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Neuroscience Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Neuroscience, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Investigating the neuroprotective effects of pharmacological Bax inhibition , Jordyn Beda

Cholinergic Modulation of Parvalbumin Neurons in Attention , Marcus A. Doyle

Outclimbing Cognitive Decline: Age, Western Diet, Resistance Exercise, and the Brain. , Leila Dzinic

Examining Sex and Gender Differences in Cognitive Recovery of Cardiac Arrest and Myocardial Infarction , Sophie A. Kelly

Investigation of a TRIM28 novel variant linked to intellectual disability , Niloofar Namavari

Frontoparietal Circuitry Underlying Saccade Control in the Common Marmoset , Janahan Selvanayagam

Towards Understanding and Improving Speech Processing , Sonia Yasmin

Validation of a virtual auditory space, and its use to investigate how pitch and spatial cues contribute to perceptual segregation of auditory streams , Nima Zargarnezhad

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Investigating the Effects of Infantile Hydrocephalus on Visuomotor Integration: A Study Utilizing Behavioural and Neuroimaging Analyses , Derya Adil

Invariant Object Recognition in Deep Neural Networks and Humans , Haider Al-Tahan

Structural magnetic resonance imaging in Parkinson’s disease and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder , Erind Alushaj

The Modulation of LFP Characteristics In The Freely Moving Common Marmoset , William JM Assis

The effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on conditioned disgust: Expanding the rodent model of lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced anticipatory nausea , Indra R. Bishnoi

Multimodal connectivity of the human basal forebrain , Sudesna Chakraborty

Neural dynamics of visual processes in challenging visibility conditions , Saba Charmi Motlagh

Maturation of default mode network functional connectivity strength in utero and the association with subcortical macrostructure: mapping brain ontogeny supporting early cognitive processing , Susana Correa

Neural responses in the lateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of macaques navigating virtual environments , Benjamin W. Corrigan

The Roles of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Signals in Updating Spatial Selective Auditory Attention during Head Motion , Erisa Davoudi

Parvalbumin-Expressing Neurons As Modulators Of An Integrated Prefrontal Cortex: Relevance To Cognitive Impairments In Neuropsychiatric Disease , Tyler Dexter

The Combined Effects of Physical Exercise and Cognitive Training on Gait Speed and Primary Motor Cortex Metabolism in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 1H-MRS Analysis , Jack Thomas Emsey Elkas

Investigating the Age-Dependent Impact of Lactate Dehydrogenase on Cognition in Flies and Mice , Ariel Khaya Frame

Cholinergic Regulation of Alzheimer's-Like Pathology , Liliana German-Castelan

Modelling Prenatal Hypoxia As A Risk Factor For Schizophrenia Vulnerability In Patient-Derived Cerebral Organoids , Dana M. Gummerson

The Role of Serotonin in the Estradiol-dependent Selectivity of Auditory Regions in Songbirds , Calista J. Henry

Fraction Magnitude Understanding Across Learning Formats: an fMRI Study , Chloe A. Henry

Chemogenetic modulation of microglial activity in vivo , Aja Hogan-Cann

Neural Dynamics of Target Processing in Attentional Blink , Mansoure Jahanian

The sensory properties of the fast visuomotor system , Rebecca Kozak

Neurocognitive Mechanisms & Genetic Variants Underlying Apathy in Neurodegenerative Dementias , Rubina Malik

The Effect of Prenatal THC Exposure on ASD-Relevant Sensorimotor Behaviour in Rats , Melvin Maroon

Perceptual benefits from long-term exposure to naturalistic sound patterns , Bruno A. Mesquita

Shedding Light on Hearing in Coma: Investigating the Applicability of Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy for Assessing Auditory Function and Aiding Prognosis in Patients with Acute Disorders of Consciousness , Reza Moulavi Ardakani

Sex Differences in Mood and Anxiety-Related Outcomes in Response to Adolescent Nicotine Exposure , Tsun Hay Jason Ng

Exploring Brain-Derived Progenitor Cells as a therapeutic delivery system to Glioblastoma , Andrew T. Olin

Neuropsychological Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Feasibility Study , Sydni G. Paleczny

Exploring the role of the ATRX chromatin remodeling protein in mouse astrocytes , Miguel A. Pena-Ortiz

Investigating the Roles of the Dorsal and Ventral Striatum in Humor Comprehension and Appreciation Throughout Health, Aging, and Parkinson’s Disease , Maggie Prenger

Examining the Emergence of Mood and Anxiety Molecular Phenotypes Resulting from Chronic Prenatal Nicotine Exposure in Cerebral Organoids , Emma K. Proud

Category Learning DLPFC Single-Dissociation by fNIRS , Tim Qiu

DISENTANGLING THE ROLE OF PARVALBUMIN-EXPRESSING INTERNEURONS IN STIMULUS-RESPONSE LEARNING AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY , Harleen Rai

Quantifying Neuromelanin Content Across Varying Magnetic Field Strengths: A Comparative Analysis , Laiba Rizwan

Aging Effects on the Motivational Consequences of Unsuccessful Memory Recall , Rachel Sargeson

Neural correlates of online movement preparation , Mahdiyar Shahbazi

Selective recruitment of cerebellum in cognition , Ladan Shahshahani

Temporal dynamics of natural sound categorization , Ali Tafakkor

Investigating Task-Free Functional Connectivity Patterns in Newborns Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy , Homa Vahidi

LBNP reduces cerebral perfusion but does not impact executive function , James Van Riesen

Assessing the Neurological Sequelae of COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome , Rachel Wagner

Investigating the differential effects of oxytocin on empathy deficits across patients with Frontotemporal Dementia , Soojung Yu

The roles of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in stress-induced cognitive deficits in mice , Xin Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Rhythmic, Motor, and Non-Motor Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease, A Window Into Regularity Processing, Freezing Of Gait, And Anxiety , Abdullah Al Jaja

The Effect of Active Learning on Viewpoint Dependence for Novel Objects , Cassandra Wallace Bacher

Using Spoken Narratives to Measure Listening Engagement in Children , Sarah Bobbitt

The Role of Autonomic Arousal in Curiosity Sparked by Unsuccessful Memory Recall , Sundari Chatterton

Human neuroimaging reveals that agency in a video game boosts functional connectivity within and between networks , Emily J. Davidson

The Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Beat Perception And Motor Performance , Marina Emerick

Neural circuitry of the midbrain pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus regarding its role in sensorimotor gating , Niveen Fulcher

Mapping The Functional Organization of Human Frontoparietal Cortex With fMRI , Geetika Gupta

The influence of intersegmental dynamics on limb position sense , Peyman R. Heidari

Coordinate Frame for Proprioception Acuity Changes Accompanying Motor Learning , Heba Hussian

Relation of spontaneous and evoked brain activity to language development in young children , Tahereh Karami Shoar

Monitoring intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants , Lilian MN Kebaya

Virtual hand actions show behavioural and neural signatures of right handedness , Jaana Leppala

Data-driven Neuroanatomical Subtypes in Various Stages of Schizophrenia: Linking cortical thickness, glutamate, and language functioning , Liangbing Liang

Prognostic indicators of functional outcome in first episode psychosis: Linguistic, Anatomical, and Metabolic Predictors of Early Social and Vocational Outcome , Michael L. MacKinley

Durability of Motor Learning by Observation , Natalia Mangos

The Express Sensorimotor Response Selects Visual Features Based On Instruction , David Youhanna Mekhaiel

Visualization and manual segmentation of the post-mortem human amygdala subnuclei using ultra high field magnetic resonance imaging , Sara M. Pac

Hearing Loss and Cognition: Using Behavioural Paradigms to Uncover the Learning Strategy Changes Following Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rodents , Benjamin Joseph Patrick

Using Machine Learning To Identify Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Cognition in Children and Adolescents With ADHD , Brian Pho

Associations Between Testosterone, Androgen Receptor Polymorphism, And Mood , Christopher Purkis

Myeloarchitectonic Maps of Cat Auditory Cortex , Austin Robertson

Prefrontal coding of naturalistic working memory: Mechanisms during normal maintenance and modelled disease , Megan P. Roussy

The Effect of Propionic Acid on the Habituation to Social and Non-social Odour Cues in Adult Male Rats , Cashmeira-Dove P. Tyson

