Intercalated BSc in Neuroscience and Basic Medical Sciences
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Awarding body/institution: Queen Mary, University of London
Teaching Institution: Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry
Name of final award BSc in Neuroscience
Programme Title: Intercalated BSc in Neuroscience and Basic Medical Sciences
Criteria for admission:
The course is of one academic year’s duration, designed specifically for medical or dental
students who have completed two (pre-clinical) to four years of the MBBS/BDS course, i.e.
students who wish to intercalate a degree before entering the final year of the MBBS/BDS
degree programme.
The course is open to all eligible students within the University of London, and also to
students who have fulfilled the above entrance requirements at other UK or EU medical
schools. The course is offered within the Blizard Institute, Centre for Neuroscience and
Trauma, and the successful candidates will receive a BSc degree of the University of
London.
The entrance requirements are:
a. Completion of the first 2 years of a medical/dental course and satisfactory performance
in the examinations prior to entering the BSc.
b. The course is offered for a minimum of 5 students, with a maximum of up to 18. No
candidate will be accepted without interview.
c. Selection of internal students by the standardised intercalated degree ranking/interview
procedure, as outlined in the intercalated degrees prospectus and web pages.
Aims of the programme:
Neuroscience is an exciting and rapidly developing field, both in terms of understanding the
functioning of the brain and spinal cord and developing treatments for neurological and
psychiatric disorders. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the
neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neuropharmacological and neuroimmunological
processes that are involved in functioning of the normal nervous system and how these are
altered in specific disease states. The Neuroscience modules cover the basic cellular
neurobiology followed by applied modules which look at disorders of spinal and supraspinal
systems. Another module provides generic transferable skills and specific skills to be able to
complete a research project. Both clinical and non-clinical faculty teach on the course and
there is an emphasis on integrating basic science with a clinical focus. There is an
increasing need for scientifically trained doctors with an interest in neuroscience who will be
in a position to carry out research to answer basic and translational research questions.
Learning outcomes for the programme
By the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:
,• To be able to explain neurobiological concepts in major diseases of the nervous system
• To study in depth the basic neurobiology underpinning a variety of specific neurological
and psychiatric conditions not covered in detail in the MBBS/BDS courses
• To be able to demonstrate good skills in critical appraisal of the literature and written
presentations
• Synthesise information in a manner that utilizes knowledge or processes from the
forefront of the discipline/practice and from a wide range of sources
• To experience first-hand the process of experimental investigation in the study of a
problem related to neuroscience, and to acquire specialist laboratory or clinical skills (as
well as data) sufficient to interpret and report the results of these investigations.
Assessment strategy
Modules will be assessed by 1 or more of the following components:
1. A written examination consisting of 3 essays from a choice of 6-10 questions
separated into two or three sections, each of which will be related to similar themes.
Students are required to answer at least one question from each section. These are
worth 80% of the module mark for the Disconnected Pathways, Cell & Molecular
Neuroscience and Brain and Mind modules and 100% for the Experimental
Pathology module.
2. Attendance (worth 5% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
3. Short answer question/ single best answer exam (worth 15% of the Core laboratory
methods module only)
4. In course essays (worth up to 10-20% depending on module)
5. In course oral and research project presentations (worth 10-20% depending on
module)
6. Data handling exam (worth 10% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
7. Literature review essay (worth 40% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
8. The research project accounts for 3 course units. It is marked by 2 internal examiners
and read by an external examiner. Fifteen per cent of the marks are awarded by the
project supervisor, 75% by the internal examiners and 10% by the external examiner
following a viva voce on the project. The overall project mark is derived from the sum
of these numerical components. The viva examination is conducted in the presence
of the external examiner and the Course Organizer.
The Core lab methods and Cell & Molecular Neuroscience exams are before Christmas,
The Disconnect Pathways exam is in the second week of January and the Brain & Mind
and Experimental Pathology exams are in May.
