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		2008-09 Bulletin of the Duke University Graduate School

Cognitive Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Program in

Students interested in graduate training in cognitive neuroscience should apply to the Interdisciplinary Program in Cognitive Neuroscience (IPCN). Cognitive neuroscience uses the techniques and principles of neuroscience to understand the neural and psychological mechanisms that underlie cognitive processes such as attention, perception, memory, decision making, motor control, conscious awareness, and many others. The IPCN program is a graduate admitting program designed for students who are interested in broad training that integrates ideas and techniques across this diverse and rapidly growing field. Research experience will provide expertise in the major methods that drive cognitive brain research. Program faculty are drawn from a wide range of departments and programs including Psychology and Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Psychiatry, Biomedical Engineering, Philosophy, Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, Computer Science, Linguistics, Neurology, and Radiology.

Students who matriculate to the IPCN admitting program do not initially affiliate with any particular department or advisor. They begin by completing broad coursework and laboratory research rotations within the umbrella of the IPCN program. Typical early coursework includes a proseminar sequence in cognitive neuroscience, lectures and workshops in neurobiology, and seminars on core methods for measuring brain function. During their first year, students complete rotations in three laboratories, often chosen because they investigate different research topics or use diverse research methods. During the second year in the program, students select a primary advisor and declare a department with which they will affiliate and complete their degree. Students typically also select a secondary advisor who provides complementary expertise in a relevant research topic. After the degree-granting department has been selected, students become full members of that department, while also remaining affiliated with the IPCN and participating in its activities. The doctoral degree that is eventually obtained consists of a PhD in the field of the selected department, with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience.

Students who matriculate directly into a degree-granting departmental program also have the opportunity to acquire training in cognitive neuroscience at Duke by means of a certificate program in the field. This program is designed for students whose interests are more focused on studies present within a particular department, but who want to also include training in cognitive neuroscience in their graduate program. In addition to the curricular requirements of their home department, students in the certificate program complete a year-long core course in cognitive neuroscience, two lab rotations in cognitive neuroscience, and participate in relevant seminars and journal clubs. To enroll in the Cognitive Neuroscience Certificate Program, students must first be admitted to one of the participating departments (see each Department's listing for additional information) and then contact the IPCN Director of Graduate Studies.

For additional information and updated instructions, visit our Web site at http://www.mind.duke.edu/ and click on Training, or send an e-mail to darcylew@duke.edu.