PhD Program in Neural and Cognitive Sciences | NeCS

General Info

The PhD in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NeCS) offers training in the interdisciplinary study of the central and peripheral nervous system, the mind/brain system, cognitive abilities, and their application in clinical, social, ergonomic, and sports settings. During the three-year course, the PhD students acquire knowledge related to research and measurement methodologies (e.g., EEG/TMS, R language, research designs for high-level processes), attend lectures on topics relevant to neuroscience and cognitive science (e.g., neuro-psychological mechanisms of addictions; clinical psychodiagnostics - elements of psychopathology), and develop skills for scientific writing and communication. The training/teaching activities provided by the NeCS will also include: journal clubs; seminars by members of the PhD Board and external lecturers; drafting and presentation of interim reports; periods abroad; participation in conferences; science dissemination initiatives.


 

The aim of the PhD course in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science is to train a professional figure who, on completion of the PhD program, will be able to cover the following positions:

- Professional occupations with specific and high-level expertise in the fields of neurobiology, psychology, and related disciplines, working in public and private research centers, industry, healthcare, and public administration;

- Professional occupations related to the development of technology and experimental methods relevant to neuroscience and cognitive science, with implications covering basic research, clinical and pharmacological research, cognitive ergonomics, sports performance enhancement, rehabilitation;

- Professional occupations involved in the promotion and dissemination of scientific knowledge, in relation to theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of the disciplines falling under the umbrella of neuroscience and cognitive science;

- Professional and research activities relevant to the field of education and learning, with particular reference to disabilities;

- Research activities relevant to the development of evidence-based policies in public services as well as to the development of skills that are central to the organization and management of public sector organizations.


 

Lines of Research:

  • Neurobiology, neurogenesis, and cellular neurophysiology
  • Clinical neurosciences
  • Perception, action and attention
  • Memory, language, and executive control
  • Thinking, judgment and decision making
  • Comparative psychology
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Typical and atypical development
  • Personality and social psychology
  • Sport psychology

  

The program will conclude with the defense of a thesis, which will be discussed and defended in a public exam session.

 

 

Corrugazione

Gaetano Kanizsa, 1988