Programme structure
The programme consisted of 5 taught modules (1 unit each) and an experimental
research project (3 units). Four taught units are delivered in the first term and one in the
second term. The project is of 10 weeks duration and runs during the second term from
, mid-January to end of March. Students should submit the completed project by the mid
to end of April. An oral presentation based on the project and a viva voce on the project
are held in the first week of June.
Module Details
1. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
CU value 1
Duration 1 semester, full time
This course unit aims to provide an overview of topics in cellular and molecular
neuroscience that are fundamental to other BSc neuroscience course units.
Syllabus
Structure and function of neurons and synapses, neurotransmission: signal transduction,
ion channel physiology, receptors, trophic factors, signalling pathways, cytokine biology,
neuro-inflammation and inflammatory damage to the nervous system, cell death,
molecular biology of brain tumours, stem cell neurobiology.
Assessment: 1 in-course essay (20%); end of module essay exam (80%)
2. Disconnected Pathways - Disorders Of Spinal Systems
CU value 1
Duration 1 semester, full time
This unit covers the basic neurobiology (anatomy, cellular biology and pathways) of
neuronal degeneration and regeneration as illustrated by reference to diseases
associated with the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The main aim is to provide the
students with a broad understanding of how the nervous system adapts to injury and
disease, with an emphasis on pain mechanisms. The course deals with the basic
organisation of the brain and spinal cord, the pathways involved, and plasticity of the
nervous system after different types of insults or disease. The lectures will primarily
focus on certain disease states such as peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury in
the context of experimental findings and how efforts are being made to prevent or
reverse some of the changes. The clinical and translational aspects of these diseases
will also be discussed. Students will be expected to read and make use of textbooks, and
also read and review research articles that are available in the library.
Syllabus
Basic and advanced anatomy of peripheral nerve and spinal cord; acute and chronic
pain, pain models, trophic factors, development of sensory neurons and spinal cord,
mechanisms and consequences of neonatal and adult peripheral nerve injury including
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Awarding body/institution: Queen Mary, University of London
Teaching Institution: Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry
Name of final award BSc in Neuroscience
Programme Title: Intercalated BSc in Neuroscience and Basic Medical Sciences
Criteria for admission:
The course is of one academic year’s duration, designed specifically for medical or dental
students who have completed two (pre-clinical) to four years of the MBBS/BDS course, i.e.
students who wish to intercalate a degree before entering the final year of the MBBS/BDS
degree programme.
The course is open to all eligible students within the University of London, and also to
students who have fulfilled the above entrance requirements at other UK or EU medical
schools. The course is offered within the Blizard Institute, Centre for Neuroscience and
Trauma, and the successful candidates will receive a BSc degree of the University of
London.
The entrance requirements are:
a. Completion of the first 2 years of a medical/dental course and satisfactory performance
in the examinations prior to entering the BSc.
b. The course is offered for a minimum of 5 students, with a maximum of up to 18. No
candidate will be accepted without interview.
c. Selection of internal students by the standardised intercalated degree ranking/interview
procedure, as outlined in the intercalated degrees prospectus and web pages.
Aims of the programme:
Neuroscience is an exciting and rapidly developing field, both in terms of understanding the
functioning of the brain and spinal cord and developing treatments for neurological and
psychiatric disorders. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the
neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neuropharmacological and neuroimmunological
processes that are involved in functioning of the normal nervous system and how these are
altered in specific disease states. The Neuroscience modules cover the basic cellular
neurobiology followed by applied modules which look at disorders of spinal and supraspinal
systems. Another module provides generic transferable skills and specific skills to be able to
complete a research project. Both clinical and non-clinical faculty teach on the course and
there is an emphasis on integrating basic science with a clinical focus. There is an
increasing need for scientifically trained doctors with an interest in neuroscience who will be
in a position to carry out research to answer basic and translational research questions.
