Consideration for admission to the MSc program will be given to students with an honours BA or BSc (or its equivalent) in Psychology or a related field of study (e.g. neuroscience) and a minimum of a 'B+' standing. Students are normally expected to have taken courses across the breadth of psychology with some courses in the area to which they are applying. A strong background in methodology and statistics is expected. As well, applicants must have undertaken an Honours thesis research project or senior research project equivalent. Students are admitted to the MSc program with the understanding that they intend to proceed to the PhD program.

The program involves three components:

1. Preparatory Course Work Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to carry our Neuroscience and Cognitive Science research in academic and/or applied settings. This will involve a course in Research Design and Statistics, a course in Research Ethics (Animal research ethics or Human research ethics), at least one elective in their specific field of research and the Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science.

2. Practicum One of the unique features of University of Guelph's Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science masters program is the practicum. Students will complete a practicum in a variety of research settings, including government agencies, hospitals, businesses, and other research laboratories. The practicum may involve learning a new technique in a laboratory other than that of the advisor. Practicum experiences will be tailored to the student's interests, and will enable student to acquire and refine skills and develop professional contacts. The research practicum is a required course for Masters students.

3. Thesis research Students will carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. This will involve a thesis for the Masters program.

PSYC*6060	[0.50]	Research Design and Statistics
OR
PSYC*6940	[0.50]	Discrete-Variable Research Design and Statistics

(upon consultation with Advisor as to which is most appropriate)

PSYC*6471	[0.50]	Practicum I
PSYC*6472	[1.00]	Practicum II
PSYC*6473	[0.25]	Practicum III

(upon consultation with Advisor/Practicum Coordinator as to which is most appropriate)

PSYC*6740	[0.50]	Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science A
PSYC*6880	[0.25]	Ethical Issues in Psychology
OR
UNIV*6600	[0.00]	Animal Care Short Course

Students must also take at least 1 of the following electives:

PSYC*6750	[0.50]	Applications of Cognitive Science
PSYC*6780	[0.50]	Foundations of Cognitive Science
PSYC*6790	[0.50]	Memory and Cognition
PSYC*6800	[0.50]	Neurobiology of Learning
PSYC*6810	[0.50]	Neuropsychology
NEUR*6000	[0.50]	Principles of Neuroscience

Students are also given the option of choosing a graduate elective from outside this list with the permission of their advisor.

If students take more than one year to complete their Masters degree, then for each Fall and Winter semester until they graduate, they must register in PSYC*6760 [0.0] Research Seminar in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science B.

All students must also complete a MSc thesis.