Investigating the Effect of Intratumoral Modulation Therapy on Breast Cancer Brain Metastases , Mila Uzelac

The Role of the Hippocampus in Pattern Separation and Statistical Learning , Helena Shizhe Wang

Neural correlates of familiarity across time scales and their involvement in explicit memory decisions , Haopei Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Brain Representations of Dexterous Hand Control: Investigating the Functional Organization of Individuated Finger Movements and Somatosensory Integration , Spencer Arbuckle

Brain Signatures of Human Skill Learning: From Single Movements to Movement Sequences , Eva Berlot

The Functional and Structural Consequences of Aberrant Microglial Activity in Major Depressive Disorder , Jasmine D. Cakmak

Tracking the Mechanisms of Short-Term Motor Adaptation within the Framework of a Two-State Model , Susan K. Coltman

Empathic Processing in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Stroke , Hilary Dagg

Developmental neurogenesis and myelination of songbird brains: sex differences, hormones and social effects , Adriana Diez

Fruitless (fru) and the Neural System of Rejection Behaviours in Female Drosophila melanogaster , Omar El-Deeb

The effects of resistance training on cognition and brain health in older adults at risk for diabetes: A pilot feasibility study , Joyla Furlano

Dopaminergic Modulation of a Fast Visuomotor Pathway in Parkinson's Disease , Madeline C. Gilchrist

Investigating the effects of maternal immune activation on sensory processing: Timing, immune mechanisms, and gene-environment interactions , Faraj Haddad

Statistical summary representations are perceived but not grasped. , Maryam Hamidi

Understanding Neural Signals related to Speech Processing in Humans During Sleep , Ashwin Harimohan

Characterizing the Anxiolytic Potential and Synergistic Efficacy of Cannabidiol and d-limonene , Nathashi Jayawardena

The exploration of the behavioural and neurological consequences of prenatal THC exposure in male vs female offspring , Tony Jung

A Behavioral Study on the Adult Marmoset Interference Control in Spatial Working Memory , Mohadese Khosravi Najafabadi

'The Memory of All That': The Effects of Music on Paradoxical Lucidity in Older Adults , Sarah Klapman

Investigation of the Hsp90 co-chaperone, STI1, in cellular resilience and neurodegenerative diseases , Rachel E. Lackie

Assessing Cognitive Function in a Mouse Model of Synucleinopathy , Mei Peng Lim

Blocking PirB Function Increases Dendritic Spine Density in the Prefrontal Cortex of Adult Rats , Hannah J. MacNeil

Examining the role of Chloride Homeostasis and PGE2 signaling in the Neuroendocrine stress response to inflammation , Samuel A. Mestern

Neural substrates of reward, error, and effort processing underlying adaptive motor behaviour , Dimitrios J. Palidis

Modifications in the representation and control of finger movement sequences with learning , Nicola Popp

Does aberrant connectivity underlie the experience of misophonia? , Kate Raymond

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Home > CNS > PSYCH > NSB Graduate Program > NEURO_DISS

Neuroscience and Behavior Dissertations Collection

Dissertations from 2024 2024.

DEVELOPMENT OF DECISION STRATEGIES UNDER RISK AND UNCERTAINTY , Ramiro Eduardo Rea Reyes, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2023 2023

NORADRENERGIC REGULATION OF DECISION-MAKING IN FEMALE AND MALE RATS , Emma S. Dauster, Neuroscience and Behavior

INVESTIGATION ON EVIDENCE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL VIEW OF THE BRAIN’S ORGANIZATION: SHARED NEURAL RESOURCES FOR LONG-TERM MEMORY AND PERCEPTION IN VISION , Natasha Mercedes de la Rosa-Rivera, Neuroscience and Behavior

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLE OF AMYGDALAR CIRCUITS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOR , Joseph FD Dwyer, Neuroscience and Behavior

Investigating Brainstem Mechanisms Underlying Prepulse Inhibition Of Startle Impaired In Schizophrenia , Wanyun Huang, Neuroscience and Behavior

The Consolidation of Memory Associations , Kyle A. Kainec, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2022 2022

Motivated Attention to Social and Nonsocial Reward Images: Examining Relations with Externalizing Risk in Children , Adaeze C. Egwuatu, Neuroscience and Behavior

Age-related changes in corticospinal drive during locomotor adaptation , Sumire D. Sato, Neuroscience and Behavior

Sex Differences in Myelin Deficits and Neuroinflammatory Responses to Adolescent Drinking in Rats , Andrea Silva-Gotay, Neuroscience and Behavior

The Neurobiological Underpinnings of Depression-Related Maternal Behavior Deficits , Sarah B. Winokur, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Reward Seeking Behaviors , Jessica Caballero-Feliciano, Neuroscience and Behavior

The Role of Reward and Dopamine Signaling in Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) Peer Relationships , Nicole S. Lee, Neuroscience and Behavior

The Two Sides of Neural Habituation in Visual Processing: Enhanced Novelty Detection Versus Repetition Deficits , Len Pires de Lima Jacob, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2020 2020

VALUE AND ACTION ENCODING FOR NATURAL OUTCOMES AND ETHANOL IN THE MEDIAL PREFRONTAL AND ORBITOFRONTAL CORTEX , Beata Kaminska, Neuroscience and Behavior

Circadian Regulation of the Timing of Pre-Ovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surge in Mice and Hamsters , Ajay Kumar, Neuroscience and Behavior

How Do Adult Songbirds Learn New Sounds? Using Neuromodulators to Probe the Function of the Auditory Association Cortex , Matheus Macedo-Lima, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Role of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Alcohol Preference, Seeking and Consumption , John Hernandez, Neuroscience and Behavior

Electrophysiological Correlates of Natural Language Processing in Children and Adults , Margaret Ugolini, Neuroscience and Behavior

ACUTE ESTROGEN SYNTHESIS AND ACTION IN THE AUDITORY CORTEX OF DEVELOPING MALE ZEBRA FINCHES (TAENIOPYGIA GUTTATA) , Daniel Vahaba, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Neural Correlates of Stereotype Threat and the Stereotype Inoculation Model in Young Women , Chaia Flegenheimer, Neuroscience and Behavior

HEARING AND SEEING A SPEAKER: HOW PERCEPTUAL AND COGNITIVE FACTORS MODULATE THE DYNAMICS OF AUDIOVISUAL SPEECH PERCEPTION , Elina Kaplan, Neuroscience and Behavior

Neural and physiological correlates of sex differences in cognition in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) , Matthew LaClair, Neuroscience and Behavior

Assessing the long-term sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury , Janna Mantua, Neuroscience and Behavior

Sleep, and its Relation to Non-Motor Deficits in Patients with Cerebellar Ataxia , Akshata Sonni, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2017 2017

THE ROLE OF SLEEP ON INHIBITORY CONTROL IN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) , Amanda Cremone, Neuroscience and Behavior

SEX DIFFERENCES IN ESTRADIOL SIGNALING IN THE ZEBRA FINCH (TAENIOPYGIA GUTATTA) AUDITORY CORTEX , Amanda Krentzel, Neuroscience and Behavior

The Effects of Predictability on Stereotypic Behavior in Nonclinical Adult Humans (Homo sapiens) and Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) , Amy Ryan, Neuroscience and Behavior

ESTRADIOL ENHANCES INFLAMMATION DURING PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT IN FEMALE MICE , Amarylis Velez-Perez, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Alterations to Maternal Behavior and Brain by Exogenous Estrogen Exposure , Mary Catanese, Neuroscience and Behavior

Characterization of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Cells in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Rats , Yi-Ling Lu, Neuroscience and Behavior

Effects of adolescent alcohol binge drinking on prefrontal myelin , Wanette M. Vargas-Rodriguez, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Interactions between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis, Oxytocin System, and Behavior in Differently Reared Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) , Amanda F. Hamel, Neuroscience and Behavior

Behavioral, Neurobiological, and Genetic Analysis of the Circadian Mutant Duper , Emily Nicole Corbett Manoogian, Neuroscience and Behavior

Behavioral and Neural Mechanisms of Impulsive Choice , Jesse McClure, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2014 2014

The role of napping on memory consolidation in preschool children , Laura Kurdziel, Neuroscience and Behavior

