Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Neuroscience at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. This program is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and molecular biology, while also integrating related fields such as psychology, biology, and biomedical sciences. The curriculum provides a blend of theoretical learning and practical laboratory skills, enabling students to explore how the brain and nervous system underpin behavior, cognition, and health. Through coursework, students examine the biological basis of neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, sensory and motor systems, and neural development. The program encourages critical thinking and research skills, with opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, and collaborations with leading neuroscience scientists at ANU. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, psychology, or further studies in neuroscience or related disciplines. The program emphasizes developing analytical skills, scientific communication, and a deep understanding of the complexities of the nervous system’s role in health and disease. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, students gain hands-on experience in experimental techniques such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis. The Bachelor of Neuroscience at ANU aims to produce highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can contribute to advancing neuroscience research and improving neurological health outcomes globally. The program is ideal for students passionate about understanding the brain, eager to engage in innovative scientific research, and committed to making a difference in the fields of medicine, psychology, and biomedical sciences.

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with an average mark of at least 70% and at least 8 courses in cognate disciplines.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students.

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (one semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (one year) of credit.

Cognate discipline

Cellular and molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, medicine, anatomy and physiology, biological psychology

The Master of Neuroscience requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

A minimum of 24 units must come from 8000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

NEUR6101 Cellular Neuroscience

NEUR6102 Sensory Neuroscience

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

BIOL6174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease

PSYC6010 Biological Basis of Behaviour

A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL8291 Research Presentation Skills

NEUR8001 Topics in Neuroscience

NEUR8700 Neuroscience Research proposal

NEUR8701 Readings in Neuroscience

NEUR8704 Neuroscience Essay

A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL6001 Human Physiology

BIOL6161 Genes: Replication and Expression

BIOL6171 Biochemistry and Nutrition

BIOL6191 Biology, Society and Ethics

BIOL6201 Big Questions in Biology

BIOL6202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology

BIOL8021 Health and Disease in a Changing World

BIOL8702 Advanced Research Techniques

MEDN8000 Translational Medicine: From Discovery to Healthcare

MEDN8002 Introduction to Principles and Practice of Clinical Research

MEDN8003 Principles of Clinical Pharmacology

POPM8001 Mental Health

PSYC6027 Late-life Development and Ageing

PSYC6030 Cognitive and Clinical Neuropsychology

SCOM8021 Ethics, Issues and Consequences of Science

VCPG6002 Mobilising Research

A maximum of 12 units may come from completion of courses from the following list:

SCOM6016 Science in the Media

SCOM8012 Science Communication and the Web

SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public

SCOM8015 Speaking of Science

SCOM8027 Science and Public Policy

SCOM8501 Strategies in Science Communication

ENVS6013 Society and Environmental Change

ENVS6020 Human Ecology

ENVS6025 Complex Environmental Problems in Action

ENVS6103 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research

ENVS6306 Human Futures

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Students have the option of applying to transfer to the Master of Neuroscience (Adv) and undertaking a 48 unit research project if they satisfy the following requirements:

• achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the initial 48 units of coursework

• have the approval of an identified supervisor, and 

• have completed compulsory courses in the Master XXX(Advanced) 

Students who have completed 48 units and wish to exit the program have the option of transferring to graduate from a Graduate Diploma of Science.

Students who have completed 24 units and wish to exit the program have the option of transferring to graduate from a Graduate Certificate of Science.