Graduate Program in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (M.S.)

The Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (ACN) program is focused on industrial and health-related applications of cognitive science and neuroscience. Principles and methods of these two fields are applicable to high-technology industry and health care, particularly in the areas of computer design, expert systems and artificial intelligence, and software development, as well as in the health sciences, where new brain-imaging and signal-processing techniques are revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment. Computer scientists and engineers enrolling in this program will be provided biological and psychological perspectives on computational modeling problems, especially simulated neural networks, including vision and hearing, speech perception, and higher-level cognitive processes and decision making. Students enrolling in the program with backgrounds in biology and neuroscience will have the opportunity to gain the diverse skills needed to apply new technologies of collecting and interpreting behavioral and neurophysiological data. Students with backgrounds in the behavioral and social sciences and the liberal arts will engage in a course of study involving general human-factors considerations in human-computer interaction, including the application of cognitive science to the development and evaluation of new software and training systems for personnel.

The Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program utilizes two principal facilities: Green Hall at the main campus of The University of Texas at Dallas, and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, which is situated adjacent to the campus of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Resources in Green Hall include networked workstations, personal computers, and laboratories for neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and behavioral research. Green Hall provides a setting for computer programming and instrumentation, software development, and access to mainframe and supercomputers. Resources at Callier include speech and hearing laboratories. Callier provides a setting for first-hand experience with cognitive-behavioral and brain-imaging-based assessments of neurological disorders.

The University’s general admission requirements are discussed beginning on page 22.

Admission to the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program is based on a review of the applicant’s GPA, letters of recommendation, and narrative description of interests and career goals.

The University’s general degree requirements are discussed beginning on page 26.

Students meet with an adviser to tailor an individual degree plan to suit their needs. In addition to the individualized degree plan there are specializations offered in Neural Networks and Complex Systems, and Neurophysiology. In all areas of specialization students complete 18 hours of core courses, 12 hours of electives, and six hours of internship for a minimum of 36 hours.

Select two of the following:

Select two of the following:

Select two of the following:

Students may tailor an individual pattern of core courses and judiciously chosen electives to meet their needs, or follow one of the particular areas of specialization emphasized by the program.

Students concentrating in this area will normally take the core courses HCS 6330, HCS 6345, HCS 6313, ACN 5314, HCS 6325 and 6347, plus four electives in the cognition, neural networks, and complex systems area. Students in this area will take ACN 7672 as their internship.

Students concentrating in this area will normally take the core courses HCS 6340, HCS 6346, HCS 7344, HCS 7345, HCS 6344, and 6366, plus four electives in neurophysiology area. Students in this area will take ACN 7671 as their internship.

ACN 7671 Internship in Biological Signal Acquisition and Processing

ACN 7672 Internship in Computing System Design and Human Performance