Effects of Auditory and Visual Temporally Selective Attention on Electrophysiological Indices of Early Perceptual Processing , P. Taylor, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Effects of Metric Strength on the Allocation of Attention Across Time , Ahren B Fitzroy, Neuroscience and Behavior

Forward and Reverse Genetic Approaches to Studying Locomotor Behavior: atp2a1 and Gaba a Receptors in the Zebrafish Embryo , Bryan D Monesson-Olson, Neuroscience and Behavior

Effects of Chronic Administration of THC on MDMA-Induced Physiological, Behavioral, and Neurochemical Alterations , Erica Yibei Shen, Neuroscience and Behavior

Neuroadaptations and Behavioral Profiles Associated with Cocaine Self-Administration in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta) , Nina M Shinday, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2012 2012

Gradients and Ranges of Visually Selective Attention Based on Location, Objects, Color, and Size: Gradients are Universal, but Range is Uniquely Spatial , William S. Bush, Neuroscience and Behavior

Lateralization of central circadian pacemaker output , Carrie E Mahoney

Analysis Of Morgue, A Novel Ubiquitination Protein That Functions In Programmed Cell Death , Ying Zhou, Neuroscience and Behavior

Analysis of Morgue, a novel ubiquitination protein that functions in programmed cell death , Ying Zhou

Dissertations from 2011 2011

Attentional Cues During Speech Perception , Lori Astheimer Best, Neuroscience and Behavior

Novel Progestin Signaling Molecules in the Brain: Distribution, Regulation and Molecular Mechanism of Action , Karlie A. Intlekofer, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2010 2010

Effect of head orientation on dynamic postural stability and torso coordination , Molly Johnson

The Role Of Histone Acetylation In Sexual Differentiation Of The Mouse Brain , Elaine K Murray, Neuroscience and Behavior

The role of histone acetylation in sexual differentiation of the mouse brain , Elaine K Murray

Examining the Development of Handedness in Rhesus Monkey and Human Infants Using Behavioral and Kinematic Measures , Eliza Lynn Nelson, Neuroscience and Behavior

Vasopressin Anatomy of the Mouse Brain , Benjamin D. Rood, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2009 2009

Investigations into the Potential for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to Induce Neurotoxic Terminal Damage to Serotonergic Neurons , Dominik Biezonski, Neuroscience and Behavior

Early Rearing Experience, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Activity, and Serotonin Transporter Genotype: Influences on the Development of Anxiety in Infant Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) , Amanda Dettmer, Neuroscience and Behavior

The People and Me: Michael Moore and the Politics of Political Documentary , Jon Scott Oberacker, Communication

Visuospatial Reasoning in Toddlers: A Correlational Study of Door Task Performance , Iris Louella Price, Neuroscience and Behavior

Effects of Sex and Social Status on Neuromuscular Differentiation in the Eusocial Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus Glaber) , Marianne Louise Seney, Neuroscience and Behavior

Dissertations from 2008 2008

The role of cell death in the development of a sexually dimorphic neuromuscular system , Dena A Jacob

Processing spatial information from photographs, video, and scale models: Complex mental representation in children (Homo sapiens) and monkeys (Macaca mulatta) , Brian J Kelly

Neuroendocrine effects of peripubertal stress exposure in the female mouse , Julie Laroche

Biologically-based functional mechanisms of motor skill acquisition , Ashvin Shah

Dissertations from 2007 2007

Investigation of serotonergic and GABA -ergic interactions in behavioral and physiological measures of anxiety , Melissa A Birkett

GABAA receptor mechanisms in benzodiazepine physical dependence and tolerance , Angela N Duke

The invasion of Linyphia triangularis (Araneae: Linyphiidae) in Maine: Ecological and behavioral interactions with native species , Jeremy D Houser

Transiently expressed progestin receptors in the perinatal rat isocortex , Veronica Lopez

Adolescent 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) exposure in rats: Behavioral, neurochemical, and pharmocokinetic activity , Brian James Piper

Jumping spiders and aposematic prey: The role of contextual cues during avoidance learning , Christa Danielle Skow

Dissertations from 1996 1996

Computational explorations of the evolution of artificial neural networks in Pavlovian environments , Jose Enrique Burgos

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Cognitive Neuroscience - Thesis and dissertation

It is expected that the Master of Arts (MA) thesis will be completed within the first two years in the program. The Master's degree will normally be required before studies for the doctorate are begun.

The main component of the doctoral program is the dissertation. Students are usually assigned to a specific research supervisor when they are admitted to the program based on interests and background. Any of the core or cross-appointed faculty listed on the faculty page can serve as supervisors for the doctoral program. In addition, the adjunct appointees to the department are also occasionally willing to supervise our doctoral students. Completion of the Doctoral dissertation typically requires another three years after completing the MA.

Examples of dissertation research topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

• The benefits and boundary conditions of drawing on episodic memory. Melissa Meade, 2019.
• The desire to act: Exploring situational, dispositional and genetic correlates of a fundamental motivational state. Andriy Struk, 2019 .
• The Perceptual Mechanisms of Probability Effects. Syaheed Jabar, 2018.
• Emotions and the Environment: The Variable Effect of Environmental Complexity on Pleasure and Interest. Vedran Dzebic, 2017.
• Adapting to Change: The Role of Priors, Surprise and Brain Damage on Mental Model Updating. Alex Filipowicz, 2017.
• The Interdependence of Attention, Memory, and Performance Based Reward. Christie Haskell, 2016.
• Neural processing of fearful and happy facial expressions: effects of fixation to facial features and task demands. Karly Neath, 2015.
• The effects of eye gaze and head orientation on covert attention capture. Adam Palanica, 2014.
•  Modulation of gaze-oriented attention with facial expressions: ERP correlates and influence of autistic traits. Amandine Lassalle, 2013.
• Remembering Faces in Different Places:  The Influence of Context in Face Memory. Shahnaz Koji, 2013
• The science of wayfinding:  An analysis of navigational differences between good and poor wayfinders. Punya Singh, 2013
• The Investigation of Long-Term Cognitive Changes After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Novel and Sensitive Measures. Lana Ozen, 2012
• Perceptuomotor Incoordination During Manually-Assisted Search.  Grayden Solman, 2012
• Mechanisms of the Aging-Related Positivity Effect in Memory and Attention. Jennifer Tomaszczyk, 2012
• The Consequences of Everyday Inattention.  Jonathan Carriere, 2011
• “ Oops! I can’t believe I did that!!” Inducing Errors in a Routine Action Sequence. Amanda Clark, 2011
• June Must Be Right and 9 is on Top:  An Investigation of Time-Space and Number-Form Synaesthesia. Michelle Jarick, 2011
• Studying Journal Articles Under Time Pressure. Lisa Meschino, 2011
• Towards a Theory of Visual Concealment. Kelly Malcolmson, 2010
• The influence of study context on recollection: Cognitive, neural, and age-related processes. Erin Skinner , 2009

• Master of Science in Neuroscience (MSc)
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Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience strives to educate and support graduate students as they expand the breadth and depth of their knowledge about the brain through enriching research experiences. The program embraces principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes and accommodates individual needs and academic backgrounds. Through two core courses on molecular/cellular and systems neuroscience, respectively, students in the program develop a broadly based and applicable neuroscientific knowledge base. Additional related courses are available for selection by the student and their supervisor. The program is research-oriented and students engage in research from the start of their studies. Research is undertaken in the laboratory of the supervisor and in their affiliated home department, over a wide range of basic and clinical neuroscience topics. With its inter-departmental structure, the program offers collaborative research opportunities that extend beyond the usual boundaries of neuroscience. 

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary program administered under the Faculty of Medicine and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia. It offers a coordinated program of graduate studies leading to MSc and PhD degrees in Neuroscience. The objective of the program is to educate graduate students as neuroscientists with intensive experience in at least one area of research, and to ensure that students in the program develop a broadly based knowledge of the neurosciences.

The program is comprised of more than 120 faculty members representing 20+ departments from the Faculties of Medicine, Science, and Arts at the University of British Columbia. Laboratory and teaching areas are located across the UBC campus, at UBC Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital.

