FAQ

Q1 Why a Master in Neuroscience & Cognition? Why in Utrecht?

What makes us think? This is perhaps one the most fascinating questions in life and science. In the Neuroscience & Cognition master you are confronted with the many facets linked to this question, and you are given the methodological tools and theoretical knowledge to get a better understanding.

The educational philosophy in Utrecht is unique: the best way to learn Neuroscience &Cognition is by completely engaging in the research practice, supervised by senior scientists, with extensive experience in the field of Neuroscience & Cognition. Utrecht has long tradition in this field dating back to the days of Rene Descartes who was a visiting professor in Utrecht, as well as to figure heads like F.C. Donders, who invented the mental chronometry and as such was the founding father of modern cognitive neuroscience. Today Utrecht offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary field with expertise from several university faculties, aimed at unravelling what makes us think.

Q2 What is the difference between the CN (cognitive neuroscience) and ECN tracks?

The ECN track focuses on research into cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in development, normal function and diseases of the human and animal brain. This research may regard the intact brain (for instance analyzing behavior, using animal models), but may also use in vitro cellular model systems to understand mechanisms.

The CN track focuses on the cognitive and behavioural mechanisms (perception, memory, language, action) of the brain. It does so by designing clever behavioural experiments and combining this with a variety of brain related techniques, such as fMRI, EEG, TMS, and patient lesion methodology.

Q3 Why should I choose the ECN (Experimental & Clinical Neuroscience) track in Utrecht and not somewhere else in The Netherlands?

The ECN track in Utrecht has a strong focus on clinical research. The setting in Utrecht is ideal because of the extensive participation of the University Medical Center Utrecht, in particular the division of Neuroscience. This division includes departments in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Pharmacology and Rehabilitation.

Q4 How can I find an internship?

There are various ways to find an internship. You can contact the coordinator and arrange a meeting. He can advise where to look or whom to contact. You can also look at Utrecht websites such as:

Keep in mind that you can either choose an internship for methodological reasons (i.e. you want to learn a new research method or brain imaging technique) or because you are specifically interested in a certain cognitive topic or domain. Often it works quite well to send an email to a senior researcher for a brief meeting. He/she can inform you about the line of research and types of experiments in his/her lab.

Q5 Can you give examples of internships in the ECN track?

Internships are available in over 50 research groups covering virtually all major neurological and psychiatric diseases. Examples are: projects on schizophrenia, autism, mood disorders, eating disorders, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, post traumatic stress disorder, stroke, ADHD. A large variety of techniques and approaches are used, including genetics, proteomics, molecular biology, animal models,  molecular and cellular imaging, neurophysiology, behavioral analysis (phenotyping).

Q6 Once I have found an internship what else do I need to arrange?

The internship application form needs to be signed by the coordinator and subsequently by the examination committee. The standard procedure is to have this completed at least one month before the start of the internship. This may be reduced a bit when accompanied by a written explanation. Please also provide the coordinator with a brief research proposal globally describing the main questions you want to pursue during your internship, why this is interesting, and which methods and techniques you are going to use.

Q7 What do I need to do if I choose an internship outside of Utrecht?

You can try to establish the contact with a lab outside Utrecht yourself but typically a Utrecht researcher acts as an in-between coach. He/she can help establishing the first contact. Importantly, a senior Utrecht supervisor always has to act as examiner and as contact person, in case the local supervisors or the student have any questions. Make sure the internship contract is downloaded from the Life Sciences website and is completed and signed. For international internships students can contact the international office and the coordinator for information on scholarships. Make sure you arrange proper documents such as insurances and VISA. There is a special document available for our master students with all practical instructions for international internships.

Q8 What type of internships can I do abroad and where?

More than 50% of our students take their second internship abroad. Our students spread all over the world. We have students in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, England, you name it. Preferably there is already an existing collaboration with a research group in Utrecht. Most importantly, the quality of the research group should be excellent.

Q9 How do students choose a thesis?

This is about the same as for an internship. One critical rule is that the thesis should not overlap with the topic of the internships but should focus on a new topic.

Q10 Which seminars can I follow?

Any advanced lecture within the field of Neuroscience & Cognition. For instance, RMI Lectures / Symposia, Helmholtz and OTS lectures are likely candidates. Life Sciences seminars can also be followed. Moreover, conference talks, Mind the Brain keynotes, NC Utrecht Symposia, ENP presentations are very suitable. Lab meetings on the other hand are not. Students have to write a brief summary (half to 1 A4) about each seminar they have attended. The title and venue of the seminar should be clear. All seminar summaries should be included within a single document and have to be sent for approval to the coordinator.

Q11 Which courses can I choose as an elective?

It is strongly advised -particularly for the CN track students- to choose at least one of the Utrecht Neuroscience & Cognition courses. In addition any other course either topically or methodologically related to the field of Neuroscience & Cognition can be followed. This also involves courses outside Utrecht (that is, from another university in the Netherlands or from an international university), provided permission is obtained from the examination committee. It is required that the course is at least offered at the master level. It now is possible to follow a larger elective component (with a shortened internship).

Q12 Is there life after the master Neuroscience & Cognition?

Of course there is! Most of our students enter a PhD student project directly following their last internship. You can ask your internship supervisors about opportunities. You may also contact the coordinator for a brief chat on this. Notice that not every student continues with a PhD training. Some start as teaching assistant in (neuro)psychology or biology; others work as programmers or technicians in neuroscience labs; again others work in clinical settings or as research assistants.