Neuroscience BSc (Hons) 2018 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 2018 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

  • Start date: 10 September 2018
  • End date: 30 June 2022

If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Neuroscience BSc page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

AAAB, including at least two of the following subjects:

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

AAB, including at least two of the following subjects:

  • Biology or Human Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics.
IB points

35, including a least two of the following subjects:

  • Biology or Human 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.

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes, please see our entry requirements for more information.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No previous knowledge of this subject is required.

Faculty entry requirements

You must also 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. More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements webpage.

Find out more about Faculty of Science entry requirements.

Timetables

St Andrews students must meet with their Adviser of Studies at the beginning of Semester 1 in September to complete advising – a compulsory part of the matriculation process. After module choices have been decided, a timetable will be allocated indicating the dates and times of classes.

Reputation

Psychology and Neuroscience at St Andrews was ranked second in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2018 and first in Scotland by the Complete University Guide 2018 for student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects.

The School of Psychology and Neuroscience is determined to foster an inclusive environment that promotes equality and values diversity. In 2014, the School was awarded the Athena SWAN bronze award in recognition of its commitment to advancing the careers of women in science.

Research within the School of Psychology and Neuroscience was ranked second in Scotland by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework with 84% of the research rated world leading and internationally excellent.

The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2017 as 94% of St Andrews final year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.

In 2017, the University received a TEF Gold award for the quality of teaching and the undergraduate experience.

Find out more about studying Neuroscience at St Andrews.

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. 

Alongside Neuroscience, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about more about how academic years are organised.

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

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure webpage.

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:

  • 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.
  • Ecology: introduces basic concepts in population and community ecology and how they relate to biodiversity.
  • Evolutionary Biology: an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology.
  • Invertebrate Zoology: surveys the major invertebrate groups, emphasizing the diversity of body plans while demonstrating how the common functional requirements such as feeding, reproduction, respiration and excretion are achieved.
  • Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology, covering fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, DNA replication and repair.
  • Research Methods in Biology: helps students develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving.
  • Vertebrate Zoology: explore the diversity of vertebrate animals, beginning with the closest relatives of vertebrates and the evolutionary origins of the group. 

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 sub-honours 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. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. 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.

When not attending lectures, tutorials and labs, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:

  • working on individual and group projects
  • undertaking research in the library
  • preparing coursework assignments and presentations
  • preparing for examinations.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and knowledge of Neuroscience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of laboratory classes and seminars under the supervision of the module leader. 

You can find contact information for all Neuroscience staff on the School of Psychology and Neuroscience website.

In addition to your studies in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, optional academic support is available through practical study skills courses and workshops hosted within the University.

The University’s student services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities webpage.

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, and aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within three weeks.

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. Please note that some Schools offer qualified entry to Honours, and this will be clearly specified in the programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please visit the common reporting scale webpage.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2018 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £21,290

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed 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 2018.

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. Students 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 

Psychology and Neuroscience website