Our faculty have research collaborations that span across departments, industries, and international borders. Although the program is inter-departmental, various regular seminars, journal clubs, and invited lectures provide ample opportunity to meet and discuss current topics in neuroscience. The program encourages its graduate students to participate in the many academic and social events organized by the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and by the program’s student association.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Master of Science in Neuroscience (MSc)

Whereas a commitment from a supervisor is not required prior to applying to the program, a supervisor is required for admission. Please view Graduate Program in Neuroscience faculty here: https://neuroscience.ubc.ca/faculty/. When contacting potential supervisors, we recommend including a CV, unofficial academic transcript, and a brief and specific explanation of why you are interested in joining that particular lab.

Citizenship Verification

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research facilities.

With more than 155,000 square feet of space, the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health has both laboratory and clinical research areas within the Centre proper and in the UBC Hospital Koerner Pavilion. Our core facilities are essential to ongoing collaboration, teaching, and research.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

There is a minimum funding stipend provided by each supervisor. For MSc students, the stipend is $22,500 per annum for two years. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Supervisors are encouraged to top up the minimum stipend in recognition of the high cost of living in Vancouver. 

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Options

The 2-3 year MSc in Neuroscience is designed to prepare students for employment in the public or private sector, or to pursue further studies in the PhD program.  Recent graduates have taken positions at Weston Brain Institute, BC Cancer Center, Science World and many other organizations.  Those looking to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience have gone on to study at other universities as well as our own PhD program.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Master of Science in Neuroscience (MSc). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Accili, Eric (molecular mechanisms responsible for cellular pacemaking behavior )
• Allan, Douglas (Nervous system)
• Altshuler, Doug (Zoology; flight control; visual guidance; visual neuroscience; neuroethology; avian biomechanics; aerodynamics; wing morphing; motor control)
• Auld, Vanessa (Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Zoology; Cell; Cell Biology; Development; Developmental Genetics; epithelia; Genetics; glia; in vivo imaging; Molecular Genetics; nervous system; Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis; permeability barriers)
• Austin, Jehannine (Clinical genetics (except cancer genetics); genetic counseling; genetics services; mental health)
• Bamji, Shernaz (Medical and biomedical engineering; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; neurodevelopmental disease; primary neuronal cultures; synapse biology; transgenic mouse models)
• Barr, Alasdair (Mental health and addictions, with a particular emphasis on psychosis and the medications used in its treatment, Anesthesiology )
• Barton, Jason (face perception, object recognition, eye movements, higher visual function, Human vision and eye movement)
• Beasley, Clare Louise (identify changes in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder that may elucidate the etiology of these disorders and provide clues to novel treatments; white matter pathology and inflammation; effects of antipsychotic medications on the brain)
• Bhagavatula, Sastry (Age-related research, Anesthesiology, plasticity of synaptic transmission, mammalian central nervous system)
• Blouin, Jean-Sebastien (Kinesiology; sensorimotor integration; Motor System; robotics and automation; Trauma / Injuries; Physiology; Balance robot; Computational approaches; Head and neck; Sensorimotor physiology; Sensory virtualisation; Standing balance; Whiplash injuries)
• Boyd, Lara (Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation medicine; Learning; Learning and Memory; Motor System; Motor learning; Neurophysiology; Physiology; Plasticity / Neuronal Regeneration; stroke)
• Brotto, Lori (Human reproduction and development sciences; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Clinical psychology; mindfulness; Sexual Dysfunctions; sexual desire; treatment of sexual concerns; women's sexual health; asexuality; digital health interventions)
• Cairns, Brian (Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences (except clinical aspects); electrophysiology; headache; Neuropharmacology; Oro-Facial Pain; pain; pain mechanisms; peripheral analgesics; sex-related differences; temporomandibular disorders)
• Cembrowski, Mark Steven (Molecular neuroscience; Mathematical modelling and simulation; Mechanisms of memory in the brain; Anxiety; Big Data; Bioinformatics; Cell types; Computation; CRISPR-Cas9; Fear; Genetics; modeling; Neural circuits; neuroscience; Neuroscience of memory; PTSD; RNAseq)
• Chakrabarty, Trisha (Cognitive dsyfunction; Virtual reality cognitive retraining; Bipolarity; Psychotherapy approaches for mood disorders)
• Ciernia, Annie (Biochemistry; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Autism; Brain development; Epigenetics; Gene-Environment Interactions; Neurodevelopmental disorders)
• Clark, Luke (Gambling, Problem Gambling, Addiction, Decision-Making, Reward, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms involved in gambling behaviour and disordered gambling)
• Craig, Ann Marie (Excitatory and inhibitory synapses, Synapse development and plasticity, Synapse organizing proteins, Neurotransmitter receptors, Autism and schizophrenia)
• Cresswell, Silke (Functional imaging (PETand fMRI) in Parkinson)
• Cynader, Max (eye diseases; glaucoma; dyslexia; stroke; neurotrauma; memory; vision; learning disabilities; hearing development; recovery after brain damage; ischemia; gene therapy, Alzheimer's)
• Diamond, Adele (executive functions; prefrontal cortex; dopamine; working memory; self-control; self-regulation; cognition; COMT gene; Sex differences; stress; ACEs (adverse childhood experiences); ELS (early life stress); resilience; social determinants of health; ADHD; depression; PTSD; Physical Activity; the arts; mindfulness)
• Emberson, Lauren (Learning, Perception (audition, vision, crossmodal or multisensory), Language development, Face/object perception, Impacts of premature birth, Neural connecitivty, fNIRS, Neonatal and Infant development , Early adversity / Risk and resilience , Increasing diversity and representation in the neurosciences , Naturalistic neuroimaging recordings)
• Eng, Janice (Medical, health and life sciences; Stroke Rehabilitation; Motor function; Wearable sensors; Recovery of walking after stroke; Recovery of upper extremity function after stroke)
• Enns, James (Behavioural neuroscience of reward and motivation; attention; action kinematics; social perception; perceptual development)

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Modulating neurexin-1 boosts glutamatergic transmission
• Investigating the effects of silencing the hippocampus in a probabilistic reversal learning task
• Functional brain networks underlying autobiographical event simulation
• Mapping proteomic composition of excitatory postsynaptic sites in the cerebellar cortex
• Mapping anomalous subiculum excitatory neurons across circuits and behavior
• Sex and genotype influence neural stem cells in a model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
• Parsing out anticipatory and consummatory reward underlying anhedonia in mood disorders
• Movie-fMRI as an acquisition state for functional connectivity-based precision psychiatry
• Anti-amyloid-beta oligomer antibody increases the survival of newborn hippocampal neurons
• Augmentation of cognitive control with theta burst stimulation of the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex : first steps towards a novel therapeutic approach to improve bipolar disorder outcome
• Short-term effects of repeated neonatal oral sucrose treatment and pain on hippocampal and serum inflammatory cytokine levels and microglia density in mouse pups
• Exploring the antisaccade task in relation to motor and cognitive functions in adults with mild to moderate idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
• Eye movements, trait impulsivity, and hypomania proneness in healthy young adults
• Temporal complexity alterations of resting state fMRI in preterm versus term born infants
• Effect of calorie restriction on motivation to exercise and the steroid profile of female rats

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (PhD)

Further Information

Specialization.

Neuroscience offers these core courses: Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry, Psychobiology, Molecular Neurobiology, and Neuropharmacology.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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CUNY Academic Works

Home > Dissertations, Theses & Capstones Projects by Program > gc_cogn_theses

Cognitive Neuroscience Master's Theses

Dissertations/theses/capstones from 2024 2024.

