Neuroscience major (MJD-NEURS)
How do we process the sensory stimuli we receive? How does the nervous system grow, develop and learn? How do medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, deafness, dementia and depression afflict the brain and nervous system? Neuroscientists are interested in the answers to these questions and how nervous system function can be restored after disease and injury to the brain. You will be taught by academics with established international reputations in neuroscience research at all levels—from the molecules that make up individual nerve cells and that transfer information from one nerve cell to another, to the complexities of how behaviour, thought and emotions are produced.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic cell and systems biology and biological chemistry and apply this knowledge to neural cells and systems; (2) recall and integrate key facts and concepts about the structure and function of the nervous systems of humans and other animals; (3) conduct some basic anatomical, cellular, physiological and behavioural investigations of nervous tissues and systems; (4) summarise the basic neuroscience underpinning common pathological conditions of the nervous systems; (5) work productively in small groups in a neuroscience laboratory environment; (6) research neuroscience literature and incorporate into a written report on a neuroscience subject; (7) explain and critically appraise recent neuroscience literature; (8) discuss some current issues in basic or applied neuroscience research and recognise the ongoing expansion of knowledge in these areas; (9) be aware of the positive contributions of neuroscience research to health and society; (10) be aware of the ethical implications of advances in neuroscience; and (11) apply high-level critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills required for employment and further studies related to neuroscience.
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Prerequisites
Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in the first year. Students without ATAR mathematics will take two first year mathematics unit.
Chemistry ATAR or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.
Neuroscience can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Overview of unit sequence
Neuroscience is a degree-specific single major comprising:
- six Level 1 units
- three Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | NEUR1001 | Neuroscience in Society |
|
| S1 | PSYC1101 | Psychology: Mind and Brain |
|
Take units to the value of 12 points from ANHB1101, ANHB1102, BIOL1130 or SCIE1106:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANHB1101 | Human Biology I: Becoming Human |
|
| S2 | ANHB1102 | Human Biology II: Being Human |
|
| S1 | BIOL1130 | Frontiers in Biology |
|
| S2 | SCIE1106 | Molecular Biology of the Cell |
|
Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1721 or SCIE1500, (SCIE1500 is recommended). Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1720 and either MATH1721 or SCIE1500, (SCIE1500 is recommended). MATH1721 should be taken if also considering majors or minors that require it for progression to level 2 (e.g. Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science) Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete CHEM1003.
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | CHEM1003 | Introductory Chemistry |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1720 | Mathematics Fundamentals |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1721 | Mathematics Foundations: Methods |
|
| S1, S2 | SCIE1500 | Analytical Methods for Scientists |
Level 2
Take all units (18 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANHB2217 | Human Neurobiology |
|
| S2 | PHYL2002 | Physiology of Cells |
|
| S1 | PSYC2217 | Cognitive Neuroscience |
Level 3
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANIM3320 | Comparative Neurobiology |
|
| S2 | NEUR3301 | Advanced Neuroscience 1 | |
| S2 | NEUR3302 | Advanced Neuroscience 2 | |
| S1 | NEUR3310 | Neuroscience |
Choosing your degree-specific major
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the Neuroscience degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedical Science course.
Example Study Plan
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course.
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not require you to choose a degree-specific major.
Choosing a second major
You also have the option to choose a second major from those available in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students. and Bachelor of Science courses, giving you the opportunity to pursue your interests no matter how different they are.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .