MSci Neuroscience (B141)

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Course summary

The MSci Neuroscience is a four-year degree with an extended project in the final year. The course provides an opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of how to plan and perform experimental research in a specialised subject area. The final year provides valuable experience in research and you will develop the skills required to embark on a career as a researcher.

The first three years follow the BSc Neuroscience course. In the first and second years you will explore many aspects of neuroscience, including the neurophysiology of the central nervous system; the pharmacology of drugs that affect the nervous system; and the techniques that have enabled advances in understanding the nervous system.

Alongside neuroscience, you will also learn about how other specialised body systems work and will have the opportunity to study complementary subject areas, including psychology and anatomical science, broadening your knowledge of biomedical sciences.

By the third year you will be learning at the forefront of current research, taking units such as Synaptic Plasticity; Brain and Behaviour; and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. You will also spend a total of 30 days on a research project.

The majority of your fourth year will focus on an extended research project in a laboratory environment. You will also develop valuable skills in communicating science to the public and will develop a portfolio of public engagement activities. This final year will instil a range of skills essential for understanding how to plan and conduct research projects; these skills are widely applicable to future employment and will benefit those considering future PhD training.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
ABB including AB in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

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85% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA in two core science/mathematics subjects, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from one of the following, and 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in another: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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