dhr. M.S. (Michael) Cohen PhD
Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience
This is an exciting time to be a cognitive neuroscientist. Cognitive neuroscience ten years ago was crawling out of its infancy, and "let's just see what lights up in the brain" was an acceptable approach. Now, every aspect of cognitive neuroscience has developed: We have better brain imaging technologies, better data analysis techniques, better computation models of brain function, and better theories to test novel predictions about how brain function and structure leads to cognition and behavior.
On the other hand, still so much is unknown about brain function, and there are many low-hanging fruits in this area of science. The Brain and Cognitive Sciences research master program at the UvA is one of the best for preparing students to become future cognitive neuroscientists. The course work is rigorous and constantly evolving to adapt to a constantly developing science. The faculty is top-notch and includes active and internationally renown scientists. The internships provide an unparalleled opportunity for students not only to observe science in the making, but be part it themselves. There are important discoveries about the brain that a masters student can be heavily involved in within the 6-8 month-long internships.
If I could start my career over again, I'd start with the Brain and Cognitive Sciences program.
