ObjectivesNeuroscience is one of the largest areas of study within the entire sphere of modern biology and is an area where Australian research has significant international impact. Students completing a neuroscience major will understand the fundamental organisation and functional principles of the nervous system: from the biology of nerve cells and neural circuits through to neural systems and complex behaviours.
From the two compulsory subjects (Principles of Neuroscience; Neurophysiology: Neurons, Synapses and Circuits) students will gain an overview of the breadth of modern neuroscience and how it interrelates aspects of molecular and cell biology, physiology, psychology, cognitive and information science.
The diversity of neuroscience is reflected in the range of subjects that complement the two compulsory subjects. These electives allow further study of the nervous system at the molecular (Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology), cellular (Developmental Neurobiology), and systems (Sensation, Movement and Complex Functions, Vision Science) levels of neural organisation.
Academic titleBachelor of Arts (Neuroscience)
Course descriptionThe Bachelor of Biomedicine requires completion of a total of 300 points of study over three years full time, usually comprising four subjects per semester. Alternatively, the course can be completed in six or seven years part time.
The core of the degree builds understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences. The integrated core program culminates in final year subjects that deal with contemporary issues in biomedicine and aspects of medical conditions from the molecular and cellular, right up to the population level.
Depth within a particular biomedical discipline is achieved by completing 50 points (4 subjects) in a major at 3rd year level.
In second year students are required to complete two selective subjects, which can be taken from the Bachelor of Science (provided pre-requisites are met).
Students also take 75 points (one quarter of the degree) from otherdiscipline areas. These breadth subjects are designed to bridge disciplines, sharpening skills of logic, analysis and multidisciplinary problem solving.