BSc (intercalated) Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an exciting and rapidly developing field, both in terms of understanding the functioning of the nervous system and the development of treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. The Neuroscience intercalated Bachelor of Science programme provides critically informed insight into the anatomical, physiological, chemical and immunological processes, key in functioning of the normal nervous system and current thought on how these are altered in specific disease states and approach to treatment.

The programme consists of five taught modules and a research project. The first taught module provides a strong foundation of knowledge of general importance in basic and translational neuroscience research and valuable experience in evaluation and selection of appropriate scientific methodologies, data interpretation, synthesis and critical analysis of information and oral and written presentation. Cellular biology component of stem cells, with discussion of their ethical and clinical issues will be explored. This is complemented by more clinically-orientated modules examining disorders of peripheral and spinal systems and supraspinal systems. The final module will enable students to learn about the biomarkers in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

The Neuroscience Research Project provides students the opportunity to analyse in-depth a novel research question from the scientific literature, test hypotheses through experimental work and interpret and present their results in the context of other research findings. A large choice of Neuroscience projects is offered and normally involve joining the on-going research of one of the School’s internationally recognised neuroscience research teams. Many of our intercalating neuroscience students present their results at national and international scientific conferences. Students have recently co-authored articles published in journals including Brain, Journal of Physiology, Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience, Journal of Neurotrauma and Oncogene.

Structure and timing

Summary for 2025/26 with unit values and approximate dates

• Core Laboratory Methods 15 credits Autumn term
• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine 15 credits Autumn term
• Disconnected Pathways - Disorders of Spinal Systems 15 credits Autumn term
• Biomarkers in Neuroscience 15 credits Spring term
• Brain and Mind - Disorders of Supraspinal Systems 15 credits Spring term
• Neuroscience Research Project 45 credits Autumn and Spring term

Brief description of modules

ICM6015. Core Laboratory Methods

Module Convener: Dr Xuenong Bo and Dr Ping Yip

The module aims to provide an overview of and foundation in research methodologies and essential generic skills. It aims to develop within students a theoretical understanding of research techniques and a considered approach to scientific experimentation extending from acquisition of information and formulation of hypotheses to experimental design and execution and finally data handling, analysis and presentation.

BMD363 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (in conjuction with the BSc in Neuroscience, BSc in Biomedical Sciences, and BSc in Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics)

Module co-conveners: Prof. Kristin Braun and Dr Jürgen Groet, Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, and Centre for Genomics and Child Health.

This module aims to provide a comprehensive overview and foundation in stem cell biology, including applications in regenerative medicine. The module will cover topics including: developmental origin of stem cells, comparing/contrasting different types of stem cells, biological regulation of stem cells and tissue-specific functions. The module also will cover fundamental principles of tissue engineering and cellular reprogramming. Finally, the module will explore how these concepts can be applied in academic, industrial and clinical settings, towards the development of novel regenerative technologies and treatment of disease. Essential generic skills that will be developed on this module include critical thinking, organisation and communication.

ICM6013. Disconnected Pathways - Disorders of Spinal Systems(in conjunction with the BSc in Neuroscience)

Module Convener: Dr Ping Yip, Dr Alex Clark and Dr Shafaq Sikandar (William Harvey Institute)

The main aim of this module 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. Through detailed examination of activation and insult involving nociceptive circuitry in the periphery, adaptation in the nervous system at different levels can be analysed and compared in a clinically relevant context. Study of spinal cord injury further allows comparison of the effects of lesions in the peripheral and central nervous systems. In both injury models, rationales in development of therapeutics are explored.

ICM6011. Brain and Mind - Disorders of Supraspinal Systems(in conjunction with the BSc in Neuroscience)

Module Convener: Dr Ping Yip and Professor Adina Michael-Titus

This module focuses on major pathologies in neurology and psychiatry, involving supraspinal structures. It will provide an integrated view of the major neurotransmitter systems and analyse mechanisms underlying the effects of drugs used in central nervous system pathology.  Neuronal pathways utilising specific neurotransmitters will be reviewed emphasising their involvement in neuropathology. Current therapies will be critically evaluated from a pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspective and emerging concepts and rationale of new therapeutic approaches in neurology and psychiatry discussed.

BMD365. Biomarkers in Neuroscience (in conjunction with the BSc in Neuroscience)

Module convener: Dr Joanna Riddoch-Contreras

This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of biomarkers in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. The application of biomarkers for diagnosis, patient stratification, monitoring disease progression and establishing drug effects and safety will be discussed. Students will gain an appreciation of current genomic, proteomic and neuroimaging approaches to undertake biomarker discovery and validation. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's diseases and neurotrauma will be discussed as well as emerging biomarkers for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, and depression.

ICM6016. Module Convener: Dr Ping Yip - Neuroscience Research Project

Module convener: Dr. Ping Yip

This is a practical-based module wherein students conduct original research supervised by an academic member of staff. The research is expected to occupy at least half of the time of the course. Students will be able to explore the background of the research and develop a rationale and hypotheses to be tested in research. Students will present a written dissertation including critical analysis of literature, report of experimental design and results as well as their evaluation in a format analogous to that of a journal article.

Work may be published in a scientific journal (usually with other research from the supervisor’s laboratory) and/or be presented at a scientific meeting either orally or in the form of a poster. Furthermore, students can apply for the Rod Flower Vacation Scholarship to continue with their research at the Blizard Institute during the summer period.

You will be able to choose the subject of your project from a diverse range of topics and supervisors. However, if you have a specific interest outside of the project areas on offer, it is possible, subject to consultation with a potential supervisor, to devise a project related to this.

Further information

For more information, contact the iBSc Neuroscience Programme Director, Dr. Ping Yip

Email: p.yip@qmul.ac.uk

Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, 4 Newark St., Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK