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	Program Brochure
	Introduction to the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program by the Program Head

The basic objective of the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience (ACN) program is to present a combination of biological, behavioral, and computational approaches for evaluating biological and artificial information processing systems. Computer scientists and engineers enrolling in this program will be provided biological and psychological perspectives on computational modeling problems in neural and cognitive science, including speech perception, vision, and higher level cognition processes. Other students enrolling in the program in the behavioral and neural sciences will be provided the diverse skills needed to apply new technologies to measurement and computational modeling problems and to a basic understanding of nervous system function. All students are required to do an internship in an area relevant to their career objectives. This internship may take the form of a community, industry or academic research project.

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The Masters of Science Program in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience provides excellent preparation for computer scientists and engineers interested in acquiring advanced knowledge in areas such as neurocomputation (artificial neural networks for information processing), neuroscience, and psychology relevant to real world engineering problems in a variety of areas including human-computer interactions, data analysis, medical-related information processing, speech recognition system analysis and design, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing. Psychologists and neuroscientists will benefit from exposure to not only advanced topics in psychology and neuroscience but also exposure to the use of advanced state-of-the-art computer modeling techniques. In addition, the M.S. degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience provides excellent preparation for both law school and medical school. Students who have received the M.S. degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience have obtained jobs in areas such as: medical software development, medical clinical information analyst, criminal justice supervisor, litigation support placement director, and project management.

Students interested in ACN Internship possibilities should discuss available options with the ACN Program Head at least 3
semesters before graduation.

The Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program utilizes three principal facilities. One is the Green Hall building on the main campus of UT Dallas, another is the state of the art Neuroscience laboratories also located on the main campus. The third is the UTD/Callier Center for Communication Disorders, with one location situated adjacent to the campus of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, and another location on the UT Dallas campus. Resources in Green Hall include networked workstations, personal computers, and laboratories for behavioral research. The Green Hall labs provide a setting for computer programming and instrumentation, software development, and access to mainframe and supercomputers. The Neuroscience labs provide a range of tight microscopy, tissue preparation, neurochemistry, advanced in vitro and in vivo recording facilities, and specially designed behavioral settings for model systems work. Resources at the Callier Center include speech and hearing laboratories. The Center provides a setting for first-hand experience with cognitive-behavioral and assessments of neurological disorders. Collaborative links with The UT Southwestern Medical School allow work with brain-imaging technologies.

Only 1 Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Assistantship Award is available per year. Only full-time graduate students are eligible. Criteria include: GRE scores, GPA, preparation (prior coursework and/or work experience), and interests (short-term and long-term). Students interested in applying for this award should contact the Program Head via email and submit a complete ACN Masters Program Application to the ACN Program Office for consideration. Find out more information about past recipients of the ACN Assistantship Award.

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