Maia McLaughlan

Aspiring Neuroscientist

Exploring the fascinating intersection of psychology, biology, and the human brain

🧠 My Journey

My path to neuroscience began with a deep fascination for understanding human behaviour and cognition through my A-level Psychology studies. The more I learned about the mind, the more I wanted to understand the biological mechanisms that drive our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

This curiosity led me to make an important decision: to pursue an intensive Biology A-level, building the scientific foundation I need to explore neuroscience at university. While this means taking an additional year, I see it as an investment in truly understanding the brain from both psychological and biological perspectives.

My goal is to study neuroscience at a top London university, where I can combine my passion for understanding human behaviour with rigorous scientific training. I'm particularly drawn to the intersection of psychology and neuroscience how our brains create consciousness, form memories, and respond to our environments.

Beyond university, I'm drawn to Switzerland's world-leading neuroscience research institutions. I'm working on my German to prepare for potential research opportunities or postgraduate study there, and my Portuguese gives me additional flexibility for international collaboration. I believe the future of neuroscience is global, and I want to be part of that conversation.

A-Level Psychology

Foundation in cognitive processes, behaviour, and mental health

Current: Preparing for Biology A-Level

Building scientific knowledge through reading and online resources

Next Year: Intensive Biology A-Level

Completing the scientific foundation for neuroscience study

Future: Neuroscience Degree

UCL Human Neuroscience or KCL Neuroscience & Psychology

📚 Reading List

Building my understanding of neuroscience through carefully selected books that bridge psychology and brain science.

The Brain: The Story of You
David Eagleman

An accessible introduction to how our brains create our reality, covering consciousness, perception, and identity.

Currently Reading
Why We Sleep
Matthew Walker

Exploring the neuroscience of sleep and its crucial role in memory, learning, and mental health.

Up Next
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
Oliver Sacks

Classic neurological case studies that illuminate the human impact of brain disorders.

Planned
Livewired
David Eagleman

Understanding neuroplasticity and how our brains continuously adapt and change throughout life.

Planned
Behave
Robert Sapolsky

A comprehensive exploration of how biology and environment shape human behaviour.

Planned
Neuroplasticity
Moheb Costandi

A concise introduction to how the brain changes in response to experience and learning.

Planned

🎓 Academic Resources

Online courses and resources to strengthen my foundation before university.

Medical Neuroscience

Comprehensive introduction to the central nervous system, taught by Duke University on Coursera.

View Course →

Understanding the Brain

The neurobiology of everyday life, covering perception, action, memory, and emotion—University of Chicago on Coursera.

View Course →

Khan Academy Biology

Building foundational biology knowledge in preparation for intensive A-level study.

Start Learning →

Nature Neuroscience Journal

Exploring current research papers to understand how neuroscience research is conducted and communicated.

Browse Journal →

🎯 University Research

Comparing my top choices for neuroscience degrees in London.

UCL
BSc Human Neuroscience
AAA grades required
Psychology + Biology = Perfect fit
No Chemistry needed
Clinical focus Research-heavy UCL Institute of Neurology World-leading

"Focuses on mental health, ageing, movement disorders, and how the brain creates perception and consciousness."

King's College London
BSc Neuroscience & Psychology
AAA grades required
Psychology + Biology = Perfect fit
No Chemistry needed
50/50 Psych/Neuro Mental health Guy's Campus Clinical exposure

"Perfectly balances psychology and neuroscience, ideal for understanding how biology drives behaviour and emotions."

Why My Background is Ideal

Starting with Psychology gives me a unique advantage I already understand cognition, behaviour, and mental health. Adding Biology provides the scientific foundation to explore the neural mechanisms behind these processes. This combination of social and biological science is exactly what modern neuroscience requires, and it's what makes these two programmes the perfect fit for my journey.