To view programme information choose from the list on the left
Essentials
What A levels/IB scores do I need?
(For other qualifications information, refer to Applicants from outside the UK)
Typical A level offer range: AAB-ABB
A levels (or equivalent) must include at least two science subjects (which could include Psychology but not Geography). Alternatively, A levels (or equivalent) must include one science A level (which could include Psychology, but not Geography) combined with AS level Chemistry, grade B.
Typical IB diploma offer range: 34-36 points including two Higher Level science subjects
What else do I need?
GCSE (or equivalent) Chemistry or Physics (or Double Science), grade B
GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, grade C
What qualities should I bring?
Intellectual curiosity; interest in the application of practical work; problem-solving ability; enthusiasm
Fees
Refer to information on fees
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall and not less than 6.0 in both the Listening and Writing sections. For alternative English language requirements, refer to English language requirements
Foundation year for UK and EU students
Refer to Biosciences (with a Foundation Year)
Foundation year for non-EU students
If your qualifications (including English language) do not yet meet our entry requirements for admission direct to the first year of these degree programmes, we offer an international foundation year entry route. Refer to Foundation programmes and courses for details
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact the admissions tutor:
E ug.admissions@
biology.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678511
F +44 (0)1273 678937
Department of Biology and Environmental Science,
University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
Biology and environmental science website
When can I visit?
Our open day dates for 2009 are 13 June and 10 October. We also run regular campus tours.
Please book online on the visitors web page or call 01273 876787
Why medical neuroscience?
Medical neuroscience addresses our understanding of brain disease and dysfunction – and highlights the enormous scope for progress. How can discoveries in molecular genetics and neuropharmacology, and advances in techniques such as brain imaging and nanotechnology lead to new treatments? The degree programme gives a foundation In the basic science, explains its medical implications, and shows you how research is done In laboratory and clinical settings.
Why medical neuroscience at Sussex?
- Rated 8th in the UK for ‘Pre-clinical and Human Biological Sciences’ research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 85 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and over half rated as internationally excellent or higher.
- Medical neuroscience emphasises the clinical application of science and you learn about molecular and developmental biology as well as neurophysiology and cognitive psychology.
- You get the chance to do substantial practical work, with the final-year research project giving the opportunity to work in a leading research laboratory.
- The University is a leading centre for neuroscience, allowing us to offer a wide range of options in biomedical neuroscience and cognitive psychology.
- Recent research discoveries at Sussex have included understanding the basic mechanisms of hearing and how genetic defects of the ear lead to deafness; revealing the genetic controls whose malfunction leads to the development of brain tumours; and applying information from genomics to unravel the neuronal signaling in the brain.
- Our academic environment emphasises small-group teaching and close interactions between students, their teachers and other scientists.
What sort of career could I have?
- further study for a research degree or professional training
- pharmaceutical industry
- graduate-entry medicine and related clinical work
- teaching and higher education
- biotechnology
- research careers in neuropharmacology and neuropsychology
- forensic science.
How will I learn?
Each course lasts a term and usually includes two or three lectures a week, plus practical classes and tutorials. Tutorials allow you to present your own work and to discuss ideas and questions informally.
The intellectual concepts and experimental methods of modern science are as important as basic information. We encourage students to develop their own interests, especially by reading the primary scientific literature for work In essays and seminars. Communication skills are essential: we teach you to write essays and practical reports in the clear style required in science, while you learn in seminars to communicate directly with an audience. The assessment is by coursework and unseen exams.
What will I achieve?
- A broad understanding of neuroscience and its application in medicine.
- The ability to convey complex ideas verbally and in writing; to understand scientific research and its literature; and to design and conduct experimental studies.
- Neuroscience is a key part of modern biomedical science. You will develop the skills and knowledge to fully exploit career opportunities. The degree opens routes into careers in basic and clinical research, and to clinical and industrial careers; graduate entry to Medical School is possible, but competitive.
Lauren’s perspective
‘I chose Sussex as it has a fantastic reputation for neuroscience and is one of only a few universities in the UK that offers a degree in the area of medical neuroscience.
‘I loved neuroscience at A level, and this degree has taught me so much more and inspired me to pursue a career in clinical neuropsychology. I enjoy it because it’s traditional neuroscience, taught with an emphasis on clinical application and how neuroscientific discoveries help people. Having the opportunity to study at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School is great – it’s given me an insight into how research is applied to everyday situations within hospitals. ‘We’re taught by some of the world leaders in their subjects, which is a great honour. You know you’re learning from professionals at the cutting edge of their fields, who are enthusiastic about their work and passing on their knowledge.
‘The style of teaching ranges from large buzzing lectures, to seminars and tutorials with as few as five people in. This allows you to build up your knowledge of a subject, then meet up in tutorials to openly discuss ideas, which I find really useful. We also have lab sessions, which are exciting as we get to do our own research. We can then apply this to our finalyear project, which is a large piece of research that we can carry out ourselves, giving us the freedom to develop our ideas.
‘After graduating, I hope to apply my knowledge to rehabilitate people who have suffered from strokes and other forms of traumatic brain damage. There is so much you can do with this degree – I have friends who are going on to study medicine, become research scientists, or work for pharmaceutical companies developing neurological drugs.’