Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
2017 entry

The BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience explores the interface between psychology and neurobiology and how the brain and the rest of the nervous system work in both health and disease. In your studies, you will be introduced to molecular, cellular and physiological processes; cellular and applied neurobiology; pharmacology and neurochemistry; cognitive and behavioural neuroscience; and clinical psychology.

During your degree, you will receive first-hand research experience in state-of-the-art neuroscience teaching facilities. You will be encouraged to explore a number of different research topics from neurological disorders and drug addictions to motor control and learning processes.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

B140

Course type

Bachelor of Science (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Four years full time

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

AAAB, including at least two of the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics.
GCE A-Levels

AAB, including at least two of the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics.
IB points

35, including at least two of the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

Find out more about international entry requirements.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No previous knowledge of Neuroscience or Psychology is required. 

Faculty entry requirements

You must meet the Faculty of Science minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty.

Find out more about Faculty of Science entry requirements.

Course information

The BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience is a four-year course run by both the School of Biology and the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. Your first two years of study provide an introduction to a variety of subjects which make up contemporary psychology and biology, including the relations between brain and behaviour, ecological diversity, and cell systems.

The skills you gain in statistical analysis, research and presentation will prepare you for your final two years, during which you will have the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of advanced subjects. Potential subjects include (but are not limited to):

  • pharmacology
  • neurodegeneration
  • motoneurons
  • clinical psychology. 

During your final year, you will also carry out a research project on a topic chosen in consultation with staff from the School.

Find out more about studying Neuroscience at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Psychology and Biology alongside modules in at least one other subject.

Typically, you will take two to three Psychology and Biology modules per semester during your first two years, and four to five per semester during your third and fourth year (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

Students will take the following compulsory first-year modules:

  • Psychology 1: introduces the theoretical foundations, historical perspectives and modern developments of psychology, and provides a thorough grounding in the empirical basis of psychology.
  • Psychology 2: expands upon the topics discussed during Psychology 1 and continues to introduce the variety of subjects which make up contemporary psychology.
  • Biology 1: an introduction to molecular and cellular biology, covering cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
  • Biology 2: an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth, which addresses key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life.

Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:

  • Psychology 1(second year): covers the relations between different aspects of psychology in addition to providing more in-depth coverage of material taught in the first year. It also contains a methodology component covering laboratory and field techniques.
  • Psychology 2(second year): provides a more advanced treatment of a number of areas in psychology and extends the range of teaching from Psychology 1.
  • Cell Biology: introduces the concept of ‘a cell’, moving on to discuss different types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Cell Systems: discusses how cells interact with one another to form complex tissues and organisms.

 You will also choose two additional modules out the following selection:

  • Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology, covering fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, DNA replication and repair.
  • Evolutionary Biology: an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology.
  • Biochemistry: examines major biological macromolecules, the common motifs which occur in metabolic reactions, the properties of enzymes catalysing these reactions, and the approaches to characterise the small molecule complement (metabolites) of biological systems.
  • Comparative Physiology: covers the principles of physiological adaptation in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats.

If you decide to take Neuroscience in your third and fourth years, you choose from a wide variety of advanced options, including modules ranging from clinical and developmental psychology to cognitive, behavioural, cellular and molecular neuroscience.

Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:

  • Cognition
  • Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Sex Differences and Gender Development
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neurodegeneration and Aging
  • Neuromodulation.

In fourth year, students will conduct a research project which will involve extensive laboratory or field research to investigate a problem broadly within biology, psychology or neuroscience. The project will culminate in the production of a high-quality report that demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen area of research. 

The modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. A full list of all modules currently available can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

Neuroscience is taught using a wide variety of methods including traditional lectures, seminars, practicals, tutorials and individual supervision. At sub-honours level, class sizes range from 140 to 350 students in lectures and 40 to 60 students for practical labs down to only 6 to 8 students for small-group tutorials.

At Honours level, much of the teaching is in small groups and there is a considerable amount of one-on-one contact with staff. Class sizes typically range from about 20 to 150 students for lectures down to individual supervision.

In addition to lectures and tutorials, students are expected to undertake substantial independent, but guided, work outside of the classroom. 

Assessment

Psychology and Neuroscience sub-honours modules are assessed by 25% coursework and 75% multiple choice questions or written examinations. Biology sub-honours modules are assessed by an equal weighting of coursework and written examinations.

At Honours level, modules are either entirely assessed by coursework, by examination, or by a mixture of the two.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.

The School provides feedback on every assessment, with a view to improving your performance in future.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2017 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £20,570

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2017.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Your future

Careers

Neuroscience is a wide and varied field of study, encompassing the workings of the brain and the nervous system. Graduates of Neuroscience degrees go into a range of career areas, including:

  • research in industry or universities
  • clinical sciences
  • biotechnology
  • pharmaceutical industry
  • medical devices industry
  • medicine, dentistry and midwifery
  • regulatory affairs, policy and research administration
  • teaching in schools and universities
  • science communication (publishing and media)
  • neuro-marketing and advertising
  • management consultancy.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Neuroscience may be interested in joining the following student societies:

  • Psychology and Neuroscience Society organises academic activities such as lectures and trips to Edinburgh Zoo, as well as weekly lunches, a ball and other kinds of socials.
  • Biology Society organises regular social meetups and biology-related events throughout the year.

Neuroscience students will typically take their modules in the beautiful Old Library building and in the Carnegie wing of the Bute Building, located inside St Mary’s Quad on the south side of town. They will typically take their biology modules in the Medical and Biomolecular Sciences building at the North Haugh on the western edge of town.

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland. Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

School of Psychology and Neuroscience
University of St Andrews
St Mary's Quad
South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9JP

Phone: +44 (0) 1334 462157
Email: psych@st-andrews.ac.uk 

School of Psychology and Neuroscience website