Learning outcomes for the programme
By the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:
,• To be able to explain neurobiological concepts in major diseases of the nervous system
• To study in depth the basic neurobiology underpinning a variety of specific neurological
and psychiatric conditions not covered in detail in the MBBS/BDS courses
• To be able to demonstrate good skills in critical appraisal of the literature and written
presentations
• Synthesise information in a manner that utilizes knowledge or processes from the
forefront of the discipline/practice and from a wide range of sources
• To experience first-hand the process of experimental investigation in the study of a
problem related to neuroscience, and to acquire specialist laboratory or clinical skills (as
well as data) sufficient to interpret and report the results of these investigations.
Assessment strategy
Modules will be assessed by 1 or more of the following components:
1. A written examination consisting of 3 essays from a choice of 6-10 questions
separated into two or three sections, each of which will be related to similar themes.
Students are required to answer at least one question from each section. These are
worth 80% of the module mark for the Disconnected Pathways, Cell & Molecular
Neuroscience and Brain and Mind modules and 100% for the Experimental
Pathology module.
2. Attendance (worth 5% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
3. Short answer question/ single best answer exam (worth 15% of the Core laboratory
methods module only)
4. In course essays (worth up to 10-20% depending on module)
5. In course oral and research project presentations (worth 10-20% depending on
module)
6. Data handling exam (worth 10% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
7. Literature review essay (worth 40% of the Core laboratory methods module only)
8. The research project accounts for 3 course units. It is marked by 2 internal examiners
and read by an external examiner. Fifteen per cent of the marks are awarded by the
project supervisor, 75% by the internal examiners and 10% by the external examiner
following a viva voce on the project. The overall project mark is derived from the sum
of these numerical components. The viva examination is conducted in the presence
of the external examiner and the Course Organizer.
The Core lab methods and Cell & Molecular Neuroscience exams are before Christmas,
The Disconnect Pathways exam is in the second week of January and the Brain & Mind
and Experimental Pathology exams are in May.
Programme structure
The programme consisted of 5 taught modules (1 unit each) and an experimental
research project (3 units). Four taught units are delivered in the first term and one in the
second term. The project is of 10 weeks duration and runs during the second term from
, mid-January to end of March. Students should submit the completed project by the mid
to end of April. An oral presentation based on the project and a viva voce on the project
are held in the first week of June.
Module Details
1. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
CU value 1
Duration 1 semester, full time
This course unit aims to provide an overview of topics in cellular and molecular
neuroscience that are fundamental to other BSc neuroscience course units.
Syllabus
Structure and function of neurons and synapses, neurotransmission: signal transduction,
ion channel physiology, receptors, trophic factors, signalling pathways, cytokine biology,
neuro-inflammation and inflammatory damage to the nervous system, cell death,
molecular biology of brain tumours, stem cell neurobiology.
Assessment: 1 in-course essay (20%); end of module essay exam (80%)
2. Disconnected Pathways - Disorders Of Spinal Systems
CU value 1
Duration 1 semester, full time
This unit covers the basic neurobiology (anatomy, cellular biology and pathways) of
neuronal degeneration and regeneration as illustrated by reference to diseases
associated with the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The main aim is to provide the
students with a broad understanding of how the nervous system adapts to injury and
disease, with an emphasis on pain mechanisms. The course deals with the basic
organisation of the brain and spinal cord, the pathways involved, and plasticity of the
nervous system after different types of insults or disease. The lectures will primarily
focus on certain disease states such as peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury in
the context of experimental findings and how efforts are being made to prevent or
reverse some of the changes. The clinical and translational aspects of these diseases
will also be discussed. Students will be expected to read and make use of textbooks, and
also read and review research articles that are available in the library.
Syllabus
Basic and advanced anatomy of peripheral nerve and spinal cord; acute and chronic
pain, pain models, trophic factors, development of sensory neurons and spinal cord,
mechanisms and consequences of neonatal and adult peripheral nerve injury including