The Effect of Alpha Binaural Beats on Virtual Reality Experiences , Andronikki C. Gerohristodoulos

Adaptations and Transformations: Perceptions of Change in Academic Motivation, Resilience, and COVID-19 Stress , Ella V. Gregorio

Exploring Cross-Linguistic Speech Perception in Hindi, English, and Romance-Language Through Temporal Dynamics of Neural Activity , Yuga Kothari

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Metamemory Vary by Task Difficulty , Tiffanie T. Li

Sexual Selection and Mate Preference in Astatotilapia Burtoni , Anastasia Martashvili

Flanker Task Performance in Young and Older Adults: A Behavioral and ERP Study , Fatima Medrano

Is Aggression In The Eye Of The Beholder?: An Eye-Tracking Study , Kemar P. Pickering

Neurochemical Signaling of Reward-Based Learning in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons , Kyla F. Wholley

Dissertations/Theses/Capstones from 2023 2023

Extinction of Threat Memory via Reconsolidation Interference: A Behavioral Intervention Meta-Analysis , Chris M. Andrae

Automatic Analysis of the Frequency, Vigor, and Complexity of Spontaneous Locomotion Bouts of Mice with Loss and Gain of Function of the G Protein-Coupled Receptor Smoothened in Cholinergic Neurons , Aleksandra Feshchenko

The Effects of Music Therapy on Elderly Adults with Dementia , Jeante J. Jackson

Into the Unknown: Exploring the Role of Uncertainty in Threat-Safety Discrimination , Maia Kinney-Petrucha

Quantifying Psychostimulant-induced Sensitization Effects on Dopamine and Acetylcholine Release across different Timescales , Georg Lange

Visualizing Dopamine Activity in Deletion of D2 Receptors in Medium Spiny Neurons , Kunhee Lee

Analysis of Electrophysiological Markers and Correlated Components of Neural Responses to Discourse Coherence , Kurt M. Masiello

Brainwaves, Memory, and Reward , Rebecca McCune

Examining Metacognitive Access to Low-Level Ensemble Representations , Vladimir Mudragel

Dendritic Spine Density and Morphology in the Dorsolateral Striatum Following a High Fat Diet , Tikva Nabatian

Modulatory Effects of Schreckstoff on the Startle Escape Response of Goldfish (Carassius auratus) , Denis Shor

Dissertations/Theses/Capstones from 2022 2022

Neurocardiovascular Instability (NCVI) Risk as a Predictor of Cognitive Function in the Long Life Family Study , Rebecca Abraham

Development and Characterization of a Novel, Genetically- Encoded Sensor to Image Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Functional Circuits , Sonia Bernal

The Effects of Near-Threshold Color Manipulation on Perceptual Decision-Making and Confidence Report , Trevor Caruso

Investigating Steady State Visually Evoked Potentials as a Novel Biosignature for Anxiety-Related Attention Bias , Elizabeth R. Davis

Individual Differences in Coping with Large Multimodal Conflicts in a Spatial Orientation Paradigm , Cassandra J. Engstrom

Pupil Responses to Emotional Images and Relations with Alexithymic and Autistic Traits , Margaret Grinshtein

Testing an Overtraining Protocol for Fear Learning in Humans , Gordon M. Haskell

The Cognitive, Behavioral, Affective, and Physiological Components of Social Cognition in Esports and Education , Daisy Reyes

Unexpected Arousal Suppresses Memory and Metamemory Predictions During Associative Face-Name Recognition Task , Sameer Sabharwal-Siddiqi

The Impact of Focused Attention and Opening Monitoring Meditation Styles on Attention , Jennifer Wheary

Genetic Circadian Mosaics and the Clock Network’s Contributions to Sleep , Lukasz Widziszewski

Dissertations/Theses/Capstones from 2021 2021

Caffeine Modulation of Attention and Focus in Task Performance , Claudia R. Berger

Anticipatory Fear and Psychopathic Traits in Adolescents , Catherine Chan

Characterizing the Brain Dynamics and Eye Movement Behavior of Memory-Guided Saccades: a Preliminary Investigation of Distractor Influence on Memory-Guided Saccades , Angelo V. Colmenero

Cognitive Changes Caused by LPS-induced Neuroinflammation , Nancy De La Torre

Longitudinal Changes of Regional Myelin Water Fraction during First Year after Moderate-to-Severe Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury , Likowsky L. Desir

The Effect of Anticipatory Anxiety on Fear Extinction Learning , Daniela C. Echeverria

Machine Learning Classification of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Versus Healthy Controls Using Arterial Spin Labeled Perfusion MRI , Vanessa I. Grass

Functional Connectivity Changes in the Default Mode Network in Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury , Emily J. Haight

Apathy and Brain Atrophy During the First Year of Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Study , Gulnaz Kudoiarova

Influence of Demographic, Clinical, and Neuroimaging Variables on Neuropsychological Recovery Trajectories After Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury , Elizabeth J. Leif

Using fNIRS to Identify Brain Regions Involved in Emotional Face Processing in Infants at High Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder , Christian Martinez

Working Memory Task Performance in Children With SLI: A Behavioral and ERP Study , Megan V. McVeety

Effects of Working Memory Load on Ensemble versus Individual Object Processing , Clark Moore

Delayed Modulation of Glutamate Receptors by Anti-Epileptic Drugs after Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats , Edgar Rodriguez

Contributions of Reward Identity and Time Prediction Errors to Pavlovian Learning , Daniel B. Siegel

The Role of Placental Genes on Intellectual Disability and Developmental Delay , Maedot A. Yidenk

Dissertations/Theses/Capstones from 2020 2020

The Effects of Self-Esteem and Motivation on Cognitive Control , Andrea Benavides

Structural and Functional Brain Markers of Trauma-related Symptoms , Glenn Blessington

Proactive and Reactive Aggression, Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia, and Sleep in Adolescents , Allison L. Brasch

The Cognitive Thalamus: Source Analysis of Scene Working Memory Delay Activity , Bernard A. Gomes

A Glance at the Mirror: Ensemble Perception of Symmetry , Gene Jerskey

The Impact of a Single Session of Mindfulness Meditation on the Attentional Blink in Non-Meditators , Arielle L. Klopsis

Blocking Visual Awareness with Continuous Flash Suppression Prevents Cognitive Control , Jonathan LoVoi

Parent–Child Relationship, Resting Heart Rate, and Callous–Unemotional Traits in Adolescents , Eva M. Santucci

A Quadratic Analysis of Trait Anxiety and Heart Rate Variability , Katlyn Schroder

Memory for Episodic Details of Naturalistic Events Remains Stable Over the Course of One Week , Kennedy E. Stomberg

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• M.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience Program

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Master's in Neuroscience

Looking for a master's in neuroscience that fits your career aspirations? WPI’s MS in neuroscience advances understanding of the human brain—one of the most significant and urgent scientific challenges of our time. This complex biological system holds the key to who we are and how we perceive and interact with the world. A growing number of individuals are affected by neurological and psychiatric illnesses that are poorly understood. The field of neuroscience is at a point where deep learning, AI, neuroengineering, and related advances will stimulate major breakthroughs. 

Value Proposition Description

The MS in neuroscience provides students with a strong foundation in computational, molecular, psychological, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approaches to neuroscience. Students gain expertise in basic and translational neuroscience coupled with a strong computational base, links to industry partners, and supported study-abroad opportunities. In addition to a program partnership with WPI's Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), our expertise in cutting-edge data science methods such as deep learning and AI will stimulate novel and productive purpose-driven research projects.

Our team of interdisciplinary faculty and students thrive from the synergy of our diverse approaches to understanding the brain and nervous system. The faculty involved in the neuroscience master's program have a strong record of funding and provide an excellent research-oriented environment that provides collaboration and one-on-one mentorship.

Admissions Requirements for Master's in Neuroscience

Students applying to the master's in neuroscience are expected to have a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, and to have taken introductory courses in a neuroscience-related field such as biology, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, and/or psychology.

Students who are not WPI undergraduates or alumni must submit GRE/TOEFL scores.

Looking for a neuroscience master's program that fits your career aspirations? The master's in neuroscience will train students in the complexity of the nervous system and position them to work on the many unanswered questions about the brain and how it functions. WPI’s core strengths in the areas of computational and data sciences, as well as in artificial intelligence and the life sciences areas, give students a comprehensive and cutting-edge approach to the field.

The four main participating departments—Computer Science, Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Social Science & Policy Studies—define four broad areas of the neuroscience MS program:

Computational Neuroscience: Training in the use of experimental and theoretical methods for the analysis of brain function 

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience: Training in neurophysiological methods such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and biophysics, appropriate to topics in neurobiology

Systems Neuroscience: Training in structure-function relationship of neural networks, neural substrates of learning and memory, psychopharmacology of nervous system disorders including Alzheimer’s disease

Psychological Science: Training in how the brain and nervous system interact with development, mental health, cognition, and social processes to mediate behavior

The rapid advances in neuroscience require a workforce ready to tackle the scientific, engineering, and ethical challenges of this fascinating field.

WPI’s neuroscience program is rooted firmly in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to neuroscience with a computational methodology.

