PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Neuroscience
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
BSc or MSci
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
B140 (for BSc), B141 (for MSci)
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From September 2011 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Life Sciences
Parent Department:
Division of Biosciences, Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/degree-programmes/bscneuroscience
Method of study:
Full-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away
from UCL, such as study abroad or
placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
BSc: 3 years
MSci 4 years
Level 6
Biosciences
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
BSc: 3 years; 4 CU per year; assessment mainly by written
examination and assessment of coursework/project work; pass mark
for individual course units is 40%.
MSci: 4 years; 4 CU per year; assessment in the first 3 years as for
BSc; in the final year pass mark is 50% in each element with an overall
average of 50%; the dissertation must be passed at 50%.
Name of Board of Examiners:
“Board of examiners in Neuroscience”
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
BSc: The programme gives students a broad foundation in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience, including Cell and
Molecular Biology, Physiology and Genetics, in Year 1. It provides in-depth training in core areas of Neuroscience,
including Neuroanatomy, Neuropharmacology, Neurophysiology and Molecular Neuroscience in Years 2-3. Practical
experience of the subject is provided in all years. Development of intellectual and
transferable skills is encouraged and supported in all years.
MSci: The MSci (fourth) year will provide further training in an area of specialisation chosen by the student,
teach important research skills and support the development of additional intellectual and key skills. MSci
students are thus prepared for a career in research but also acquire skills that are widely applicable.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
BSc:
The foundations of cell and molecular
biology, basic mammalian physiology, the
principles of chemistry for biologists,
the structure and function of the nervous
system.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition through one-hour lectures and
associated small-group tutorials, extensive library
work, and preparation of coursework. In addition to
attendance at lectures and tutorials, students will be
required to study extensively on their own.
Advanced understanding in the areas of
specialisation in neuroscience and
related subjects.
We encourage choice from the wide range of
options within the Faculty of Life Sciences as well
as courses in environmental, physical, medical and
human sciences taught by other Faculties at UCL.
Current developments in neuroscience
and related biological sciences and their
application; ethical issues; experimental
skills; critical analysis of the literature.
Students are encouraged to engage with current
developments throughout the course and, in
particular, in the Introduction to Neuroscience
NEUR1004 in Year 1 and during the 3rd year
research project.
4th year MSci:
Deeper understanding of complex issues;
current research in a specific area
including critical interpretation and
presentation of the student’s own
research results; advanced application of
modern research techniques
(experimental and computer-based);
knowledge and understanding of recent
research developments.
Masters level courses provide the opportunity to
obtain deeper understanding of current biological
research. The 4th year research project will provide
practical training in research skills and students are
expected to show initiative
Assessment:
Students will be assessed by a variety of methods,
but primarily ‘unseen’ examinations, coursework
and a dissertation. The last mentioned is a required
method of assessment.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
BSc:
To analyse, synthesise and summarise
information critically; to recognise and
apply biological concepts and principles;
to test hypotheses through literature or
laboratory based research.
4th year MSci:
To develop analytical and critical skills
further, and to formulate and test
hypotheses through original research.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Intellectual skills will be taught using a variety of
approaches including project-based learning,
essays, literature review, problem sheets, tutorial
discussion groups, field projects.
Throughout the project the supervisor will provide
guidance how to critically engage with the research
topic
Assessment:
In particular through assessment of project work,
oral presentation and extended essays.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
BSc:
The programme provides hands-on
experience of many of the major practical
components of biological sciences. These
include good laboratory practice;
collection and handling of biological
tissue; observation and experimentation;
experimental design; data analysis and
interpretation; use of internet and
computer resources.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures will be backed up by tutorials. There
will be close monitoring of student learning by
the Programme Tutor and individual
Year Tutors.
Many of the compulsory and optional courses
include a substantial component of laboratory
work, usually on a weekly basis.
Computer clusters provide access to online
resources.
4th year MSci:
Research will be conducted using current
techniques in a ‘real’ research
environment. This requires good record
keeping; handling of complex, long-term
experiments and of modern research
equipment. It also teaches greater
responsibility and awareness of health
and safety issues.
Fourth-year research projects will be carried out in
an active neuroscience research laboratory in the
Faculty of Life Sciences or in one of UCL’s
Research Institutes. This research will be spread
over Terms 1 and 2 and conducted in the time
available between taught courses, in agreement
with the supervisor and Year Tutor. The students
will also attend journal clubs and lab meetings.
Assessment:
Practical skills gained within taught courses will be
assessed by write-ups of practical work. 3rd and
4th year research projects will examined by a
written dissertation and a mandatory oral
presentation in the presence of examiners.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
BSc:
Throughout the programme, emphasis
will be placed on acquisition of relevant
transferable skills. These include IT skills;
reading and critical evaluation of
published research material; quantitative
skills; a range of very general skills such
as effective communication, oral
presentation; the ability to work
independently; self-management skills;
production of a CV, etc.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
4th year MSci:
In addition to the skills above, emphasis
will be on project planning; testing of
hypotheses; management of resources
and time; interpersonal skills through
teamwork with other members of the
research group.
The 4th year research project provides an ideal
opportunity to develop key skills, not only through
conducting the research itself, but also through
discussion and interaction not only with the
supervisor but also with postgraduate and
postdoctoral members of the research group at the
bench and in lab meetings and journal clubs.
Development of student transferable skills will be fostered
during all courses in the programme. Tutorials
are an integral part of many courses. Transferable
skills are also acquired through individual or group
written and oral presentations.
Assessment:
Transferable skills will be assessed through the
normal methods of assessment in all courses, as
above.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmarkstatements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Prof Paola Pedarzani
Name(s):
Date of Production:
10 November 2009 / 21 November 2011
Date of Review:
June 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
June 2015
June 2015