Computing Science & Physiology (Neuroinformatics)

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the rest of the nervous system in humans and animals. Following on from a long history of applying computational and analytical techniques to neuroscience, a new discipline of neuroinformatics has become established in the last few years.

  • This degree programme may be of particular interest to mathematics and statistics students, many of whom find that problems associated with the dynamic aspects of physiology and neurophysiology offer new and challenging opportunities.
  • This programme is particularly suited to graduate entry into Medicine.

Study abroad

There are study abroad opportunities available in year two.

Programme structure

This innovative and challenging degree programme examines the application of computational and analytical techniques to neuroscience, which has led to a recent explosion in computer modelling of complex physiological processes, ranging from the behaviour of single neurones to high-level cognitive processes.

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years you will study a combination of computing science, mathematics, biology and physiology.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours (third and fourth years) you will acquire

  • a deep understanding of the core areas of computing science and physiology which underpin information processing
  • an understanding of the ways in which information is processed by the central nervous system
  • the ability to draw on your understanding of information processing to gain insight into the computational properties of real neurones and networks made up of neurones
  • an understanding of the possible application of physiological principles to computing.

In your final year (fourth year) you will study some areas in much greater depth. The distinctive features of your final year will be

  • a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
  • a selection of biological and computing science courses.

The project gives you a real opportunity to contribute to the development of the subject and the results sometimes contribute to scientific publications.

Special feature

This degree programme may appeal to computing science students who wish to explore nature’s solutions to computational problems.

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme.

Under the Erasmus scheme you will study at a major European university, for three to ten months. As this exchange programme is partly funded by the European Union you will receive additional financial support from the EU, to cover additional travel and living costs.

The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.

Career prospects

Our graduates go on to undertake research or are employed in industry or commerce. You will be well prepared to work in industries which also require an understanding of the neural processes of communication and control: for example, the pharmaceutical or engineering control industries.

Highers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2012. Higher Mathematics at B or Higher Mathematics at C together with Higher Computing Studies or Information Systems at B. Higher in either Biology or Chemistry. A minimum level of Chemistry studied in first year.

A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects. Normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. A minimum level of Chemistry studied in first year.

IB: 32 points.

For a full list of alternative qualifications please see: Entry requirements.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

How to apply ...