WPI’s neuroscience program challenges students to think about how to better understand the brain while considering things like genetics, neurological diseases, and human behavior.

Students pursuing a master's in neuroscience must complete a minimum of 31 credits of relevant work at the graduate level. In consultation with their assigned neuroscience program academic advisor, students will prepare a plan of study outlining the selections that satisfy the degree requirements and that receive approval of the program’s review committee.

Relevant Neuroscience courses NEU 501 Neuroscience NEU 502 Neural Plasticity NEU 503 Computational Neuroscience NEU 504 Advanced Psychophysiology NEU 505 Brain-Computer Interaction

Relevant Bioinformatics and Computational Biology courses BCB 501/BBT 581 Bioinformatics​ BCB 502/CS 582 Biovisualization​ BCB 503/CS 583 Biological and Biomedical Database Mining BCB 504/MA 584 Statistical Methods in Genetics and Bioinformatics​ BCB 510 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Seminar

Relevant Biology and Biotechnology courses BBT 561 Model Systems: Experimental Approaches and Applications BBT 581/BCB 501 Bioinformatics​ BB 570/CH 555 Cell Signaling

Relevant Biomedical Engineering courses BME 550 Tissue Engineering BME 555 BioMEMS and Tissue Micro engineering BME 560 Physiology for Engineers BME 583 Biomedical Microscopy and Quantitative Imaging

Relevant Chemistry and Biochemistry courses CH 538 Medicinal Chemistry CH 541 Membrane Biophysics CH 555D Drug and Regulations CH 555R Drug Safety and Regulatory Compliance CH 555/PH597 Cell Mechanics CH 555/BB570 Cell Signaling

Relevant Computer Science courses CS 5007 Introduction to Applications of Computer Science with Data Structures and Algorithms CS 5084 Introduction to Algorithms: Design and Analysis CS 528 Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing CS 534 Artificial Intelligence CS 539 Machine Learning CS 541/DS 541 Deep Learning CS 542 Database Management Systems CS 546 Human-Computer Interaction CS 548 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining CS/RBE 549 Computer Vision CS/SEME 565 User Modeling CS/SEME 566 Graphical Models for Reasoning under Uncertainty CS/SEME 567 Empirical Methods for Human-Centered Computing CS 573 Data Visualization CS 584 Algorithms: Design and Analysis CS 585/DS 503 Big Data Management CS 586/DS 504 Big data Analytics

Relevant Data Science courses: DS 501 Introduction to Data Science DS 502/MA 543 Statistical Methods for Data Science

Relevant Mathematical Sciences courses: MA 508 Mathematical Modeling MA 543/DS 502 Statistical Methods for Data Science MA 510/CS 522 Numerical Methods MA 511 Applied Statistics for Engineering and Scientists MA 542 Regression Analysis MA 546 Design and Analysis of Experiments MA 550 Time Series Analysis MA 556 Applied Bayesian Statistics

In addition to the 19 credits in the core neuroscience coursework requirement, MS students must complete either the thesis option or the non-thesis option described below. Students supported with a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship for more than one academic year are required to do the thesis option.

Students in the neuroscience MS thesis option must complete a 9-credit thesis that is advised or co-advised by a faculty member affiliated with the neuroscience program. Students interested in research, and in particular those who are considering pursuing a PhD degree in neuroscience or a related area, are strongly encouraged to select the MS thesis option.

As part of the completion of the remaining credits, students in the neuroscience MS non-thesis option are strongly encouraged to pursue a 3-6 credit research or practice-oriented internship that is approved and overseen by a faculty member of the neuroscience program Internships are generally in an industry setting or a research lab and will require a written report.

Neuroscience Faculty

Faculty members from intersecting and complementary departments join forces to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge neuroscience program. With expertise in everything from psychology to AI, neuroscience at WPI combines all our core strengths.  

Neuroscience Core and Affiliated Faculty

Graduate Studies Series

Team members from Graduate & Professional Studies host quick and convenient webinars designed to highlight popular topics when starting grad school. Take a deep dive into specific areas of interest such as how to secure funding, how to ace your application, an overview of student services, and more!

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Jean King is an active neuroscientist and Peterson Family Dean of Arts & Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Previously Dr.

It has been my lifelong dream to become a professor in the field of Biology. Being a faculty member provides a great opportunity to teach and interact with students. Students by nature are highly inquisitive and motivated, and as teachers, we have the responsibility to guide our students to explore and think in new ways. I believe that teaching is a two-way interaction between teachers and students. I come from India and my parents, both of whom were teachers, taught me to strive for excellence in my scholarly pursuits.

Refer a Friend

Do you have a friend, colleague, or family member who might be interested in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) graduate programs? Click below to tell them about our programs.

Master Theses

Here is a representative selection of the more than 160 master theses completed to date.  The research areas and titles provide some indication of the wide range of neuroscience topics pursued by our students.

Master thesis

Master of Science in Neuroscience

• Fall December 1

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

• 600 TOEFL Minimum score
• 100 TOEFLI Minimum score

Degree Description:

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system from elementary molecular events to integrative outputs such as behavior and autonomic control. The program in Neuroscience at WSU includes classroom discussions of primary neuroscience literature, courses designed specifically to teach students scientific reasoning and training in proposal writing and oral presentation skills. However, the bulk of the program is spent pursuing a scientific question that includes the design and completion of an original investigation. Students develop their project under the expert guidance of well-funded and renowned neuroscientists on the faculty at WSU. Members of the graduate faculty in the Program in Neuroscience come from multiple departments, colleges, and campuses from across the University, thus giving students a broad selection of mentors and potential topics for their thesis research.

Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience , the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School are committed to providing equal opportunity in its services, programs, and employment for individuals with disabilities. Academically qualified students with disabilities are provided with access to the individualized assistance that is consistent with the student’s needs and the essential requirements of the program or course of study in which the student is enrolled. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Use the links on the left to learn more about our graduate Program Details, Faculty Research Areas, and Highlights. Please contact us directly.

The Program in Neuroscience has students on three campuses located in Pullman, Spokane and Vancouver, Washington.  Students will be physically located on the campus where their mentor has their laboratory.  All neuroscience applications go to the same location no matter where their potential mentor might be located.

Admission Requirements:

Students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree in Neuroscience need to have a strong math and science background with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants need to submit an application on the WSU Graduate School website to be considered.   Application documents must include:

• College transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review–upon admittance official transcripts are required)
• Three (3) letters of reference
• Resume or curriculum vita
• Personal statement describing why you are interested in studying neuroscience clearly define which faculty mentor you are interested in working with and explain why. Included in the personal statement describe an achievement that you are proud of and discuss how you reached your goal, and any obstacles you had to overcome to reach it.  Conversely, tell us about a time when you didn’t achieve a goal and what you learned from the experience (maximum word length is 350 words).
• Writing Statement:  Describe a major finding in neuroscience and/or biomedicine over the past five (5) years, and explain why you think it was important (maximum word length of 350 words).  Please cite your work at the end.  Citations do not count in the 350 word length count.  Writing statements over the maximum word length may disqualify your application.

Application review begins December 1 each year.  Only complete applications with all accompanying documents will be reviewed.

Students that choose to pursue a Master’s degree must identify a research mentor from the graduate faculty for the Program in Neuroscience prior to being admitted. The faculty mentor needs to contact the Neuroscience admissions office to confirm the agreement. The Program in Neuroscience does not fund MS students. Students need to either self-support or identify other sources of support (mentor’s grant or teaching assistantship if available).

Student Opportunities:

In addition to learning how to read and evaluate scientific literature, students in the MS program will learn the fundamental aspects of experimental design and some technical skills used in neuroscience research. They also have the opportunity to participate in the professional development series administered through the Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (iPBS).

Career Opportunities:

Students completing their MS degree in Neuroscience can continue on to complete a PhD degree, or enter directly into a research career in a government, academic or industry laboratory (pharmaceutical or other biotech).

Contact Information:

• Becky Morton [email protected]

Neuroscience

Share this page.

Neuroscience is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical PhD activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in neuroscience receive a PhD in neurobiology. Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program choice and select "Neuroscience" in the area of study menu.

Neuroscience is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional  application instructions .

