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Neuroscience is about the scientific study of nervous systems. It includes study of the nature and functioning of 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, thoughts and emotions are produced.

Neuroscientists are interested in many basic questions, including why people and other animals behave think and feel the way they do, how addictive drugs produce their effects, how brain cells develop, why they die or sometimes malfunction, and how they repair themselves when damaged. Neuroscientists are also interested in differences in the nervous systems across different species, including animals with senses and abilities different from those of humans, such as long-distance navigation in migratory species.

Neuroscience makes use of a variety of methods and investigations from a wide range of traditional disciplines. To understand the nervous system and how it works requires knowledge of anatomy, molecular biology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, psychology and zoology. In order to provide the comprehensive background training needed for neuroscience at UWA many departments have combined their resources and expertise to offer a named degree programme, the Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience).

Our graduates understand the tools of molecular and structural biology, are versed in the classical techniques of anatomy, electrophysiology and behavioural psychology, and can apply these interdisciplinary skills to the big issues in neuroscience today.

Many students with a BSc in Neuroscience are aiming for a career in research or employment in various aspects of laboratory medicine. Such careers may be in universities, hospitals, medical research establishments or in the pharmaceutical industry. Postgraduate studies in neuroscience provide a passport to a career as an independent researcher in the national and international neuroscience scene.

A BSc in Neuroscience is also a valuable springboard for entry into competitive graduate degree programmes in medicine and other health-related fields such as audiology.

There are no special pre-requisites to undertake the neuroscience course other than those required for entry to the Bachelor of Science. These are; a pass in the equivalent of Discrete Maths and TEE English or English Literature (or ESL for eligible students). TEE Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology, Applicable Mathematics and Physics are useful backgrounds but it is important to stress that it is not necessary to have studied any of these subjects at school because the first year of the course contains all the grounding that is needed to succeed in the course.