University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2017/18 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience > Neuroscience (BSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PYSI004U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Zafar Bashir
|
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Biosciences (2023) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
i) Basic aspects of the organisation and function of the mammalian body (including from a comparative viewpoint) as a foundation for understanding the nervous system.
(ii) the detailed structural organisation and function of the mammalian nervous system from the molecular to the systems level.
(iii) current research "hotspots" in selected areas of Neuroscience. The programme also aims to:
1. develop a wide range of transferable skills (including general skills as well as those focussed in the biomedical sciences),
2. foster particular skills in neuroscience techniques according to the students own individual interests,
3. prepare the student for a career in research and/or teaching or industry, or for further professional training for a clinical/paraclinical vocation
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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1. Level C - lectures, group practical classes, problem based learning projects, and small group tutorials 2. Level I - as Level C, with the addition of library-and practical-based self-directed learning projects 3. Level H - small group seminars, library study, and original, experimental research projects Independent learning is achieved through written coursework, directed self-education and library and practical research projects. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Level C - unseen written examinations, including True/False MCQs, specimen identification tests, data interpretation questions and evaluation of individual contribution to group problem based learning projects Level I - as Level C, plus library-based course work, essays and practical write-ups Level H - unseen written exams, research dissertation, oral and poster research presentations, extensive library-based coursework Peer marking is used at selected points throughout the programme. Formative assessment is also used throughout the programme, particularly in tutorial work, to provide students with feedback on their progress. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
1. Level C - lectures, group practical classes, problem based learning projects, and small group tutorials 2. Level I - as Level C, with the addition of library-and practical-based self-directed learning projects 3. Level H - small group seminars, library study, and original, experimental research projects Individual research papers are discussed during Level H seminars, and each student will prepare and deliver at least two oral presentations. Practical work progresses from closely supervised practical classes in the first year to an original research project in the final year. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Level C - unseen written examinations, including True/False MCQs, specimen identification tests, data interpretation questions and evaluation of individual contribution to group problem based learning projects Level I - as Level C, plus library-based course work, essays and practical write-ups Level H - unseen written exams, research dissertation, oral and poster research presentations, extensive library-based coursework There is a progressive emphasis on assessment methods that test the ability to critically evaluate source materials, rather than simply recall factual details. The emphasis on oral presentations and laboratory performance increases throughout the programme. Assessment at Level H includes an 8,000 word research report. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Level C - H - personal study skills, problem-solving and use of IT are taught explicitly in lectures, practical classes and tutorials Level H - research project supervisor provides personal guidance in report writing and in giving presentations. Meeting deadlines is encouraged by automatic deduction of marks for late course work. |
Methods of Assessment | |
These skills are assessed formatively in Levels C & I by tutors; also in level I by course work assessment; these skills are assessed summatively in Level H when research and library projects are marked. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Students should develop the ability to assemble information from a wide variety of sources (lectures, practical classes, tutorials and the library), and to assimilate it into essays and reports. They should be able to carry out closely supervised practical work and to interpret and manipulate some scientific data. They must learn to work more independently than in school. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
Students must learn to deal with more intellectually-challenging concepts, and begin to develop the ability to evaluate the information upon which these are based. They must also extend their self-directed learning skills, such that they can write essays and reports based on their own searches of information outside of standard textbooks. They should be able to undertake some student-led practical work. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
Students needs to be able to cope with evolving concepts that are at the forefront of their discipline, and be able to critically evaluate evidence from research papers that may be contradictory. Based on seminar discussion, and advanced reading, they should be able to provide a coherent overview of our current level of understanding, as well as the unresolved issues, in the topics covered. They must also be able to evaluate and interpret new scientific data from their own research project. Oral and written communication skills are developed to their full potential, through seminar discussions, oral presentations, and the writing of a dissertation on their research project. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
Success as an undergraduate student depends on you being able to make the transition to self-motivated, independent learning. The programmes offered in the Faculty are designed to assist you in this development, in many cases by starting with units in which timetabled teaching, such as lectures and practical classes, provides the foundations of knowledge and skills in a subject, moving on to individual research based work. Over time you will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your own learning, guided by the feedback on your work that you will receive from staff. But at the heart of your studies at every level there must be regular and disciplined individual reading, reflection and writing, whether in the library or at home. It is this skill of independent studies, above all others, that will serve you best when you leave the University.
Student workloads in the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences are calculated on the assumption that you will work at least an average of 40 hours per week over the academic year. This workload includes all types of activity related to the delivery and assessment of taught units.
A major component of this workload in the early years of your programme is the time that you spend in class, in contact with the teaching staff, which includes lectures, laboratories, tutorials and practical classes. Outside classes you will need to undertake two types of academic activity. One type is that directed by your unit (such as eBiolabs pre- and post-lab quizzes, practical class reports and project work). The other type requires you to pursue self-motivated independent learning in order to build your knowledge and understanding of the subjects you are studying. Such independent activities include reviewing lecture material, reading textbooks and the scientific literature, and revising for examinations. In later years of your programme, timetabled teaching will make up a smaller proportion of your overall workload and you will spend much of your time pursuing independent study.
