Neuroscience

Overview

The Honours programme in Neuroscience introduces students to multiple neuroscience topics and research fields within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Science and the Humanities. The programme consist of a coursework component which constitutes 60% of the qualification and a research essay component which constitutes 40% of the qualification.

Successful completion of both components will lead to the degree (qualification) of Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (BHSc Hons) in the field of Neuroscience.

A key outcome to this qualification will be an in-depth understanding of multiple neuroscience topics but, importantly, the ability to integrate the knowledge gained.

Curriculum

For the coursework component (ANAT4017) students are required to attend lectures and participate in practicals, tutorials and themed discussion group meetings in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and applied clinical neuroscience.

The coursework component consists of five courses:

• Advanced Neuroanatomy
• Advanced Neurophysiology
• Applied Clinical Neuroscience
• Multidisciplinary discussion group meetings
• A chosen elective

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSES

Advanced Neuroanatomy

The aim of this course is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of neuroanatomy. The course is presented in a modular format. There are four modules of one week each (Monday to Friday). Three modules cover the morphological anatomy of the brain and spinal cord. Neurohistology and neuroembryology are covered in the fourth and final module of the course.

Advanced Neurophysiology

This is an advanced course on applied neurophysiology. The course is presented in 4 modules. Detailed principles of nerve transmission, muscle physiology and the autonomic

nervous system are covered in the first module. Afferent and efferent spinal tracts as well as pain are covered in the second module. Cranial nerves, motor pathways and the basal ganglia are lectured in the third module and association cortices, memory, learning, mood and language in the fourth.

Applied Clinical Neuroscience

The applied clinical neuroscience course is a series of lectures delivered by psychiatrists, neurologists and physicians on the neuroscience of psychiatric, neurological and sleep disorders. Lectures are delivered throughout the year.

Multidisciplinary Discussion Group Meetings

During these group meetings, current neuroscience research is discussed and critiqued. A research article relevant to the topic, is circulated at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting and the meeting is facilitated by an expert in the field. Topics include evolutionary neuroscience, concussion in sport, psychedelic neuroscience and mental health.

During the discussion, students are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Preparation and knowledge of the literature circulated
• Participation in the discussion group
• Ability to apply knowledge of neuroscience to clinical scenarios

Electives

Students have the choice of one of the following electives:

• Molecular Biology Techniques Course
• Machine Learning
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Health Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychological Assessment

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH ESSAY

The research component (ANAT4018) consists of a year-long research project. A key outcome to this component will be the completion of a neuroscience research project in any one of the following fields; neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular neurobiology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, neurology and artificial intelligence.

Candidates select from a list of available research projects. Under the guidance of their project supervisor(s), candidates write and present a research proposal, conduct the experiment, analyse the data and present the results.

Entry Requirements

A candidate is eligible for admission to this course provided they have completed and passed the relevant major units at this University or any other University whose programmes have been approved by Senate and has attained at least 65% average in the final undergraduate units, as well as satisfying all other prerequisite requirements as stipulated by the Faculty of Health Sciences. Relevant major units include health sciences, biomedical engineering, machine learning and robotics and psychology.

Note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the programme does not guarantee students a place in this programme.

University Application Process

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.