Neuroscience BSc Honours

This module aims to introduce you to the biomedical profession and job prospects while developing essential laboratory skills, safety practices, and communication methods necessary for academic and professional advancement, particularly in clinical laboratory settings. This module also aims to promote teamwork among students and encourages self-reflection as an integral component of professional development practices.

The module is designed to provide you with a sound knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theories related to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, brain and behaviour. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of individual differences, cognitive and biological psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these characteristic approaches adopted within these areas of psychology, you are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. These topics will also be considered in the context of future employability and career trajectories for students. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) core module gives you an overview of biological and cognitive psychology. Research informed teaching will focus on topics covering the brain, body and mind, including the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and how this relates to cognition. The module is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component with an emphasis on individual differences in biology. Through a series of specialised psychophysiology lab sessions, you will investigate central and peripheral nervous system activity and their relation to behaviour. The lab sessions provide a practical and hands on learning experience. You will get an introduction to personality psychology and how this relates to biopsychology and cognitive science.

The module aims to provide an understanding of the action of therapeutic and recreational drugs on the nervous system. It also provides an appreciation of steps required to develop a new therapeutic drug.

This module equips you with principles of neurophysiology and understanding of the main neurophysiological techniques. On completion of this module you will be able to justify the choice of neurophysiological techniques in pathophysiology.

This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.

The module will build on earlier learning, enabling you to develop a much deeper understanding of neurology. It also provides a basis for an exploration of neurological disorders at neurogenetic, molecular or cellular level, and an appreciation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in neurology.

This module aims to provide an understanding of the biological basis of electroencephalography (EEG) and pathological processes and the role of EEG in their investigations. The module will also support and develop the work-based training by providing a description of normal and abnormal EEG.

The module develops your understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a range of diagnostic techniques. You will learn to recognise abnormal results and relate them to basic technical problems, anatomical or physiological changes in the human body. The module also covers the ethical and legal issues related to clinical decisions and the collection, storage and use of medical data.

This module introduces you to core aspects of evolutionary theory and demonstrates the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. It covers how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. It also discusses how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. You will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology, discussing key findings and methodological differences.

The aims of this module are to give you a working knowledge of the principles and practice of cellular and molecular pathology and to gain experience in the application of commonly used techniques and the delivery of cellular pathology services. Emphasis is placed on the use of histological equipment, and on routine and special staining techniques for the demonstration of pathological conditions.

This module will provide a comprehensive survey of the living primates with a focus of research in the wild (ethology) and in the psychology lab (comparative psychology). In recent years, experimental and observational research in primate behaviour and cognition has exploded, and this primatology module will provide you with up-to-date knowledge of the major areas of study. The primatology module provides a rich learning opportunity for you and help you understand the foundations of human nature that we share with our primate cousins. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities between humans and other primates.

You will learn by attending lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Seminars and workshops are a great opportunity to discuss what you have learnt in lectures and through independent study with your peers and tutors. Most seminar groups have about 20-40 students. For one-to-one support, you will meet with either your personal tutor or module leader.

Your work will be divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.

You will gain knowledge and understanding through short key concept videos, interactive sessions, seminars/workshops, and laboratory work. You will work with peers, through presentations, debates and group work; and independently through reading, structured and directed learning, and reflection. You will apply and build on learning through problem-solving exercises, analysis of case studies, research projects and development of portfolio material.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. 

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus laboratory sessions.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 10 hours of interactive sessions
• 2 hours of supervised laboratory practicals

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams. 

Your independent learning is supported by the library and study hub, laptop hire, and with online materials in MyMDX. 

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2 and 3

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

We will assess your understanding and progress on each module through a variety of formative tasks designed to provide feedback that helps with summative assessments, which contribute to your final grades. 

Your summative assessments will encompass a diverse range of authentic tasks that reflect real-world professional and workplace activities. These include laboratory reports, lab books, case studies focusing on interpreting clinical and near-patient test results, presentations, project work, research tasks, portfolios, and both practical and written examinations rooted in real-world scenarios. By simulating workplace tasks, these assessments help you develop the skills and competencies necessary for a professional environment. 

Most modules include a combination of mid-module and end-of-module assessments to ensure a balanced evaluation of your progress. 

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Our specialist Employability Service and north London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain placement opportunities.