- intro
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The broad first year will ensure that you receive a strong foundation in all aspects of the subject, and training in relevant study skills. You will attend lectures, practical classes and tutorials that will introduce you to systems science (Behaviour, Brain and Body) and to cell biology (Cells, Molecules, Genes), as well as classes in essential physical, mathematical and statistical concepts to give you the confidence to work with primary literature later in the course.
Entering the second year, a wide range of modules is available:
Full options (16 lectures) Half options (8 lectures) - Molecular biology
- Developmental biology
- Systems physiology
- General pharmacology
- Cellular pathology
- Immunology, microbiology
- Endocrinology and Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioural neuroscience
- Developmental psychology
- Psychiatric disorders
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Memory, attention and information processing
- Cellular physiology
- Neural circuits
- Neuropharmacology
- Intracellular signalling
- Protein structure
- Auditory neuroscience
- Visual neuroscience
from which you will select five to learn in greater depth about biochemistry and genetics, pathological processes, neuroscience and psychology, and physiology and pharmacology. Your choices will to some extent be shaped by the area in which you anticipate you will specialise in the final year, although they will also offer you the chance to explore where your interests really lie before you make that decision.
By the beginning of your third year, you will have chosen whether you wish to graduate from the course with either a BA degree in Cell and Systems Biology or a BA degree in Neuroscience. Students electing for the pathway in Cell and Systems Biology will study themes from two of five specialised options (Neuroscience; Molecular Medicine; Myocardial, Vascular and Respiratory Biology; Infection and Immunity; Signalling in Health and Disease), whereas students electing for Neuroscience will select two from around twenty Psychology advanced courses to study alongside themes from the specialised Neuroscience option. The course in the third year is intended to encourage both in-depth, focussed study, and also integrative thinking that seeks out connections between different research disciplines.
SUMMARY CHART
YEAR 1
Courses (all compulsory):
1. Systems: Brain, Body and Behaviour
2. Molecules, Cells and Genes
3. Numerical and Mathematical skills
(Preliminary written papers sat at end of the summer)
Three terms
Preliminary Examination
YEAR 3: Advanced Pathway
CELLS & SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
Select two options from a choice of five offered by the Medical School.
A. Neuroscience
B. Molecular Medicine
C. Myocardial, Vascular and Respiratory Biology
D. Infection and Immunity
E. Signalling in Health and Disease
Final Examination (Part 2) in summer of third year
YEAR 2
Select five courses from a wide selection of full options and half options offered by the contributing departments:
Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics
Biochemistry
Experimental Psychology
Pathology
Pharmacology
(Part 1 written papers sat at start of the summer)
Two terms
Part 1 Examination
YEAR 3: Advanced Pathway
Neuroscience
Select two options from a choice of five offered by the Department of Experimental Psychology (see website for current list of EP advanced options)
AND
Three themes from the Neuroscience option offered by the Medical School - see BMS Year 3 page for details of current themes within options.
