Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, directed towards understanding how cells within the nervous system interact with each other to form the brain and regulate body functions, human behaviour, memory, emotions and consciousness. The malfunction of the nervous system lies at the heart of a number of devastating and currently incurable conditions such as Alzheimer¿s and Parkinson¿s disease. Neuroscience research probes the mechanisms underlying such malfunctions with a view to helping in the discovery of drugs to prevent or manage these disorders. What will I study? This is a sample pathway for a degree in Neuroscience. Topics include membrane biology, developmental neuroscience, higher cortical function, synaptic plasticity, sensory neuroscience, as well as core modules in biomolecular and biomedical science. First Year * Biology * Chemistry * Mathematics * Optional Science modules * Elective modules Second Year * Neuroscience * + 2 Other Science Subjects * Elective modules Third Year * Neuroscience * Elective modules Fourth Year * Neuroscience (Includes a research project in topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, cognition and synaptic plasticity) Professional Work Experience A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups.

As a Neuroscience graduate you will have the opportunity to obtain employment in: * Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies * Medical research including drug development and clinical trials * Hospital and university laboratories * Neuroscience research institutes * Government agencies Neuroscience graduates also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas as diverse as biotechnology, cell biology, and biomedical and health science.