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.
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.
The program is a tri-institutional
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 & Statistics, Information
Systems, Computer
Science & Electrical Engineering and Psychology.
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.
- 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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