I am interested in studying Neuroscience in UCC. How do I proceed?

To study Neuroscience at degree level you should enrole for the Biological and Chemical Sciences Entry Module CK402. This course offers a range of modules in first year offering a variety of degree outlets in  1. Biological Sciences,  2. Chemical Sciences  or 3. Science Education.

Upon successful completion of first year, students from first Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) and who wish to study Neuroscience will in second year select to choose modules in the  Biological Sciences area of study which will allow progression to a BSc (Hons) Degree in one of the following: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Neuroscience, or Physiology (see UCC College Calendar for details).

Students who have succesfully completed second year Biological Sciences will upon entering third year apply for three degree programme outlets of their choice in order of preference from the following; Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Neuroscience, or Physiology. So it is at the end of 2nd year of Biological sciences that you are eligible to apply to the Neuroscience honours degree programme

To be eligible for entry to the BSc honours degree programme in Neuroscience in 3rd year you must have successfully passed 2nd year. However a quota of 15 places exists in 3rd year. Quota selection will be based on the aggregate of all second year results. In filling the quotas, preference will be given to students passing the Second University Examination in Science at the Summer Examination in the first year of registration for the Second University Examination in Science, and in order of merit of aggregate marks obtained thereat. Once this quota of 15 has been filled there is then no places remaining in the Neuroscience degree programme.

For this reason it is vital that you get good marks in the 2nd year Summer exams. Merely passing 2nd year exams does not guarantee entry to your first choice of degree programme.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Tell me more about the course content; what will I study?

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

• Year 1 Modules

  • BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits)
  • BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
  • BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
  • MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
  • CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 1 (10 credits)
  • CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 2a (10 credits) 
  • MA1001 Calculus for Science Part 1 (5 credits)
  • MA1002 Calculus for Science Part 2 (5 credits)
  • PY1010 Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences (10 credits)

  Year 1 modules will give you an understanding of a wide range of research areas, allowing you then to decide which area you want to specialise in. You chose which degree award you would like to pursue at the end of first year or second year. The degree streams available are as follows:

  • Applied Plant Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds
  • Chemistry with Forensic Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology

Year 2

Foundation modules in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry deal with molecules, cells and tissues, the principles of human structural organisation and the relationship of structure to function.

Core modules:

• Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Principles of Human Structure
• Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure
• Introductory Physiology
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
• Biomolecules and Metabolic Pathways.

Year 3

Detailed study of the human nervous system commences and this is placed in the general context of the structure and development of the human body as a whole. Other modules concentrate on the principles of molecular biology and the biochemistry, pharmacology and diseases of the nervous system. 

Core modules:

• Human Nervous System
• Neurobiology of Regulatory Systems
• Human Embryology and Developmental Biology
• Human Regional Neuroanatomy
• Neurobiology of Disease
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry of the CNS
• Pharmacology
• Research Methodology in Neuroscience
• Library Project

Plus one elective module.

Year 4

You will study the nervous system in detail and undertake a substantial research project, supported by modules in research techniques (Year 3) and in developing scientific literacy through structured review of neuroscience research. 

Core modules:

• Advanced Research Methodology in Neuroscience 
• Developmental Neurobiology
• Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging and Biomedical Devices in the Neurosciences
• Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
• Neuropharmacology 
• Molecular Basis of Brain Disorders
• Research Project

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Sounds interesting. What are the course entry requirements?

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest.

Applicants must have studied a Lab Science subject at second level or QQI FET or demonstrate involvement in Science related areas.

Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages. 

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support. 

Links to Video and other useful Information

WATCH OUR VIDEO

• Explore Neuroscience in UCC in our Video HERE

PRESENTATION

• Download our presentation to first year science students interested in taking Neuroscience Modules: BSc Neuroscience presentation to first year CK402 science students

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Biological and Chemical Sciences (BSc) CK402
• Biological and Chemical Science Ck402 Neuroscience

• See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

USEFUL WEBSITES

• Neuroscience Ireland   http://neuroscienceireland.com
• British Neuroscience Association  https://www.bna.org.uk/jobs/