This interdisciplinary program includes over 150 faculty members from several hospitals and campuses in the Boston area with a variety of backgrounds in all areas of neuroscience. You will receive a solid core foundation and will then be able to focus on the area that interests you most with specialized training.

You will have access to an impressive array of resources, including state-of-the-art labs, high-resolution microscopy facilities, animal cores, and an instrumentation core that can design custom behavioral chambers and other experimental apparatuses. You will have the opportunity to engage with the broader neuroscience community in several ways, including through the Harvard Brain Science Initiative (HBI), a cross-schools initiative among neuroscientists in the University and its affiliated hospitals.

Students are working on various projects such as studying how neural circuits generate behavior through the use of in vivo imaging to study neurons in awake, behaving animals; the development of the nervous system; the ways in which genes and molecules regulate neural function; and the electrical properties of neurons.

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Holy Cross University, Rutgers University, and Harvard University. Others have established careers with leading organizations such as Biogen, Google, and McKinsey & Company. 

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted GRE Subject: Not Accepted iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100 IELTS minimum score: 7

See list of Neuroscience faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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Students can choose where to conduct their Master's Thesis Research among the  participating PI labs of the program.

The MSc thesis involves independent research carried out in one of the PI laboratory associated with the IDB program. 

Students are required to work full time on their thesis, but have the freedom to pre-negotiate with their thesis supervisor to attend other curricular activities to facilitate timely completion of the MSc degree requirements. Thesis duration total work time must sum up to 6 months full time (including the write up).

As soon as a supervisor for the thesis has been identified and the starting / ending dates have been decided, students are requested to fill out the thesis registration form (provided by the IDB Scientific Coordinator)  and have it signed by their thesis supervisor / host lab PI and their mentor (who may be a different person than the host lab PI). The completed and signed thesis registration form must be sent to the IDB Scientific Coordinator prior to the start of the thesis. The thesis starting date cannot precede the date on which the form is signed.

The MSc thesis is graded by the thesis supervisor / host lab PI and the assigned mentor. The final approved thesis report must be sent as a PDF version at least 2 weeks before the exam to the examiners and the IDB Scientific Coordinator. The MSc thesis must be dated and signed by both the student and thesis supervisor / host lab PI. 

MSc Examination

The master's examination is an oral examination.

The MSc final thesis must be approved and sent to the examiners and the IDB Scientific Coordinator before the oral examination can take place. Supervisor / host lab PI need to check that all data are original and that no plagiarism has occurred.

The duration of the oral exam is half an hour. During 10 minutes the student presents a concise summary of his/her thesis work to the supervisor / host lab PI and the assigned mentor. The oral exam usually takes place 2 weeks after thesis submission and is a closed exam. A time slot for the exam must be scheduled directly with the examiners .

Make sure to book a room for your exam.

The oral exam and thesis are graded together by the supervisor / host lab PI and the assigned mentor.

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THESIS PREPARATION

Students must consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies instructions on  preparing a graduate thesis .  Contact Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies with questions before beginning your final draft. The supervisor should read the complete thesis in draft form, and the appropriate revisions be made before the other members of the student’s Supervisory Committee read the thesis. The examination copy of the thesis should not be prepared before the revisions suggested by the rest of the Committee have been incorporated.

Doctoral candidates should begin preparing for the thesis defense at least three months before the completion of the theses. Prior to submission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the thesis must be read by at least two of three supervisory committee members of which one (1) will be on the final thesis examination committee.

MASTERS THESIS ORAL DEFENCE

The Master’s (MSc) thesis defence is a public presentation of a student’s thesis, followed by questions from the examiners.  Students must have completed all course work, exams and other program requirements by the time of the defence. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange the time, date, and location of the defence. Defences can also be done virtually on Zoom. Students can use the Master’s Thesis Checklist to help them plan for their defence.  See the  Forms page to download additional resources.

The Examination Committee consists of:

• At least two members from your committee (your supervisor plus one other)
• An external examiner who selected by the supervisor. This person must be at arm’s length from the supervisor (meaning they have not published together in the past 6 years, and have never been in a supervisory relationship) and cannot be from the same department as the supervisor.
• One person will serve as Chair who is nominated by the supervisor. The Chair cannot be the supervisor.

Quorum for the Oral Examination consists of:

• One external examiner
• Two supervisor Committee members, one of which will serve as chair (Note: your supervisor cannot serve as chair)

PHD THESIS ORAL DEFENCE

Students must follow the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies  oral defense procedures . It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all these procedures are carried out by the appropriate person (the student, the Research Supervisor, or the Chairman of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience) and in a timely fashion.

The Neuroscience GSA provides a free mock defence service.  If you need help, please contact the GSA.

Review and follow the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies  graduation procedures .

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Neuroscience

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The Neuroscience graduate program seeks to advance research contributing to the understanding of the brain and mental health, promote independent thinking and prepare graduate leaders to excel in any field of human endeavor. The program is ideal for inquisitive students with high scholastic achievement​ driven to understand who and what we are, and who wish to better the mental and physical health of all members of our society. Students focus on both disease and fundamental understanding of the brain, learning in a faculty that fosters interaction between clinical and basic scientists. The research-intensive degree focuses on both disease and fundamental understanding of the brain, with first-year core courses providing a solid foundation in neurophysiology.

Completing this program

Courses: Topics include cellular, molecular and developmental neuroscience, systems neuroscience and neuropathology and others.

Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.

• Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.

Seminars: Students will participate in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute seminar program and a journal club.

Research Proposal:  Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee. 

Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

(Optional) Interdisciplinary Specialization I:  A specialization in computational neuroscience is available. Additional information can also be found here.

(Optional) Interdisciplinary Specialization II : A specialization in medical imaging  is also available. Additional information can also be found here .

Careers that demand a high degree of intellectual performance, positions of leadership, academia (teachers, administrators, researchers), medicine - clinician researchers, pharmaceutical industry, entrepreneurial endeavors, Fortune 500 companies, biomedical sales.

A master’s degree in neuroscience will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Two courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Two years full-time; four years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Foothills Campus from anywhere. Experience all that the Cumming School of Medicine has to offer for interested prospective graduate students. Explore this state of the art campus from wherever you are. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.

Michael A. Colicos

Camila Aquino

Jeff Biernaskie

Tamara Bodnar

Stephanie Borgland

Janice Braun

Veronica Bruno

Brandy Callahan

Admission Requirements

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

Reference letters, test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 200.
• Duolingo English Test  and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). ( temporary until Fall 2024 intake )

For admission on May 1

• Canadians and permanent residents: March 1 application deadline
• International students: Dec. 1 application deadline

For admission on September 1

• Canadians and permanent residents:Jun. 1 application deadline
• International students: Apr. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1

• Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
• International students: Aug. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of neuroscience.

Graduate Science Education HSC G345B, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

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Health Sciences Centre Foothills Campus, University of Calgary Calgary, ABT2N 4N1

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Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Thesis-based MSc

Thesis-based PhD

Biomedical Engineering

Thesis-based MEng

Clinical Psychology

Computer science, math and statistics.

Course-based MSc

Medical Science

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Master Program Neuroscience

Information requests about the program:.

Stephanie Voß 

Emely Meinke

Prof. Dr. Jutta Kretzberg

General questions regarding studies in Oldenburg:

Application for wintersemester 2024/2025.

The Application for the Wintersemester 2024/2025 is now possible.

First day: May 7 th , 2024

Deadline: June 15 th , 2024

Application: Click here!

Our Master’s program Neuroscience focusses on (but is not limited to) Sensory, Behavioural, and Computational Neuroscience .

It is directed towards basic science and therefore mainly covers the nervous systems of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

In addition to theoretical and experimental neuroscience background knowledge, students acquire transferrable skills and hands-on research experience in at least one research project prior to the Master’s thesis.

Read the Program Overview or the detailed Curriculum to get to know the Master Neuroscience study content.

Four out of many distinctive characteristics:

• International : All courses in English, semester abroad is possible
• Science-oriented : Individual student projects in research groups
• Interdisciplinary : Teachers & students with mixed backgrounds, joint courses with Biology, Psychology, Molecular Biomedicine and „Physics, Engineering and Medicine’.
• Flexible: There are no mandatory courses. Students design their individual curriculum from a large range of elective modules based on their interests according to the focus topics or their combination.

