Neuroscience

Designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Neuroscience, the Aston BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme explores the development and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system and ask important questions about what makes us think and feel, how our brains process information and what brain cells and synapses do. As a neuroscientist, you will take an interdisciplinary approach, investigating the brain using many different approaches: from mathematics to molecular biology and from artificial intelligence to electrophysiology.

Develop an understanding of the brain and nervous system from the microscopic level to the whole organism. The course will give you an opportunity to learn neuropharmacology through tissue bath experiments, perform EEG and EMG recordings and analyse the data with research-grade tools, undertake complex brain-slice recordings to discover how drugs work and how our brains are organised and function, explore how natural toxins and nerve agents are used in the research lab to discover how our brain cells talk to each other and discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

Year 1
Experience a thorough and ‘hands-on’ grounding in the core principles and techniques used in neuroscience through a mixture of lectures and practical experience. Learn how the molecular powerhouses of our cells work, how receptors and signalling cascades control our bodies’ development and function, and how all this comes together to enable our sensory systems and combat infection.

Year 2
Further develop your Year-1 knowledge by studying the foundations of neuroscience in greater depth, along with a range of specialist subjects. Explore how our brains and organs function on a cellular and systems level and, in a large dedicated module at the end of the year, learn how the systems and areas of our brain communicate and co-ordinate with each other to make decisions, process information and create new ideas.

Optional placement year
Enhance your employability and build professional connections with a year in industry, supported by our careers and placements team.

Final Year
Take an in-depth look at the processes, progression and treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders. Study dementias, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and more, to apply your fundamental knowledge of neuroscience to real-world issues.

Choose a range of optional modules led by researchers in the field, from how oscillations drive conditions such as schizophrenia and epilepsy to how stress can shape our brain's development.

Facilities
Aston's laboratories are among the best in the UK higher education sector, designed to give hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in modern drug discovery and disease research.

You'll work with organ-bath rigs to explore drug- action studies, brain slice rigs for advanced neuropharmacology studies, and human EEG and EMG recording systems to investigate nervous system activity. Labs are also equipped with a wide range of molecular biology equipment, providing the opportunity to learn the same skills scientists use to uncover disease mechanisms and develop new drug treatments. You'll also have access to a wide range of dedicated software, well-equipped computer labs and extensive library collections to make sure you’ve got the resources needed to follow your intellectual curiosity. Many of Aston's academic staff are world-leading researchers, working in high-spec, cutting-edge laboratories.

Career prospects
Neuroscience graduates enjoy broad opportunities in the UK and abroad, in neurophysiology, AI, big data, medical writing, and more, supported by strong industry links.

Please note we do not offer a Foundation programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.

Course Modules

Year 1:
Receptor Theory and Toxins / Biochemistry and Cell Biology / Cellular Neurobiology / Immunobiology / Systems Biology / Key Skills 1.

Year 2:
Peripheral Pharmacology / Neuropharmacology / Personalised Medicine / Molecular Neurobiology / Advanced Systems Neurobiology / Key Skills 2.

Optional Placement Year:
Gain vital work experience to broaden your knowledge and skills.

Final Year:
Neurological Disorders / Research Project plus three 15-credit modules from a range of optional modules.

For a full list of modules and course objectives, visit the course page on Aston University's website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/neuroscience-bsc

The Aston neuroscience curriculum utilises a range of different assessment types and the assessment strategy reflects the national educational requirements in the FHEQ including examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple choice questions), essays, practical reports (group or individual), presentations, laboratory reports, project work, computer-based assessment, and peer assessments.