Introduction
This course will provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the aetiology of neurological and mental disorders. During the Science year, students will learn about the aetiology of common disorders encountered by neurologists and psychiatrists and how an understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors have also informed the development of interventions aimed at helping people with these conditions.
This course will comprise three core teaching blocks, a self-directed learning block involving independent and group work, and a 14-week research project.
The Course Directors is Professor Magdalena Sastre (m.sastre@imperial.ac.uk).
Aims and objectives
After completing the course students will:
- Know how to understand and critically appraise research papers
- Have experience in presenting a paper to colleagues
- Have laboratory experience e.g. designing and conducting a mini-research project in small groups, neuropathology
- Have experience in writing up laboratory data as a research paper
- Be familiar with interpreting brain scans
- Be able to critically appraise research aimed at examining the efficacy of interventions and treatments such as randomised trials and meta-analyses
- Have the skills required to identify and synthesise findings from previously published studies examining the efficacy of pharmacological and psychological treatments
- Be aware of ethical dilemmas posed by molecular neuroscience
- Have a basic understanding of how to formulate psychological problems using cognitive and psychodynamic approaches
The particular skills that will be gained in this module include an appreciation of the importance of critical analysis when reading the research literature and valuable experience of bringing together information from a variety of sources to improve understanding of complex topics. The practical component of the module will also provide useful training in experimental design, group negotiation, the use of observation and reporting skills.
Eligibility
This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:
- Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
- Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2024/25.
- Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.
Application Process
You can apply online now for 2025-26 entry. The application deadline will be 4pm on Friday 28th February.
Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2025-26 (PDF).
The BSc in Medical Sciences with Translational Respiratory will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in the Provisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF).
If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.
Second Round of Applications
Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second round application to any BSc course with space remaining.
Course Structure
The BSc in Medical Sciences with Neuroscience and Mental Health will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in the Provisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF).
The course is comprised of three modules:
- A 12-week teaching block where students gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, alongside their core research training
- A 5-week self-directed learning block involving a clinical case study and group work
- A 14-week supervised research project