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M-SC in Cognitive Neuroscience at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Cognitive Neuroscience at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research Mysuru?
This M.Sc Cognitive Neuroscience program at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, focuses on understanding the neural underpinnings of cognitive processes like perception, memory, and decision-making. In the rapidly advancing Indian healthcare and technology sectors, there is a growing demand for experts who can bridge biology and behavior. This program distinguishes itself by integrating foundational neuroscience with advanced neuroimaging and computational techniques, crucial for both research and clinical applications in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from science, allied health, or psychology backgrounds aspiring for a career in brain research or neuro-technology. It also suits working professionals, such as psychologists or medical practitioners, seeking to upskill in cognitive neuroscience. Career changers from related fields looking to transition into cutting-edge neuroscience research or clinical application roles will find the program highly beneficial, provided they meet the science prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in research institutions, hospitals, and neuro-tech startups. Roles include Cognitive Neuroscientist, Neuroimaging Specialist, Clinical Neuropsychologist, and Research Associate. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20+ LPA. The program prepares students for Ph.D. studies or contributes to certifications in clinical neuropsychology or neuroimaging analysis.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding the core concepts of human neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. Utilize textbooks, online lectures (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), and peer study groups to clarify complex topics. Actively participate in journal clubs to develop critical thinking skills.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks, NPTEL courses on Neuroscience, PubMed for journal articles, Institutional library resources
Career Connection
A deep foundational understanding is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and for any future research or clinical roles.
Master Research Methodology & Biostatistics- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on research methodology and biostatistics, as these are fundamental for any scientific career. Practice data analysis using software like SPSS or R. Engage in small-scale data collection and analysis projects to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R programming, Online tutorials for statistical software, Datasets from Kaggle or university labs
Career Connection
Essential for designing experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting scientific literature, preparing for dissertations and research roles.
Enhance Practical Skills in Labs- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical sessions, especially those involving brain dissection, staining techniques, and basic cognitive experiments. Seek opportunities to spend extra hours in labs to gain hands-on experience and familiarity with instruments and procedures. Document all experiments meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory manuals, Lab equipment, Departmental faculty for guidance
Career Connection
Develops essential laboratory skills sought after in research and clinical settings, strengthening resumes for hands-on roles.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Proficiency in Neuroimaging Techniques- (Semester 3)
Focus on understanding the principles and applications of various neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, EEG, MEG). Seek practical experience in data acquisition, processing, and analysis using relevant software. Attend workshops or online courses to supplement classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
SPM, FSL, EEGLAB, BrainVision Analyzer, Online courses (e.g., Coursera''''s Introduction to Neuroimaging)
Career Connection
Opens doors to roles as Neuroimaging Specialists in hospitals, research centers, and AI/ML companies utilizing brain data.
Explore Specializations through Electives and Mini-Projects- (Semester 3)
Thoughtfully choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., Clinical Neuropsychology, Advanced Neuroimaging, Computational Neuroscience). Proactively seek out faculty members for mini-projects or short research experiences in your chosen area to build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty, Research labs, Institutional project opportunities
Career Connection
Allows for early specialization, making you a more targeted candidate for specific industry roles or Ph.D. programs.
Develop Strong Scientific Communication- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in seminars and presentations. Practice scientific writing by drafting literature reviews or research proposals. Seek feedback from professors to refine your communication skills. Engage in scientific debates and discussions.
Tools & Resources
Writing style guides (e.g., APA), Grammarly, University writing centers, Presentation software
Career Connection
Excellent communication is vital for publishing research, grant writing, and presenting findings in academic or industry settings.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Dissertation Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation. Choose a topic that excites you and has practical relevance. Work closely with your supervisor, consistently meet deadlines, and focus on robust experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Aim for publishable results.
Tools & Resources
Research lab resources, Statistical software, Academic journals, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
A strong dissertation acts as a significant portfolio piece, demonstrating research capability for Ph.D. admissions or R&D jobs.
Network with Industry Professionals and Researchers- (Semester 4)
Attend neuroscience conferences, workshops, and seminars (both national and international, if possible). Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in alumni events to explore career opportunities and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Conference websites (e.g., Indian Academy of Neurosciences), Professional associations
Career Connection
Builds valuable contacts for internships, job referrals, and staying updated on industry trends.
