Neuroscience
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major offered by the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Psychology. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
About the major
Study of the brain and nervous system is one of the largest and fastest growing endeavors of the biological sciences. Neuroscience is recognised as a discipline in its own right and a hallmark of the discipline is its acknowledgement of its multidisciplinary history.
The program and major comprise units of study from the School of Psychology and the School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology; Physiology and Pharmacology). Neuroscience is identified as one of the research strengths of the University. The neurosciences are both taught and actively researched at multiple locations in the University and this program and major offers a pivot around which students can navigate this particular research strength.
The program is offered in an expanding area of global research activity, and in a subject which is already enjoying translation in a number of areas, for example in the fields of engineering, computation, economics and business.
Requirements for completion
A program in Neuroscience requires 60 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(ii) A major in Neuroscience
A major in Neuroscience requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 24 credit points of 3000-level core units
A minor in Neuroscience is available and articulates to this major.
First year
Core to major: CHEM1XX1, PSYC1002
The program in Neuroscience begins in first year with an introduction to psychology and an introduction to chemistry, each provides key foundational knowledge in understanding brain structure and function.
Second year
Core to major: PSYC2X10, ANAT2X10 (students enrolled in the Medical Science stream take MEDS2005).
Core to program: PCOL2011, PHSI2X05.
The program in Neuroscience continues in second year with units that focus on the structure and organisation of the central nervous system, the physiological actions of its component cells, their neurochemistry and functional relations. We consider also the behavioural and cognitive processes that are possible through these different levels of functional organisation.
Third year
The third year units in the program provide greater breadth and depth in understanding brain structure and function:
Core: NEUR3X05, NEUR3X06, PCOL3X22, PSYC3X14.
These units focus on:
(i) gaining advanced understanding of functional neuroanatomy and systems neuroscience, through a detailed exploration of the anatomical structures and pathways that underlie sensation and perception in each of the sensory modalities.
(ii) understanding the mechanisms that drive neurons and neural circuits throughout the brain and body.
(iii) understanding the neuropharmacology of the major neurotransmitters and their role in neuropsychiatric diseases, together with the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders, stroke, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, pain and schizophrenia; and
(iv) considering the approaches to studying neurosciences specifically about molecular, pre-clinical and clinical models of brain function.
In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced Coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000 level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Neuroscience: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
Address:
School of Medical Sciences
Anderson Stuart Building F13
University of Sydney NSW 2006
School of Psychology
Griffith Taylor Building (A19)
University of Sydney NSW 2006
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T +61 2 9351 2841
Dr Karen Cullen
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T +61 2 9351 2696
W sydney.edu.au/medicine/anatomy/
Honours Contact:
Associate Professor Kevin Keay
T +61 2 9351 4132
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Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Neuroscience will be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding the fundamental organization of the brain and nervous system from its gross structure to the intracellular and molecular levels.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding the fundamental functional properties of molecular, intracellular, cellular, circuit and systems components of the brain and nervous system.
- Relate the structural organization and functional properties of the nervous system to the observable processes of behaviour and cognition.
- Search, identify, discuss and evaluate the primary scientific literature in the field of the neurosciences.
- Specify hypotheses, design research plans and specify experiments that address and test the hypotheses. Understand the methodology of the neuroscientist in the past, the present, the state-of-the-art and to discuss the aspirations of the future.
- Analyse, illustrate, describe, and present primary research data.
- Work autonomously and independently, work in small groups, work in seminar groups, lead discussion and assume responsibility for teaching and learning.
- Communicate clearly and effectively. Communicate in written form for specialist, generalist and lay audiences. Communicate in oral form for specialist, generalist and lay audiences. Experience communicating the neurosciences through other forms of multi-media, ie., film, video, photography, 3-D media and printing.
- Understand the place of neurosciences in community and society, its medical, educational, social and global importance, its power and potential, its uses and possible abuses.