Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science (NACS)

The MSc and PhD programs in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science provides training for students interested in the integrative functioning of the brain. This program encompasses:  basic cognitive processes, behavioural neuroscience, cognitive ergonomics, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and life-span cognition, and foundations of cognitive science.  Students in these disciplines have the opportunity to learn about the interdisciplinary work of other students, faculty and outside researchers in the weekly seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science research seminar.  Additionally, students take courses specific to their research.  A unique feature of this area of study is the practicum that provides students with additional specific training in a research laboratory, hospital, government agency, or non-government agency.  As well, if desired, NACS students may also combine their Psychology degree with entry into one of two Collaborative programs at the University of Guelph: the Collaborative Neuroscience program or the Collaborative Toxicology program, as described below.

Collaborative Neuroscience Program - MSc/PhD

The Collaborative Neuroscience program provides a specialization for students engaged in research in the rapidly expanding field of neuroscience, by permitting students to combine their departmental degree program with multidisciplinary exposure to the field of neuroscience. This unique combination of multidisciplinary studies provides students with the best possible foundation for academic careers in neuroscience and related areas. The program includes participation from core faculty in the following departments: Biomedical Science, Clinical Studies, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, Integrative Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Psychology and Animal and Poultry Science.

Click here for more information on the Collaborative Neuroscience Program.

Collaborative Toxicology Program. 

Overview

The MSc and PhD programs in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science will provide students with the tools to investigate the integrative functioning of the brain.  The research areas represented within this program include: basic cognitive processes, behavioural neuroscience, cognitive ergonomics, cognitive neuroscience, developmental and life-span cognition, and foundations of cognitive science.   Students are given specific research and course training in their research field and are exposed to broader interdisciplinary research in the Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science. Graduate study in this program provides students with skills they will need as researchers and professionals. A unique opportunity in this program is the opportunity for students to acquire skills outside of the laboratory of their supervisor in a practicum that may be held in a hospital, government agency, non-government agency or a research laboratory.  This may include learning a new technique in a laboratory other that of the supervisor.

Program of study

1. Preparatory Course Work

Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to carry out Neuroscience and Cognitive Science research in academic and/or applied settings. At the Masters level, this will involve a course in Research Design and Statistics, a course in Research Ethics (Animal research ethics or Human research ethics), at least one elective in their specific field of research and the Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science.  PhD students take Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science, at least three electives and must pass a qualifying exam.

2. Practicum

One of the unique features of University of Guelph's Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science masters program is the practicum. Students will complete a practicum in a variety of research settings, including government agencies, hospitals, businesses, and other research laboratories. The practicum may involve learning a new technique in a laboratory other than that of the advisor.  Practicum experiences will be tailored to the student's interests, and will enable student to acquire and refine skills and develop professional contacts.

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3. Thesis research

Students will carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. This will involve a thesis for the Masters program and a Dissertation for the PhD students. All students are expected to spend a minimum of 20 hr/wk towards progress on their thesis/dissertation.

Sequence of courses

MSc Program

Research Design and Statistics (PSYC*6060)
Ethical Issues in Psychology (PSYC*6880) or Animal Care Short Course (UNIV 6600)
Practicum I (PSYC*6471)
At least one elective course from following list: Foundations of Cognitive Science (PSYC*6780), Memory and Cognition (PSYC*6790), Neurobiology of Learning (PSYC*6800) or Neuropsychology (PSYC*6810)
Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science (A PSYC*6740-first yr; B PSYC*6760-second yr)
Thesis

Click here for time-line

PhD Program

Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science B (PSYC*6760 must be taken each year of the program)
3 electives (from list above or other dept) with the option of taking Practicum II (PSYC*6472)
Qualifying Examination - click here for more information
PhD Thesis

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The Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science A (first yr Masters) B (all other graduate students)

The Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science is required for all students each year of the MSc and PhD programs. This forum provides students with the opportunity to present their research findings and learn about the research of other scientists in these fields.  Students have the opportunity to get to know each other and meet faculty and students from other departments. The ability to learn from and communicate with researchers in other fields is a valuable skill that will enable students to thrive in the diverse and rapidly changing areas of Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science.

Who can apply

We encourage applicants with experience in one or more of the fields within Neuroscience, Psychology and Applied Cognitive Science. Students who enter the MSc program will normally have a Bachelors or Honours degree in Psychology or a related field. Students who enter at the PhD level will normally require a Masters degree in a related field.

How to apply

To apply for admission, applicants should review the information provided by the links below.  However, applicants to the NACS area require neither the GRE General test nor the GRE Subject (Psychology) test.  Additionally, please be explicit about faculty with whom you wish to work when you outline your research plan in the Psychology Department Graduate Studies Admission questionnaire. To be considered in the NACS area for the upcoming fall term, applications and associated documents should be in no later than January 15. 

For more detailed information about Admission and Application Instructions see http://www.psychology.uoguelph.ca  

To discuss the Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science program, contact Professor Francesco Leri - fleri@uoguelph.ca