Postgraduate Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience

Program Overview

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This postgraduate program in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience provides advanced training in the scientific study of cognition, brain, and behavior. Students gain expertise in research methods and tools, explore topics such as perception, attention, and brain disorders, and prepare for careers in psychology and neuroscience research or further study at the PhD level. The program emphasizes hands-on research experience, cutting-edge technology, and close collaboration with leading researchers in the field.

Program Outline

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Postgraduate Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience: A Deep Dive

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Degree Overview

This program offers advanced training in the scientific study of cognition, brain, and behavior, preparing graduates for careers in psychology and neuroscience research.

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Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of how the brain enables human cognition, behavior, and experience.
• Explore topics such as perception, attention, emotion, memory, decision-making, and brain disorders.
• Study the effects of drugs, genetics, and environment on the brain and behavior.
• Gain expertise in research methods and tools for conducting original research.
• Prepare for further study at the PhD level or a career in research.

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Program Description:

• The program offers three pathways:
• Master of Science by coursework and thesis
• Master of Science by thesis
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• All pathways involve coursework, research rotations in state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratories, and a research thesis.
• Students benefit from close collaboration with faculty, with over two-thirds of publications involving student co-authorship.

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Outline

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Master of Science Program Structure:

• Year 1: Coursework focused on research preparation, including two research rotations to explore potential thesis topics.
• Research methods and statistics
• Cognitive psychology
• Neuroscience
• Brain imaging and analysis techniques
• Specific areas of interest within cognitive and behavioral neuroscience (e.g., attention, memory, emotion)

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Assessment

• Assessment methods likely include:
• Coursework assignments and exams
• Research project reports and presentations
• Thesis defense

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Teaching

• The program emphasizes a close-knit learning community with strong faculty-student collaboration.
• Students benefit from the expertise of leading researchers in the field.
• Teaching methods likely include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual supervision for research projects

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Careers

• Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia, industry, hospitals, mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Emerging fields like data science, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and human performance testing offer additional career opportunities.

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Other

• The program is based in Wellington, New Zealand, known as the country's scientific and creative capital.
• Students benefit from a vibrant community with opportunities to attend events, seminars, and social gatherings.

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Additional Notes:

• The program description emphasizes the hands-on research experience and the use of cutting-edge technology.
• The program also highlights the strong faculty-student relationships and the collaborative learning environment.