Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BSc (Hons) Intercalated Neuroscience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Intercalated Neuroscience | Programme code | UFS1EMSEMS02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The Intercalated Neuroscience programme explores the neural basis of normal physiological processes and how these are altered by disease. The focus is on research-engaged teaching: we support students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate in contemporary neuroscience research, subsequently informing their clinical practice and future career development. Students can choose modules that reflect their neuroscience interests, working closely with leading researchers and, with their tutor’s support, tailoring their degree to match their specific ambitions.
This programme encompasses a wide variety of teaching methods which may include small-group sessions, lectures, workshops, and hands-on laboratory sessions.
The one-year BSc Intercalated Neuroscience programme is only available to selected students who are:1) undertaking a medical degree at the University of Exeter or another appropriate medical, veterinary, or dental institution, and 2) have completed at least the first two-years of their professional degree programme (240 credits CATS; 120 ECTS).
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme has been designed to share our passion for Neuroscience through research-engaged teaching –
and to prepare students for success within academia and further afield. Specifically, we offer:
· An up-to-date introduction to Neuroscience
Students explore how the structure and function of the human nervous system gives rise to behaviour -
and disease.
Research in Neuroscience is advancing and expanding rapidly. The course is updated regularly and
frequently to ensure it continues to provide the very latest information, alongside consistent coverage of
well-established fundamentals.
· Training in the scientific method, and some of its contemporary implementations
Experimental and quantitative methods underpin the utility of a scientific training. Our research-engaged
teaching offers students the chance to develop these key skills through their practical application.
· A creative, collaborative, and international approach to problem-solving
Creativity is essential if problem-solving is to be incisive and effective. We believe that genuine creativity
comes from collaboration and engagement with the widest and most diverse global community.
Our staff and students come from all over the world because they share this vision.
· Instruction in critical thinking
We train students to evaluate arguments, and to construct their own arguments with clarity and
precision. It culminates with students completing their own research as part of one of our well-regarded
research teams.
· Guidance in communication
Ideas must be communicated if they are to change the world around us. Our training in communication
encompasses the diversity of emerging methods and techniques, and does so by building upon a secure
command of the written word.
4. Programme Structure
The BSc (intercalated) Neuroscience programme is a one-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme consists of a single stage equivalent to an academic year. You will be located at St Luke’s and Streatham Campuses of the University of Exeter for the duration of your studies. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
For full details of the programme, including module details, please visit the Medical School website.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following describes the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, withdrawn, or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site.
In addition to required compulsory Modules, you may take optional modules as long as any prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question, nor its equivalent.
Brief descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Medical School website.
Stage 1
Specific guidance is provided, below:
Students are required to complete 120 credits made up of 75 credits of compulsory modules (Table A). The remaining 45 credits should be chosen from the optional modules from Table B below and those developed and advertised annually on the CMH intranet.
Students will also be enrolled in the zero credit “Academic Support and Development” module (NEU3095) as a compulsory requirement. During this module students will receive regular academic support from a tutor and develop a personal development portfolio.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEU3001 | Neuroscience Research Project | 45 | Yes |
| NEU3008 | Frontiers in Neuroscience | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
aStudents can choose at a maximum of two from NEU2002, NEU2004, NEU2005, NEU2018, NEU2019.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEU2002 | Brain and Behaviour a - See note above | 15 | No |
| NEU2004 | Neuroanatomy a - See note above | 15 | No |
| NEU2018 | Neural Circuits a - See note above | 15 | No |
| NEU2019 | Neuropharmacology a - See note above | 15 | No |
| NEU3023 | Neuroendocrinology | 15 | No |
| NEU3003 | Psychology Applied to Health | 15 | No |
| NEU3030 | Neuroimmunology | 15 | No |
| NEU3028 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| NEU3029 | Pain, the Brain and Analgesia | 15 | No |
| NEU2005 | Cognitive Neuroscience a - See note above | 15 | No |
| NEU3009 | Neurodevelopment | 15 | No |
| NEU3029 | Pain, the Brain and Analgesia | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Describe, with specific examples, some of the ways in which the structure and function of the human nervous system gives rise to behaviour - and disease. | May include lectures, seminars, small group sessions; practical laboratory classes; research placements; research project; independent study, personal tutor feedback. | ILOs 1-3 will be tested through formative and summative assessments within core and optional modules. Methods may include: 1) examinations, which may include multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, or essays; 2) course-work, which may include laboratory reports, reviews, dissertation reports, oral and poster presentations or supervisor judgements. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Appreciate the principles and importance of ethics and rigour in research and scholarship. | May include Lectures, Seminars, Small group sessions; practical laboratory classes; research placements; research project; independent study, personal tutor feedback. | ILOs 4-6 will be tested through formative and summative assessments within core and optional modules. Methods include: 1) examinations, which may include multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, or essays; 2) course-work, which may include laboratory reports, reviews, dissertation reports, oral and poster presentations or supervisor judgements. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Apply critical thinking to the analysis of arguments and the evaluation of evidence | May include: Lectures, Seminars, Small group sessions; practical laboratory classes; research placements; research project; independent study, personal tutor feedback. | ILOs 7-12 will be tested through formative and summative assessments within core and optional modules. Methods include: 1) examinations, which may include multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, or essays; 2) course-work, which may include laboratory reports, reviews, dissertation reports, oral and poster presentations or supervisor judgements. |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit Students from the University of Exeter Medical School or another appropriate medical, veterinary, or dental institution with appropriate prior learning will take Level 6 modules totalling 120 credits selected from the second and final years of Medical Sciences programmes. Progression You are required to achieve 120 credits. You must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the 120 credits of assessment including the marks for any failed and condoned modules. Condonement is the process that allows you to pass a stage should you fail to achieve the required number of credits in any stage. Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned; if you have failed more than 30 credits in a stage you will be referred in all failed modules. However, you must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above. Assessment and Awards The award will be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for this stage. Classification The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks: Undergraduate Degrees Class I 70% + Class II Division I 60-69% Class II Division II 50-59% Class III 40-49% Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modulesyou can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
At CMH, your performance in assessment is formally reviewed each term to ensure that any problems that you may be experiencing with your learning can be identified early. We seek to support students whose
performance may be a cause for concern. If you need support you will be referred to trained staff and receive a confidential report containing recommendations on how changes to individual learning styles, techniques, assessment strategies and attitude to work may improve performance. All students are allocated an Academic Tutor who oversees your academic progress and personal and professional development. Your tutor is the first point of contact for academic support for the duration of the programme. You will change tutors each year. We offer a friendly and supportive environment from your first day with us. Our Wellbeing team can provide assistance with non-academic issues.
Student Support: The University of Exeter Medical School offers its students a one-stop shop for all student queries, assessment submissions and concerns. Staff at the Information Point are able to make referrals for students to a wide-range of College and University student support services. The Information Point is based at Info at St Luke’s on St Luke’s Campus. Support staff are also available to answer student queries and to make referrals at all of our student reception points across all of our locations in the South-West. You can contact the Information Point by telephone on 01392 724837or by email info.stlukes@exeter.ac.uk
Students who are experiencing personal or health difficulties should, in the first instance, seek advice from the Student Welfare Officer who is based in the Information Point. Appointments can be made at the Information Point reception, or by emailing info.stlukes@exeter.ac.uk
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Intercalated Neuroscience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 14/02/2020 |
Date of last revision | 03/03/2023 |
|---|
