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Neuroscience  (SNC2)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Tara McMorrow
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
N/A
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 0

Curricular information is subject to change.

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 drugs to prevent or manage these disorders.

Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.

Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.

As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.

A limited number of Fourth Year projects are available in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark; the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum; and in the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt.

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.

Dr Derek Costello
UCD School of Biomolecular and
Biomedical Science
askscience@ucd.ie


Stage 2

Students take at least 5 core modules. Students complete 50 credits from programme modules (core/options). Additional modules can be selected from within the BSc programme to complete 60 credits or alternatively, students can select 10 credits from elective modules.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
BMOL20060 Biomolecular Lab Skills 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BMOL20090 Molecular Genetics and Biotech Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BMOL20110 Biomolecular Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BMOL20070 Biomolecular Lab Skills 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
NEUR20050 Principles of Neuroscience Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If Physics has not been taken in the Leaving Certificate and if not previously taken in Stage 1, students enrolled to Stage 2 Neuroscience must take PHYC10070 in Stage 2
PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
CHEM20090 is a CORE MODULE for students who wish to progress with any subject in the BBB stream. Students registered to, or who have taken, both CHEM20080 and CHEM20100, are not required to take CHEM20090. Students who are unable to register to CHEM20090 should contact the Science Office
CHEM20090 Chemistry for Biology Autumn  5