Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, directed towards understanding how cells within the nervous system interact with each other to form the brain and regulate body functions, human behaviour, memory, emotions and consciousness. The malfunction of the nervous system lies at the heart of a number of devastating and currently incurable conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Neuroscience research probes the mechanisms underlying such malfunctions, with a view to helping in the discovery of therapies to prevent or manage these disorders.

Information on pathways, internships and careers is available in the Undergraduate Courses Brochure (PDF).

Neuroscience is one of the degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream of the common entry Science course. After meeting the requirements for their preferred stream(s) in first year and studying at least two subjects in second year, students submit their degree subject preferences. While we aim to accommodate student preferences, places can be competitive.

For more information on choosing a degree subject at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Neuroscience student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Cell Biology & Genetics • Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry • Biomedical Sciences • Biology in Action • Life on Earth • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module

Second Year
Biomolecular Lab Skills • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Principles of Neuroscience • Chemistry for Biologists • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules 

Third Year
Cell Signalling • Membrane biology • Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative & Psychiatric Illness • Data Modelling for Science • Nervous System Development • Sensory Neuroscience • Higher Cortical Function • Advanced Nervous System Pharmacology • Optional Modules • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Research Project • Synaptic plasticity • Advanced Neurochemistry • Molecular Neuroimmunology • Synaptic Signalling • Advanced Topics in Neural Development & Degeneration 

Timetables & Assessment 
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Professional Work Experience
A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups.

A limited number of opportunities are available to undertake Fourth Year research projects atinternational institutions. These include: the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen,Denmark; the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University, Bochum; the Max Planck Institute forBrain Research, Frankfurt; and the University of Goettingen, Germany.

As a Neuroscience graduate, you will have the opportunity to obtain employment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical research, drug development and clinical trials, hospital and university laboratories, neuroscience research institutes, and government agencies. Neuroscience graduates also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level.

PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas as diverse as biotechnology, cell biology, and biomedical and health science. Many graduates also pursue graduate medicine and graduate pharmacy courses.

Students have an opportunity to undertake an industry research placement for 6 months commencing in the Summer following Third Year (i.e. June-December). Assessment is based on a thesis, oral presentations and a laboratory report.

Students in recent years have completed internships at the Max Planck Institute, Ulysses Neuroscience and MSD.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

UCD Science allowed me tailor my degree to encompass all the aspects of science I need in order to succeed while keeping me intrigued and excited along the way. In third year, I was lucky to partake in the Erasmus Programme at the University of Nottingham, which gave me a different insight into the scope of neuroscience and the opportunities it presents. In addition, I had the absolute privilege of doing a 6-month thesis project in the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, which allowed me to work as a real scientist in a lab, something I see myself doing in the future.

Jodie, Graduate