Specific Departmental Requirements
Computer Science
- Standard Ph. D. requirements in Computer Science:
- Students are expected to pass the comprehensive examinations in Systems, Theory, and Artificial Intelligence administered at the end of the first year. At the end of the second year, students are expected to pass one qualifying examination in Systems, Theory, or Artificial Intelligence, and to write an area paper. In addition, they are expected to satisfy a breadth requirement, consisting of advanced course work, in each of the other two areas.
- Computer Science and X [and Y]:
- Cognitive Science Students are expected to pass the comprehensive examinations at the end of the first year. (Just as in the case of other Computer Science Students, exceptions may be made in advance for students with unusual backgrounds and promising potential.) The qualifying examination in the second year is required; the area paper may be slanted toward the student's interdisciplinary interest. The breadth requirement is waived.
- X and Computer Science [and Y]:
- The Computer Science component of the degree will be satisfied by passing the qualifying examination in Artificial Intelligence or in Computational Linguistics. In addition, there should be evidence of capacity for research in Computer Science.
Linguistics (approved, 1994):
- Standard Ph. D. Requirements in Linguistics:
- Students are required to pass three area examinations, and to take six out of seven basic core courses and a seventh elective. Seven additional electives are required from a very wide range, including almost every course conceivable within the framework of cognitive science.
- Linguistics and X [and Y]:
- Two of the three qualifying examinations are required, and six of the seven core courses.
- X and Linguistics [and Y]:
- Four of the six core courses in linguistics; it is also required that the student pass the masters exam (ordinarily meant to be taken after one year) in one of the three areas, as well.
Neuroscience: (approved 1994)
- Standard Ph. D. Requirements:
- General Biochemistry (BCH 401), 4 core courses (Cellular Neuroscience, Integrative Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology, Behavioral Neuroscience), 3 Lab Rotations, Statistics (STT 463), Neuroscience Journal Club (4 Semesters), Teaching Assistantship (1 semester), 2 upper level electives, Ethics in Research. At the end of the 2nd year, students must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam.
- Neuroscience and X [and Y]:
- Biochemistry, 3 Core courses (Cellular NSC, Integrative NSC, Neuropharmacology or Behavioral NSC), 2 laboratory rotations with NSC Core Faculty, 1 Statistics course, NSC Journal Club (2 semesters), 1 upper level NSC elective. At the end of the 2nd year, students must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam. The dissertation must concern some aspect of Neuroscience as well as Cognitive Science.
- X and Neuroscience [and Y]:
- The Neuroscience Graduate Program does not offer a minor.
Philosophy (approved by the Department, 1992):
- Standard Ph. D. requirements in Philosophy:
- (1) Establish competence in logic at the level of Philosophy 210, as well as the history of ancient and the history of modern philosophy. (2) Meet foundation requirements consisting of three 400-level courses in each of three areas, including one in logic; and take three more 400-level courses; (3) Take six 500-level seminars, including two in the intended concentration area, and one in a minor area; (4) Take the writing seminar; (5) Sit for two examinations: one in the primary concentration area, and one in a secondary area.
- Philosophy and X [and Y]:
- (1) Establish Competence in logic at the level of PHL 210. (2) Meet the foundations requirements, consisting of four 400-level courses in Philosophy, including one in logic (beyond 210). (3) Take four 500-level courses, including two in the intended concentration area. (4) Take the writing seminar, in which a student writes a paper, defends it in a colloquium, and rewrites it. (5) Sit for a primary concentration area examination: a three hour closed book examination consisting of three questions selected from twelve pre-announced questions.
- X and Philosophy [and Y] :
- (1) Competence in logic at the level of Philosophy 210. (2) Two 400-level courses. (3) Two 500-level courses in an appropriate area. (4) A primary concentration area examination or a secondary concentration area examination. The latter is narrower in scope than the former. (5) Exhibit evidence of capacity for research in Philosophy.
Brain and Cognitive Sciences (approved 10/96)
Standard Ph. D. Requirements in Brain & Cognitive Sciences:
- Four core courses (from 3 different areas)
- Experimental Design and Statistics
- Training in at least two research methodologies
- Qualifying exam in area of specialization
- Advanced courses as needed to achieve scholarly background
Brain and Cognitive Sciences and X:
- Three core courses (across two different areas)
- One statistics course
- Training in one methodology from BCS; training in one methodology from "X"
- Advanced courses
- At least two-thirds of a qualifying examination
X and Brain and Cognitive Sciences:
- 2 core courses across 2 areas
- 2 (noncore) advanced BCS-parent courses
- 2 methods (at least 1 in BCS)
- 1/2 of the qualifying examination (as determined by the faculty in the relevant area of BCS
Qualifying Exam format (for BCS-only and BCS-joint degrees)
BCS as the only component of the Ph.D.
The standard format will be a take-home exam with a certain number of questions and period of time during which the exam should be completed (4-5 days). A reading list compiled by the student and his or her committee will define the domain.
The domain will be centered on the student's research interests, but should be broad enough to cover other areas of the brain and cognitive sciences that bear upon these interests. By requiring the committee's involvement in the construction of the list we expect adequate coverage of relevant perspectives from outside the student's immediate research.
BCS as Part of a Joint Degree.
As noted above, where BCS is the major component of the program, students will complete 2/3 of a qualifying exam. Students who minor in BCS will be expected to pass the equivalent of one-half of a qualifying exam.
