B.Sc Honours Specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
What is the Purpose of this Program?
The purpose of the Honours Specialization (HSP) Bachelor in Science (B.Sc.) in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (DCN) module is to provide a thorough grounding in the principles of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience for students considering pursuing graduate-level education in this area within Psychology or Neuroscience.
This module focuses on understanding the development of skills like language, mathematics, and self-regulation from infancy through childhood. It combines analyses of cognitive and behavioral development with modern neuro-imaging methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as genetic and hormonal analyses.
What To Know
This module contains a particular focus on research. As such, a number of the required courses will emphasize reading and writing research reports, as well as data analysis and research methods. You will also be required to complete a thesis project. Please reflect on whether you are interested in the research aspect of Psychology when considering this module.
This module also requires you to take a greater number of Science courses than in the HSP BA module or in a Psychology Major.
Additionally, you will be required to take more Psychology courses with an emphasis on development than in the HSP BA or the general HSP B.Sc modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the HSP B.Sc in DCN and the HSP B.Sc in Psychology?
A: The HSP B.Sc in DCN focuses on the development of skills from infancy throughout childhood, investigating how the interaction between biology and experience impacts the mind. The HSP B.Sc in Psychology also has a focus on biology, but is more general, not being specific to development.
Q: Are there any difference in the thesis completed in the HSP B.Sc in DCN module compared to the HSP BA or HSP B.Sc?
A: All Psychology thesis students complete the same thesis course regardless of their module. However, the research you conduct for your thesis in the HSP B.Sc in DCN must be related to cognitive development.
Note that while you are not restricted to having certain professors as your supervisor, there are certain professors that are more likely to have a development-based research project in their lab.
Q: Can I transfer from the HSP B.Sc. or the HSP BA into the HSP B.Sc. in DCN?
A: If you have completed the required courses, it may be possible to switch to this module. Please note that some of the Psychology courses required in this module, such as the research course, may not completely align with the courses you may have taken in the other modules. As such, we highly encourage you to speak with an academic counsellor or Ramona Fudge, the undergraduate program advisor for the department of Psychology, regarding your options if you are considering switching.