Neuroscience

Neuroscience studies the structure of the brain and which areas are activated when a person does certain tasks. Cognitive psychology on the other hand examines behavior. Changes in the brain may or may not affect behavior. Neuroscience at its best helps confirm what cognitive psychology has established in behavior.

In comparing cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology, we are talking about the brain (i.e., neuroscience) versus the mind (i.e., cognitive psychology) and they are two different things. Cognitive psychology assumes that our thinking is responsible for our behavior.

A degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology combines important topics in experimental psychology and neuroscience to provide a broad foundation in the field of behavioral science. The psychology branch covers topics such as: • how humans and animals think (cognitive processes) • how the world feels (perception) • comparative and developmental studies • clinical psychology

The neuroscience strand covers topics such as: • animal behavior • learning and memory • the action of drugs on the nervous system • how humans and animals perceive and respond to their environment

As a career, you can pursue a professional career in psychology (eg clinical psychology, educational psychology). These are very competitive professions that require further training and professional experience. Alternatively, graduates are able to work as researchers in universities, pharmaceutical and life science companies and institutes, or to progress into laboratory careers in non-research clinical or technical roles. Despo Kyrmitsi, Bsc, MA Vocational Guidance and Career Advisor