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Neurosciences
and Cognitive Sciences (Ph.D. and M.S.)
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| The Neurosciences
and Cognitive Sciences program (NACS) offers a wide range of research
and training opportunities for students pursuing doctoral level research
in a variety of areas within neuroscience and cognitive science. Two
concentrations are available; neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.
Faculty research interests range from molecular neurobiology and neural
and behavioral systems, to analysis and modeling of neurons. |
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Research
approaches include both the theoretical and the experimental. The
experimental work includes cutting edge methodologies; the theoretical
includes mathematical, computer, and engineering studies; and both
approaches are commonly used together.
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The program, in collaboration
with faculty at University of Maryland Baltimore (School of Medicine)
and University of Maryland, College Park, offers a two semester
introductory neuroscience and cognitive science course required
for all students. Other research and training activities of the
program take place within the individual participating departments
at UMBC, which include Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, Information
Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Psychology.
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| The UMBC campus
is located in close proximity to the Maryland Psychiatric Research
Center (MPRC), a component of the Department of Psychiatry at the
University of Maryland, Baltimore. MPRC faculty participate fully
in the NACS program, offering relevant coursework and graduate training
opportunities to interested students. Students also have access to
courses at all three main campuses. The goal of the program is to
bring together the diverse perspectives and strengths of the component
disciplines to analyze the workings of the nervous system, the mind,
and behavior. |
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Minimum
Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
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- Two-semester introductory
neuroscience and cognitive science course
- One credit course
featuring work of faculty
- Neuroscience Track
- three additional courses from specializations
- Cognitive & Computational
Neurosciences Track - three courses in the following areas: neurosciences;
cognitive; computational
- Research rotations
(three)
- Two semesters as a
teaching assistant
- One 700 level (3 credit)
graduate seminar
- Beginning with the
second year, Ph.D. students are required to participate in a research
seminar (journal club) every semester and to take one included
in the 18 credits of 600/700 level courses)
- Additional courses
may be added by the student’s advisory committee in order
to fulfill departmental requirements
- 12 credits of research
- Dissertation written
and defended
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Minimum
Requirements for the M.S. Degree
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- Total of 30 credits
of coursework
- 18 credits at the
600- or 700-level. Courses listed at both the 400- and 600 level
must be taken at the 600 level. Research credits are not counted
toward the 18 credit requirement
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| THESIS OPTION |
- 6 credits of research
- One 700 level (3 credit)
graduate seminar
- Master’s thesis
written and defended
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| NON THESIS
OPTION |
- One 700 level (3 credit)
graduate seminar
- Literature research
tutorial (3 credits)
- Scholarly paper written
and defended
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