Prepare for Placements and Further Studies- (Semester 4)
Start preparing your CV and cover letters well in advance. Practice interview skills, focusing on both technical knowledge and behavioral questions. Research potential employers or Ph.D. programs thoroughly. Consider applying for GATE or other competitive exams for higher studies or public sector jobs.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, Mock interview platforms, Company websites, Ph.D. program portals, Competitive exam guides
Career Connection
Directly aids in securing desired placements in industry, research organizations, or admission to prestigious Ph.D. programs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Bachelor''''s Degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Science/Allied Health Sciences/Life Sciences/Neuroscience/Biotechnology/Psychology/Physics/Chemistry/Medicine/Dentistry from JSS AHER or any other University recognized as equivalent by JSS AHER. (Minimum of 45% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCN101 | Human Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology | Core | 4 | Neurodevelopment and Spinal Cord, Major Brain Regions and Cranial Nerves, Sensory and Motor Systems, Membrane Potentials and Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters and their Receptors |
| MSCN102 | Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience | Core | 4 | Cellular Components of CNS, Neuronal and Glial Cells, Neuronal Migration and Synaptogenesis, Myelination and Apoptosis, Neural Stem Cells and Gene Expression |
| MSCN103 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research Designs and Sampling, Data Collection and Measurement, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression, Introduction to SPSS |
| MSCN104 | Fundamentals of Psychology and Cognitive Science | Core | 4 | Historical Foundations of Psychology, Schools of Thought in Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Perception and Attention, Memory and Language, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| MSCN105 | Practical – I (Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology; Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Neuroscience) | Lab | 2 | Brain Dissection, Staining Techniques, Electrophysiological Recordings, Histological Examination, Immunohistochemistry, PCR Techniques |
| MSCN106 | Practical – II (Research Methodology & Biostatistics; Fundamentals of Psychology & Cognitive Science) | Lab | 2 | Experimental Design, Data Analysis using SPSS, Psychological Tests Administration, Cognitive Task Design, Observational Studies, Interview Techniques |
| MSCN107 | Seminar & Journal Club | Core | 1 | Scientific Literature Review, Presentation Skills, Critical Appraisal of Research, Group Discussions on Journal Articles |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCN201 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Perception and Attention, Working and Long-Term Memory, Language Comprehension and Production, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Consciousness and Cognitive Disorders |
| MSCN202 | Neuroimaging Techniques | Core | 4 | Principles of MRI and fMRI, EEG and MEG Techniques, PET and SPECT Imaging, TMS and tDCS, Neuroimaging Data Analysis |
| MSCN203 | Neuropsychology | Core | 4 | Brain-Behavior Relationships, Neuropsychological Assessment, Aphasia and Agnosia, Executive Functions and Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation |
| MSCN204 | Behavioural Neuroscience | Core | 4 | Biological Basis of Behavior, Motivation and Emotion, Learning and Memory Mechanisms, Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, Stress and Drug Addiction, Animal Models in Neuroscience |
| MSCN205 | Practical – III (Cognitive Psychology; Neuroimaging Techniques) | Lab | 2 | Cognitive Task Experiments, Reaction Time Measurement, Eye-tracking Methods, EEG Data Acquisition, fMRI Data Interpretation, Neuroimaging Software Practice |
| MSCN206 | Practical – IV (Neuropsychology; Behavioural Neuroscience) | Lab | 2 | Neuropsychological Test Batteries, Clinical Case Studies, Behavioral Assays, Animal Behavior Testing, Interpretation of Behavioral Data |
| MSCN207 | Scientific Writing & Ethics | Core | 1 | Research Paper Structure, Grant Proposal Writing, Plagiarism and Academic Integrity, Authorship Guidelines, Informed Consent and Confidentiality, Animal Ethics in Research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCN301 | Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience | Core | 4 | Advanced Perception and Executive Functions, Social Cognition and Emotion Regulation, Theories of Consciousness, Neuroplasticity and Brain Development, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience |
| MSCN302 | Computational Neuroscience | Core | 4 | Single Neuron Models, Neural Network Architectures, Computational Models of Cognitive Processes, Machine Learning Applications, Data Mining in Neuroscience, MATLAB/Python for Neuroscience |
| MSCN303 | Neuropharmacology and Neuropathology | Core | 4 | Principles of Drug Action, Neurotransmitter Systems, Psychopharmacological Agents, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Cerebrovascular Disorders and Epilepsy, Neuroinflammation |
| MSCN304A | Clinical Neuropsychology | Elective | 4 | Major Neuropsychological Syndromes, Clinical Assessment Batteries, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Forensic Neuropsychology |
| MSCN304B | Advanced Neuroimaging | Elective | 4 | Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Connectomics, Resting-State fMRI, Multi-modal Neuroimaging, Advanced Image Reconstruction |
| MSCN304C | Neuroethics | Elective | 4 | Ethical Implications of Neuroscience, Brain Interventions and Enhancement, Free Will and Moral Responsibility, Consciousness and Identity, Neurolegal Implications |
| MSCN305 | Practical – V (Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience; Computational Neuroscience) | Lab | 2 | Advanced Cognitive Experiment Design, EEG Signal Processing, fMRI Data Preprocessing, Computational Neural Modeling, Python/MATLAB for Neuroscience |
| MSCN306 | Practical – VI (Neuropharmacology & Neuropathology; Elective-I) | Lab | 2 | Drug Assays, Histopathological Staining, Animal Models of Neuropathology, Neurobehavioral Testing, Elective-Specific Practicals |
| MSCN307 | Dissertation Phase – I | Project | 5 | Comprehensive Literature Review, Research Question Formulation, Experimental Design Planning, Methodology Development, Data Collection Protocol |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCN401A | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cognitive Neuroscience | Elective | 4 | AI Fundamentals, Machine Learning Algorithms, Deep Learning for Neuroimaging, Image Recognition in Neuroscience, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Neural Networks |
| MSCN401B | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Elective | 4 | Principles of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Assessment of Deficits, Memory and Attention Training, Language and Executive Function Therapy, Rehabilitation for Specific Disorders |
| MSCN401C | Psycho-Neuro-Immunology | Elective | 4 | Immune System Basics, Neuro-Immune System Interactions, Stress Effects on Immunity, Inflammatory Mediators, Autoimmune Neurological Disorders, Neuroinflammation |
| MSCN402 | Neurogenetics | Core | 4 | Principles of Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Human Genome Project, Gene Mapping Techniques, Genetic Neurological Disorders, Gene Therapy and Epigenetics |
| MSCN403 | Practical – VII (Elective-II; Neurogenetics) | Lab | 2 | Elective-Specific Practicals, DNA/RNA Extraction and Quantification, PCR and Gel Electrophoresis, Gene Expression Analysis, Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools |
| MSCN404 | Dissertation Phase – II | Project | 15 | Advanced Data Analysis, Interpretation of Research Findings, Dissertation Writing, Thesis Submission Guidelines, Oral Presentation and Viva Voce |
