Record enrolment for new neuroscience graduate program
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Murphy Kathryn edited.jpg” caption=”Kathy Murphy, professor of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. File photo.”]A new neuroscience training program launches at McMaster University this month with the largest first-year enrolment for a graduate program in the school's modern history.
With more than 100 qualified applicants from around the world, McMaster researchers have chosen the 21 top candidates — all Canadians — to engage in neuroscience research ranging from Alzheimer's and autism to vision and mood disorders.
“One in four Canadians will suffer from a psychiatric or neurological disorder in their lifetime,” said Kathy Murphy, professor of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour and program director. “This represents the single largest cost area for Canada's health care system and our goal is to attract the brightest graduate minds to the field of neuroscience to better understand the human brain at all stages of life.”
The new neuroscience program will build on research already underway at McMaster, which ranges from studies of early childhood brain development to studies of the aging brain and disorders such as perceptual changes, memory loss, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
“More than 60 faculty members from across 10 departments have collaborated on the development of this program, making it a remarkable cross-disciplinary effort,” said John Capone, dean of the Faculty of Science. “The opportunity to integrate McMaster's considerable strengths in neurosciences is already providing exciting new opportunities for graduate students interested in this diverse field. It is clear that new provincial funding aimed at boosting graduate enrolments announced last fall has played a significant role in supporting our efforts.”
Specific research projects the new graduate students will be investigating include:
“Canada boasts some of the top researchers working in neuroscience today,” said Murphy. “However, the future of neuroscience in this country depends on our ability to create opportunities for the brightest graduate minds to pursue formal degrees in the field. We have done just that with this program.”
The neuroscience program is a jointly administered program between the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences with participation from faculty members in Engineering and Social Sciences. One of the unique strengths of the new neuroscience program is its research focus and integrative approach to solve the complex mysteries of the brain.
Programs offered at the master's level include research project, coursework and thesis requirements leading to a master of science degree in Neuroscience. PhD programs include research project, coursework, seminar, comprehensive and thesis requirements, leading to a doctoral degree in neuroscience.
