Neurobiology – Extend Option

Please note: This course is one of our Extend Options designed to be combined with other A Level programmes or BTEC Extended Certificate courses to make up a full timetable. If you are planning to study an A Level programme at Exeter College you will need to enrol on a four element programme, and cannot apply for this course on it’s own.

To study this extend you should also be taking AS Levels including Biology and/or Psychology.

Why do this course?

This exciting Extend course offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of the theory, along with case studies and research surrounding the science that underpins the neuroscience.

What will it involve?

Neuroscience theory – Biological theories that underpin the understanding of how the brain, central nervous system and neurons work to bring about coordination, control and cognition

Neurodegenerative disease and other brain related diseases – Current understandings of a number of different issues that affect normal functioning of the brain, such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ALS. Includes how we detect diseases using medical imaging techniques.

Treatments – How we can alleviate symptoms of diseases and potentially treat brain related disorders. Including how drugs affect the brain and current research into novel treatments of disease such as Stem cell transplantation and gene therapy

Learning, behaviour and development of key functions such as vision – Includes case studies of animal and human research into complex areas of developmental biology, critical windows and cognition. Discussion of ethics around animal and human research will be heavily embedded.

Research Project – You will have the opportunity to research and present on an area of neuroscience and neurobiology that interests you. Referencing and plagiarism will be discussed and taught, giving you a platform on which to develop skills required for university and beyond.

How might it help in the future?

This course will give you an insight into the cutting edge technology and theories that underpin our understanding of how the brain, learning and disease work. You will learn content beyond that which is taught in Biology and Psychology and develop skills in presentation, discussion and research.