The Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCNS) program provides students with a breadth of knowledge in relations between the structure and activity of the brain and its function in generating integrated, adaptive behavioural responses. There is a strong emphasis on individual instruction and on independent study and research. Research interests of faculty members who participate in the Collaborative Program are listed at the Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience website.
The BCNS doctoral program is offered collaboratively by the departments of Health Studies and Gerontology, Psychology and Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. Students will be enrolled in one of three University of Waterloo participating departments and will be required to fulfill all the academic requirements of the department of registration as well as those of the collaborative program.
Admission Requirements
The minimal requirement for admission to the BCNS program through Kinesiology and Health Studies and Gerontology is a master's degree in a field that is relevant to the area of behavioural neuroscience (normally psychology, kinesiology, or health studies and gerontology, but other degrees in life sciences could be suitable as well.)
Course Requirements
Students must fulfill the general requirements of their home department as well as obtain credit for each of the three courses listed below. The PhD dissertation, a requirement for the PhD degree in each of the three departments, will be on a topic in some area of behavioural neuroscience, or have direct relevance to behavioural neuroscience.
- Fundamentals of Behavioural Neuroscience (HSG 677, KIN 687, PSYCH 677A)
- Human Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology (PSYCH 784 or equivalent)
- Behavioural Neuroscience Research Seminar (KIN 670C/D, HSG 670, PSYCH 707, 714, 727, 747)