PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION – BSC Neuroscience

Programme title: / Neuroscience with medical sciences
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document) / BSc (Hons)
UCAS code:
(where applicable) / N/A
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards) / 2005 intake onwards
Awarding institution/body: / UniversityCollegeLondon
Teaching institution: / UniversityCollegeLondon
Faculty: / Life Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme) / Division of Biosciences
Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology

Divisional Web page address:

(if applicable) /
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other / Full-time
Criteria for admission to the programme: / Successful completion of phase 1 MBBS
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry) / 1 year full time
Level on Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes) / 6
Relevant subject benchmark statement (SBS)
(see Guidance notes) / Biosciences
Brief outline of structure of the programme and its assessment methods: /
Board of Examiners: / Name of Board of Examiners: Neuroscience
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
/
N/A
/ Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The overall aim is to produce Integrated graduates with a secure foundation in the current knowledge base and common methodologies of Neuroscience and in analytical, critical and communication skills. The programme provides a strong skills base for development within a medical career but the scientific base is especially suitable for subsequent specializations in neurology, psychiatry or any aspect of neuroscience research.
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

A knowledge and understanding of:
A broad-based core covering the major elements of neuroscience, together with specialised in-depth study of some aspects of the subject.
Engagement with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with neuroscience.
Understanding of information and data, and their setting within a theoretical framework, accompanied by critical analysis and assessment to enable understanding of the area of neuroscience as a coherent whole.
Familiarity with the terminology and nomenclature of the area of neuroscience.
Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing biological information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use through the study of texts, original papers, reports and data sets.
Knowledge of a range of practical and presentational techniques and methodologies relevant to neuroscience, including data analysis and the use of statistics.
Engagement with some of the current developments in the biosciences and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved.
Awareness of the contribution of the biosciences, including neuroscience, to debate and controversies.
The applicability of the biosciences, and especially neuroscience, to specializations within medicine. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Projects
Access to information, including teaching material, specialist reviews, experimental research papers and research data (including information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
/ Assessment:
Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen, timed, closed-book written examinations
Oral examination (as part of the final year project)

B: Skills and other attributes

Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Recognise and apply theories, paradigms, concepts and principles related to neuroscience.
Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research and reports.
Obtain and integrate several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses.
Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct, particularly in relation to studies involving human subjects or experimental animals. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations by staff
Staff-guided preparation of student presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Projects
Access to information, including teaching material, specialist reviews, experimental research papers and research data (including information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
/ Assessment:
Set assignments, essays and project write-ups
Unseen, timed, closed-book written examinations
Oral examination (as part of the final year project)

C: Skills and other attributes

Practical skills (able to):
Design, plan, conduct and report on investigations.
Obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques (working by themselves or in a group).
Undertake laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. Students must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, and procedures for obtaining informed consent. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops (data analysis)
Experimental projects
Access to relevant technical information (including information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
/ Assessment:
Practical class write-ups
Supervisor’s reports on laboratory projects
Written and oral examination of the final year project

D: Skills and other attributes

Transferable skills (able to):
Develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills).
Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development.
Develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work. / Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Self directed study
Lectures and audio-visual presentations
Laboratory classes
Computing/bioinformatics sessions
Seminars and workshops
Tutorials
Library and experimental projects
Access to information, research papers, and data (including information on the internet)
Problem-based learning
/ Assessment:
Transferable skills are explicitly reviewed through reflective practice in conjunction with personal tutors
These skills are also required for the successful completion of set assignments, essays and project write-ups, written and oral examinations and project reports.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
  • the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (
  • the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (
  • 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) Name(s):
/ Prof Christopher Yeo
Signature(s): /
Date of Production: / 17th December 2010
Date of Review: / November 2012
Date approved by Head of Department:
Date approved by Chair of Departmental Teaching Committee:
Date approved by Faculty Teaching Committee