bristol Neuroscience in 2003 to raise awareness of the extent of neuroscience in Bristol. There is an active student led Neuroscience Society who organise social events, scientic seminars and trips to science events such as the Cheltenham Science Festival. We also have a regular programme of research seminars given by departmental staff and external speakers, which students are encouraged to attend, especially in their nal year. Taking a degree in Neuroscience requires you to work hard but you will also be able to take advantage of the wealth of extra-curricular activities that the University, and the city of Bristol, provides. What are my career prospects? Graduates in Neuroscience have a high rate of employment or go on to further study with typically less than 1% unemployment following graduation. Around 35% of graduates each year enter further study either for higher degrees (5%) or postgraduate medicine/veterinary/dental training (20%). Of students that enter employment on graduation (50%) the career paths are varied and include health and social work, education, nance, publishing, retail, public sector, IT and communications. The remaining graduates take some time out to travel or pursue other interests before nding employment.

Is there any advice you can give me on making my application? You should demonstrate a clear desire to study neuroscience; this may take the form of wider reading in areas of interest that are not necessarily covered in school work. Neuroscience related work experience is not necessary but any involvement in science based work experience or other science activity would be helpful. We have places for 38 candidates each year across the two courses; the number of applicants per place is currently around ten. You will normally be invited to attend an applicant visit day before an offer is made. Can I transfer to another biomedical sciences course? The modular structure of the rst two years allows the possibility of transfer between biomedical sciences courses up to the start of your nal year. It also provides extensive opportunities for contact with students from other disciplines, many of whom take Neuroscience as an optional unit.

Can I take a year in industry? Our BSc Neuroscience with Study in Industry enables you to spend your third year at an industrial placement, usually in a company (such as in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or in a government institute). You will be allocated to a research project and will be employed by the company. During the year you will be visited by your tutor and will need to write an assessed report on the research project. Entry is via the BSc Neuroscience and transfer to the year in industry course happens at the end of the rst year. Transfer may depend on performance in year one and will be dependent on securing an industrial placement.

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Entry data
Typical offer for BSc Neuroscience Please visit bristol.ac.uk/ug13-neuroscience for other qualications A-levels Typical offer AAB (contextual offer ABB) including two sciences one of which can be Mathematics AS-levels No specic subjects required IB Diploma 35 points (contextual offer 33) with 6, 6, 6 at Higher level, including two science subjects at Higher level Access Pass Access to HE Diploma (science) with at least 21 credits at Distinction and 18 credits at Merit with Distinctions in Science IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each part GCSE Mathematics, English language and two sciences Selection UCAS form. Attendance at a post-application visit day is normally required Part-time study No Deferred applications Welcomed Related courses Physiology, Pharmacology

The University assesses applications on their individual merit and in accordance with a set of clearly dened principles as described at bristol.ac.uk/ug-admissions-principles. Admissions statements for all courses are available from bristol.ac.uk/ug-admissions-statements. A contextual offer (UK only) might be given when the educational context of the applicant is taken into account. The University is committed to ensuring that it attracts highly motivated students from a wide range of backgrounds. Our denition of educational disadvantage is reviewed annually and each case is considered on an individual basis.

Contacts
School information For more information about the School of Physiology and Pharmacology and the Neuroscience degree courses, please visit: bristol.ac.uk/phys-pharm bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience Useful contact information Admissions Undergraduate Admissions Ofce Tel: +44 (0)117 331 7203 Fax: +44 (0)117 331 7391 Email: medsciences-ug-admissions@bristol.ac.uk Accommodation Accommodation Ofce Tel: +44 (0)117 954 6640 bristol.ac.uk/accommodation Disability Services Tel: +44 (0)117 331 0444 Fax: +44 (0)117 331 0456 bristol.ac.uk/disability-services Student Funding Ofce Tel: +44 (0)117 331 7972 bristol.ac.uk/studentfunding University guide to the city of Bristol bristol.ac.uk/citybristol International Advice and Support Advice and Support for International Students Tel: +44 (0)117 954 5788 bristol.ac.uk/international/studentsupport

If you need all or part of this publication in an accessible format (eg in Braille, in larger print or on CD), please contact Widening Participation and Undergraduate Recruitment Tel: +44 (0)117 928 8623 Email: ug-publications@bristol.ac.uk

Photographic credit: Nick Smith, William King, Destination Bristol; other photographs University of Bristol. The information contained in this leaet is correct at the time of printing (June 2012). Courses and facilities are liable to alter or be withdrawn at the Universitys discretion.

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