More info on studying Neuroscience:

Neuroscience

What is neuroscience?

Neuroscience embraces all aspects of the functioning of the nervous system, both in health and disease. The scope of the topic ranges from an understanding of the molecular, biochemical and cellular machinery that underpins communication between nerve cells, through to the integration and processing of complex sensory inputs to generate outputs that are benefi cial to the survival of an organism. Higher cognitive functions, such as learning, memory and emotions ultimately depend upon cellular and neuronal network substrates that Neuroscience endeavors to reveal and explain. The discipline grows in importance to society as the aged proportion of the population increases, bringing new challenges in the treatment and management of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Modern Neuroscience is not an isolated discipline, but rather one that integrates the inputs of, for example, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Psychology and Psychiatry to address the normal and abnormal functioning (e.g. epilepsy, depression) of the nervous system in a multifaceted approach. Such inputs are emphasized in the course developed at Dundee.

What is unique about neurosciences at dundee?

The programme at Dundee is an Honours specialization that offers an excellent balance between molecular and cellular aspects of the subject, and systems and clinical neuroscience. A major strength of the programme is its emphasis upon clinically relevant aspects of the discipline and coverage of behaviours and neurological conditions that by their prevalence or severe morbidity are issues of concern to society. In this respect, many course units benefit from the active involvement of medical doctors, bringing a therapeutic perspective to our Honours degree programme. All Honours units are pitched at the cutting-edge of Neuroscience research and are delivered by acknowledged experts in their field.

What can a neuroscience graduate do?

Neuroscience graduates pursue a variety of careers that utilize their specialist knowledge, or more generally draw upon the analytical and organisational skills developed in their training.
Furthermore, a degree in Neuroscience, in common with many other Life Science degrees, can provide a qualification for graduate entry to Medicine or Dentistry.
Specific career paths for Neuroscience graduates include:
  • academic research (Universities, or Institutes)
  • research and administrative posts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
  • veterinary research
  • diagnostic work in hospital laboratories
  • medical/scientific information (e.g. bioinformatics)
  • science and the media (e.g. scientific journalism), or publishing
  • management/administrative positions in scientific charities
Opportunities also exist in Government bodies that include:
  • the Ministry of Defense
  • research funding councils

Degrees

BSc (Hons) Neuroscience

Further information – useful web sites:

Course contact:

Dr Geoff Lyles
The University of Dundee is a Scottish Registered Charity, No. SC015096