Application deadline June 15 th : Information details

Upcoming events, career day neuroscience: june 7th 2024.

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Announcement for enrolled master students.

Announcement for the Summer Term 2024

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences

The Master program is an interfaculty/interdisciplinary discovery-orientated degree program of the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, which enables the students to specialize in the field of Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences on a modularized basis.  

Curriculum plan of the Master's Program

During the Master's Program, similar to the Bachelor's Program, the students get a practical as well as a theoretical training consisting of lectures, courses, demonstrations and obligatory lab projects. The organization into modules allows a flexible curriculum, matching each participant's scientific background. During the first three semesters the students can choose their courses out of a list of offered modules. Currently we offer the following courses (for detailed description of the modules please visit 'modules'):  

Please note that some modules are only offered either in the winter or the summer semester. More information about the different modules can be found on the page  Modules . More information about the curriculum can be found in the examination regulations (§5 and §6), which you will find via Downloads .

Career Objectives and Perspectives

Aim of the study program is to train scientists whose degree gives them qualifications that do the international competition justice. They should attain substantial understanding of neuroscientific questions based on fundamental knowledge in relevant fields, important for their later career. Students of the M.Sc. Program are qualified to deal with neuroscientific relevant inquisitions with a repertoire of scientific methods that exceed the traditional neuroscientific disciplines. Therefore the degree provides the students with a sufficient qualification enabling professional work in fields including basic teaching, the pharmaceutical industry, scientific publishing, and coordinative positions in neuroscientific organizations. Due to good collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in fields such as the M.D./Ph.D. Programs ( Dr. nat. med.  / Dr. rer. nat.) and due to the  European Graduate School in Neurosciences  (EURON) with Marie Curie training site of the EU (MCTS) the location Cologne can give best conditions for a Ph.D. Program.

The Master's program is an interfaculty/interdisciplinary discovery-orientated degree program of the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, which enables the students to specialize in the field of Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences on a modularized basis.  

Please note that some modules are only offered either in the winter or the summer semester. More information about the different modules can be found on the page  Modules . More information about the curriculum can be found in the examination regulations (§5 and §6), which you will find via Downloads .  

Career Objectives and Perspective

How to apply for your supplementary modules.

Applications for registration of a supplementary module (project) have to use the Supplementary Module Registration Form in its most recent version (to be found at  https://neuroscience.uni-koeln.de/downloads ) and they need to be sent to pruefungsamt-med@uk-koeln . Applications are required to be handed in 4 weeks prior to the intended starting date to allow for sufficient time of formal checks and approval. The candidate has to obtain signed approval of a 1st examiner and a 2nd examiner for her/his supplementary module prior to her/his application. Supplementary modules (internal/Cologne) 1st and 2nd examiners are selected by default from the list of examiners approved by the examination board (see below). 1st and 2nd examiners must belong to different research groups from two different institutions. As a rule, the 1st examiner is also the supervisor of the project.  Supplementary modules (outside Cologne / International) The 1st examiner is selected by default from the list of examiners approved by the Examination Committee (see below). In this case, the 2nd examiner is then the external supervisor of the project and required to hold a masters degree or higher. The 1st examiner is responsible for the content and correct implementation of the external project module.

How to apply for your Master thesis

Issued by the examination board of the Master of Science Program Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cologne, Oct 28, 2021.

Disclaimer: The legally binding regulations are outlined in the exam regulations (Masterprüfungsordnung) as published on 27.02.2019 and available on our download page .

Further details are regulated by the examination board (Prüfungsausschuss).

Applications for registration of a master thesis have to use the Master Thesis Registration Form in its most recent version (to be found at https://neuroscience.uni-koeln.de/downloads) and they need to be sent to [email protected] . Applications are required to be handed in 4 weeks prior to the intended starting date to allow for sufficient time of formal checks and approval. The candidate has to obtain signed approval of a 1st examiner and a 2nd examiner for her/his master thesis and colloquium prior to her/his application.

By default, 1st and 2nd examiners are chosen from the list of examiners (see below) that has been approved by the examination board. 1st and 2nd examiner must belong to different research groups from two different institutions.

By regulation (Masterprüfungsordnung, see link above), both examiners are expected to either hold a professorship or have passed the degree of habilitation (or equivalent). Exceptions may be granted on application by the examination board (in such cases please allow for additional time to evaluate your registration form). Generally, the 1st examiner is also the supervisor of the thesis. However, there is the possibility to suggest in addition a direct supervisor for the thesis (she/he will not be examiner and thus not grade the thesis and/or colloquium) in addition to the two examiners. This constellation may e.g. be relevant in cases where the candidate applies for an external master thesis (in such cases please allow for additional time to evaluate your registration form).

List of examiners and master thesis supervisors (German!)

Harvard University COVID-19 updates

Department News

Jessica leff (neuro ‘24) wins dowling thesis prize for undergraduate neuroscience research.

• May 13, 2024

Neuroscience concentrator Jessica Leff received the John E. Dowling Thesis Prize. Named for MCB professor John Dowling , the prize honors excellence in neuroscience research and undergraduate thesis writing.

“I’m so honored to receive the Dowling Prize – I honestly was not expecting it at all!” Leff says. “I think my jaw actually dropped when I heard my name called at the Neuro Thesis Awards night. I would love to thank my PI Dr. Takao Hensch , my postdoctoral mentor Dr. Saad Hannan , and all the members of the Hensch and Fagiolini labs for helping me build my confidence in research. Finally, thank you so much to my friends and family for being there for me during the highs and lows of this thesis process. I couldn’t have done it without you all!” 

Leff’s thesis, titled “VIP: A Very Important Peptide in Regulating Adult Neuroplasticity,” identified a new role for a compound called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the brain. She found that VIP regulates neuroplasticity by altering structures called “perineuronal nets” or PNNs. During critical periods, when neuroplasticity is wide open, there are few PNNs in the brain. But after the critical period ends, PNNs form around certain types of inhibitory neurons, closing down the brain’s plasticity. Leff found that stimulating VIP-producing neurons led to breakdown of the PNNs and increased neuroplasticity. The results connect VIP-producing neurons to the gamma (γ) oscillations in the brain associated with critical periods. 

Identifying the new role for VIP could shed light on neurological disorders. “Throughout my experience at Harvard, my interests in neuroscience have grown alongside my passion for mental health,” Leff says. “The subject of neuroplasticity is extremely relevant within this intersection, and my thesis allowed me to focus on the neurobiological aspects that might hopefully inform our understanding of psychiatric disorders down the line.”

“I was very happy for Jess as the project involved a substantial amount of work and she thoroughly deserves the prize,” says Leff’s postdoc mentor Saad Hannan of the Hensch Lab, whose research also focuses on inhibitory neurons. “Jess was able to show bidirectional modulation of perineuronal nets by VIP activity. She extended these studies by probing mechanisms involved in the process implicating key immune cells in the brain. This is new and has important implications for opening neuroplasticity in adulthood as well as in pathological states. The thesis is also rich in terms of the breadth of experimental approaches that were employed.” 

“For a newcomer to wet biology to make a major discovery that changes the way we think about how the brain works is remarkable,” says MCB faculty and Leff’s thesis adviser Takao Hensch . “Jess found a novel role for a circuit signaling mechanism that controls adult neuroplasticity, which has immediate implications for clinical application and understanding.”

Conducting these extensive experiments proved to be an enormous time commitment for Leff. “One of the biggest challenges was honestly the sheer amount of time I spent in the lab,” she says. “Most of my results were based on microscope images, which take time to acquire and to process. I often spent days in the lab in front of the microscope…But, in hindsight, I’m grateful for the time I invested into my research and am glad I was able to incorporate all those hours into a finished product I’m proud of!”

Faculty praised the thesis’s ambition and scope. “What impressed me about this thesis is its depth, breadth, and significance,” Dowling says. “It breaks new ground with regard to neuroplasticity, something critically important for understanding brain function and mechanisms. The thesis is beautifully written and very clear.”

Hensch is enthusiastic about Leff receiving the Dowling Prize. “Rewarding a job well done during this ‘critical period’ can have a lasting impact on a student’s career trajectory,” he says. “It did for me (as one of John’s students in Bio 25 years ago)!”

Congratulations to Jessica Leff! 

(l to r) Takao Hensch, Jess Leff, and John Dowling