The University of Western Australia
Future Students

Neuroscience

A major in Neuroscience will allow you to explore how nervous systems work and how nervous system function can be restored after disease and injury to the brain.

On this page

  1. Introduction
  2. Course description, features and facilities
  3. Student profile
  4. Video
  5. Structure
  6. Popular combinations
  7. You may also be interested in…
  8. Career opportunities
  9. Further study opportunities
  10. Entrance requirements
  11. How to Apply
 

Introduction

Neuroscientists investigate all areas of the nervous system. How do nervous systems grow, develop and learn? How do we process the sensory stimuli we receive? How do medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, deafness, dementia and depression afflict the brain and nervous system?

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Course description, features and facilities

You will be taught by academics with established international reputations in neuroscience research. You will discover the nervous system at all levels, from the molecules that make up individual nerve cells and the transfer of information from one nerve cell to another, to the complexities of how behaviour, thought and emotions are produced. To complement your lectures from renowned experts in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory of your unit in weekly practical laboratory classes and structured tutorials. The Neuroscience course at UWA is designed to give you both breadth and depth in this fascinating field of study, with contributions from psychology, physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and zoology.

Visit the Science website for further information on careers in science, graduate profiles, scholarships and the benefits of choosing science at UWA.


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Student profile

Student profile – Nathanael Yates

What is reality? How do we know what we know? What is the mind? These questions may seem difficult to answer but neuroscience is providing new insights to these questions. It is an integrated approach in which we can see how even single cells can lead to specific behaviours and long-term changes. We are now reaching a stage where we are no longer passive observers of the brain—we can directly alter it. To me, Neuroscience is important not just because it allows us to treat disease, it also reveals more about who and what we really are. Neuroscience is really a journey of the brain trying to understand itself.

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Video

Structure

UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.

As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.

You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.

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Career opportunities

Graduates with a Neuroscience major are employed in research teams in universities and research institutes. You can also proceed to honours and PhD qualifications, leading to senior teaching or research positions. You will also be well equipped for graduate medical courses or a masters course in areas such as Clinical Audiology or Pharmacy.

I want to be a…

This course could lead to becoming a:

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Further study opportunities

Students with a Neuroscience major can pursue further studies at honours level, Graduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or PhD. Other further study options include the Master of Clinical Audiology, Master of Clinical Audiology/PhD, Master of Pharmacy, Doctor of Dental Science and the Doctor of Medicine.

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Check the Entrance requirements

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. Additional information
  3. Recommended subjects
  4. English competency
  5. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
80
International Baccalaureate
  • A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
29

Additional information

If you do not have a pass in Mathematics 3C/3D, you will need to do additional mathematics study during your first year.

Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).

Recommended subjects

Qualification and recommended subjects
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Physics 3A/3B
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Chemistry 3A/3B
International Baccalaureate
  • A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics
  • A score of 4 or above in HL Physics
  • A score of 4 or above in HL Chemistry

English competency

University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).

Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. English competency
  3. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
French Baccalaureat
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		12
International Baccalaureate
A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)		29
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus		66
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics.		8
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D		63
Trinity College Foundation Program
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		85
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		270
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		60
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year.		12
Chinese Gao Kao
A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics		525
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		12
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		60
Norwegian Vitnemål
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		4.14
Swedish Slutbetyg
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		15.70
German Abitur
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D		3.17
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics.		8
South African National Senior Certificate
A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics		4.60

These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.

If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.

English competency

To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

Advanced standing

Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).

How to apply

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Fees
  4. Information for…
  5. Contact details - admission information

We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.

First semester entry

Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.

Closing dates:

  • On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
  • The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
  • Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
  • Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.

Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Second semester entry

Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.

Closing date:

  • Friday 22 June 2012.

After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Fees

$, per year.

This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA Admissions Centre (M353)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Location
UWA Map
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
Fax
(+61 8) 6488 1226
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Opening hours
Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Information for…
  4. Contact details - admission information

First semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing dates:

  • Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
  • All other courses - 1 December 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Second semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing date:

  • 1 June 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA International Centre (M352)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 3939
Fax
(+61 8) 9382 4071
Contacts
International Centre
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Location
UWA Map
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
About UWA
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Foundation and preparatory courses
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Neuroscience: the details

Status
Available 2012
Locations offered
Crawley, Albany (selected Level 1 units)
Attendance types
Part-time, Full-time
Delivery mode
Internal
Starting dates
Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly first year time commitment
16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
Standard full-time completion
3 years
Maximum time to complete
10 years
Degrees (available in)

This major is available in:

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

All majors (except Economics and Biomedical Science double majors, Architecture, Specialist Music Studies and Science Communication) can also be taken as second majors in any of our undergraduate degrees

Honours available
Yes
Contact details: course information

Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences
1st floor Physics building (M011), Fairway entrance 2, Crawley 6009
contactscience@uwa.edu.au
(+61 8) 6488 3396

Additional information

Footnote links and information

University information

CRICOS Code: 00126G

This page:

Last updated
Wednesday, 8 June, 2011 10:47 AM
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