Wednesday afternoons are set aside for students to engage in extracurricular activities, such as sporting activities. Note also that formal teaching is undertaken on Wednesday mornings, which in some programmes may preclude absences for travelling to sporting events.
You will be expected to work during most University vacations. All students are expected to use the Christmas and Easter holidays to revise for the examinations held in January and May/June, respectively. Should you be unsuccessful in the examinations, you should expect to set aside sufficient time over the summer vacation firstly to consolidate your understanding and then to revise intensively for the resit examinations held in August/September (resit examinations are not available in the final year of BSc programmes). Certain components of the teaching and assessment are mandatory - for details see individual programme regulations.
The biomedical sciences BSc programmes conform to the University modular framework where 10 credits represent about 100 hours of student work. We recognise that many students have to take paid employment to fund their studies. In order to achieve a sensible balance between work and study, you are advised to undertake paid work for no more than 15 hours per week in term-time.
Assessment Statement
Please select the following link for a statement about assessment. This is University of Bristol access only.
Professor Zafar Bashir
Programme Director – Neuroscience
School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Biomedical Sciences Building
University Walk
Bristol
BS8 1TD
Z.I.Bashir@bristol.ac.uk
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Introduction to Neuroscience | PHPH10012 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Functional Neuroanatomy | PHPH10013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Understanding Body Function A | PHPH10010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Understanding Body Function B | PHPH10011 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Pharmacology 1A | PHPH10003 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Options totalling 20 credit points, normally selected from: | ||||
Pharmacology 1B | PHPH10004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Introduction to Developmental Psychology | PSYC10008 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
Introduction to Biological Psychology | PSYC10009 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Biochemistry: Cellular Processes | BIOC10004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Anatomical Science 1B | ANAT10009 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The following options can also be taken subject to timetabling constraints: | ||||
Biological Chemistry 1B: Powering Biomolecular Interactions | BIOC10002 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Biomedical Research, Employability and Enterprise Skills | MVSF20001 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Neurophysiology | PHPH20009 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Pharmacology of the Nervous System | PHPH20011 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Developmental and Cellular Physiology of the Specialised Cell | PHPH20010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Techniques in Neuroscience | PHPH20007 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
20 credit points from the list below: | ||||
Pharmacology of Body Systems | PHPH20012 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Integrative Physiology | PHPH20008 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Human Anatomy: Thorax, Head and Neck | ANAT20003 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | PSYC10006 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Introduction to Social Psychology | PSYC10007 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Introduction to Developmental Psychology | PSYC10008 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
Introduction to Biological Psychology | PSYC10009 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
The following options can also be taken subject to timetabling constraints: | ||||
Big Ideas in Science | CHEM10001 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Introduction to Philosophy A | PHIL10005 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Philosophy B | PHIL10006 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Normal and Tumour Cells | PANM12051 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Disease and Defence | PANM10002 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language | LANG10120 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
ANY LANGUAGE UNIT | OPEN | 20 | Optional | |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Concepts and Skills | PHPH30007 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Research Project | PHPH30009 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Optional units totalling 60 credit points, are normally selected from the following: | ||||
Synaptic plasticity | PHPH30010 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Synaptic Cell Biology | PHPH30022 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Brain and Behaviour | PHPH30016 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Neuroscience of Pain | PHPH30017 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
New Horizons in Medicine | PHPH30021 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Neurological and Psychiatric disorders | PHPH30013 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Sensational Neuroscience | PHPH30018 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Students may be able to select 20 of their 60 credit points from the following list, subject to timetabling constraints. No more than 20 credit points can be chosen. | ||||
Pharmacology of ion channels and synaptic transmission | PHPH30002 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Receptor signalling and non-drug therapies | PHPH30003 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Pharmacology of the Nervous System | PHPH30004 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
The Heart in Health & Disease | PHPH30019 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease | PHPH30020 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Let's go with the flow, the urinary tract from beginning to end | PHPH30023 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Neuroscience (BSc) | 120 |
Unit Pass Mark for Undergraduate Programmes:
For details on the weightings for classifying undergraduate degrees, please see the Agreed Weightings, by Faculty, to be applied for the Purposes of Calculating the Final Programme Mark and Degree Classification in Undergraduate Programmes.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please refer to the specific progression/award requirements for programmes with a preliminary year of study, the Gateway programmes and International Foundation programmes.
All undergraduate degree programmes allow the opportunity for a student to exit from a programme with a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education.
Integrated Master's degrees may also allow the opportunity for a student to exit from the programme with an equivalent Bachelor's degree where a student has achieved 360 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 6, and has successfully met any additional criteria as described in the programme specification.
The opportunities for a student to exit from one of the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry with an Award is outlined in the relevant Programme Regulations (which are available as an annex in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes).
An Ordinary degree can be awarded if a student has successfully completed at least 300 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 6.
The pass mark for the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry is 50 out of 100. The classification of a degree in the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry is provided in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000