In recent years we have seen rapid developments in neuroscience as well as behavioural science and computer science that are all aimed at gaining a better understanding of the processes that are involved in the acquisition and use of knowledge, both in humans, animals, as well as artificial systems.
These considerations formed the starting point for the present Master programme Brain and Cognitive Sciences in which we bring together various educational tracks that are all concerned with what is also often called Cognitive Science. We strongly believe that a top-level training in each of these fields requires a basic understanding of the developments in other areas of Cognitive Science. For example, in order to understand a cognitive function such as human memory, neuroscientists need to know about behavioural aspects of memory and about the progress in building artificial memory systems, and cognitive psychologists need a basic understanding of how information is coded in the brain.
In a nutshell: the present Master programme aims to train students to become experts in their specific subfield of the Brain and Cognitive Sciences but with a clear understanding and appreciation of the contribution made by the other subfields
We hope you share our enthusiasm for this unique programme.
Prof. dr. Jeroen G.W. Raaijmakers
Cognitive Science Center Amsterdam
