BSc (Hons) Neuroscience with Psychology with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University

This module introduces the anatomy and function of the nervous system, with a primary focus on the human nervous system. It draws on information from various organisms to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the nervous system operates. Key structures and their roles in maintaining bodily functions will be highlighted, offering insights into the complex interactions that enable sensory perception, motor control, and homeostasis.

The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop because of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences.

Here, you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support yo

You will be introduced to research methods for psychology, including the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative design, as well as data collection, data analysis, and report writing. You will have a combination of in-person and asynchronous active learning, complemented by weekly 2-hour practical labs. The labs are applied in nature and you will get a deeper understanding of how qualitative and quantitative research works.

The core psychological topics in development, social, cognitive, and biological psychology, as well as individual differences, will be introduced. You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought in areas such as cognitive and social development, social influence, group processes, how we understand sensory information, memories, and the ways in which genes and hormones influence behaviour.

Understanding the functional anatomy of the human nervous system is essential for grasping neurophysiology and pathology. This module will explore the nervous system's anatomy, blood supply, and cerebrospinal fluid movement. You will examine the morphology and organization of key neurological structures, including the thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, limbic system, brainstem nuclei and major sensory and motor projections. Transferable skills will be developed through the dev

Experimentation is at the heart of scientific pursuit. Within this module, you will explore key research techniques (e.g. electrophysiology, histology, biological models) and analytical methodology (e.g. advanced software, artificial intelligence) used in Neuroscience research. This will help you design a research project with appropriate methods, statistically analyse data, present data and draw appropriate conclusions. Subsequently, it will prepare you for your final year experimental project

Here, you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support yo

One of science's biggest unanswered questions regards how complex cognition, behaviour, and consciousness arise from the structure and activity of the brain. This module will introduce methods and applications of cognitive neuroscience as a way to study brain-behaviour relationships, how to test psychological theories of cognition, and understand the effects of brain injury and disease. You will learn about brain imaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) and EEG, etc.

Neurophysiology is important for understanding how the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. In this module, you will examine the physiological mechanisms behind neuronal activity, including membrane properties and ion channels, which are crucial for generating action potentials. Synaptic transmission and plasticity will explain how neurons communicate and how learning occurs. You will also explore sensory system physiology and functional connectivity, which are key to understandi

The study of cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cells are vital for understanding how molecules, intracellular pathways and brain cells together form complex brain networks within the nervous system. The module will look at the variety of brain cells and their cellular features, which are intrinsically linked to function. Meanwhile, we will consider molecular neurobiological pathways and parallel methodologies such as gene and protein 'omics'. How cellular and molecular aspects culminate in

The nervous system is incredibly complex, containing billions of neurons linked together in intricate circuitry. In this module, you will explore the mechanisms which control how the nervous system builds this complexity from the humble beginnings of a single-celled fertilized egg. Further, we will discuss how the nervous system keeps developing in gestation and after birth into adulthood. You will also acquire knowledge of classical neurodevelopmental techniques both in the lectures, but also,

Numerous medications are used and are under development to treat neurological and mental disorders. Success depends on an understanding of the drugs mode of action and utility within the brain. This module will explore mechanisms of neurological drugs and key pharmaceutical concepts - absorption, metabolism, solubility, ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, clearance (excretion and secretion), and toxicity (ADMET) - applied to the brain.

The acquisition and retention of new information is a critical component of adaptive behaviour in humans and animals. Learning about the world allows us to interact and/or react appropriately to a wide array of challenges. This module covers brain-related processes underlying acquired changes in behaviour. Specifically, this includes the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition, consolidation and retention of information, leading to changes in synaptic physiology and co

'Psycho' translates to 'mind' and 'pathos' means 'illness or disease'; '-ology' means 'to study'. In this module, we consider what has happened to the brain and the cognitive structure of the mind to cause them to develop conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and depression. The module will primarily offer a biological and cognitive perspective, but you will be encouraged consider other perspectives, drawing on the whole of the psychology curriculum.

Psychology is used in many fields and professions which seek to improve the lives of children. One of the most common ways is in interventions, which are designed to address developmental, social, or educational issues. This module will introduce you to the foundational principles of intervention design and evaluation and how psychology has been applied in a variety of contexts, which may include: how children learn, healthy and unhealthy relationships, children with special educational needs an

This module will develop your professional skills, attributes and qualities required for your next steps following graduation. You will have the opportunity to practice interview techniques and presentation skills to support your covering letters, personal statements and CV. You will explore online opportunities and the employment marketplace, building your social media profile to evidence your skills and attributes. Throughout the module, you will also consider the impact of discrimination and

Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scientific and lay audience. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard.

Your research project is an excellent opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research, drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, and professional competencies. You can choose from a range of projects depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching

In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement