Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology - Behavioural Neuroscience

The PhD in Psychology is a research-intensive program, and most students pursue training in one of our department's four main areas of research: behavioural neuroscience, clinical and health research, cognitive science and human development and developmental processes. Students choose from one of two program options. The Research Option is suitable for those who wish to pursue careers in research, industry, or academia. The Research and Clinical Training Option also provides professional training in the provision of psychological services, and can lead to careers in research, industry, academia, hospital and health care domains, as well as positions involved in public policy. The Research and Clinical Training Option is fully accredited by the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec, as well as the Canadian Psychological Association. Our department trains the next generation of researchers in world-class laboratories.The study of the neural basis of reward and decision making, learning and memory, drug dependence, feeding, reproductive behaviour, and biological rhythms.Currently researchers are focusing on the commonalities and differences between neural and hormonal mechanisms underlying food intake, self-administration of drugs and brain stimulation reward, the role of conditioning in sexual and sex-related behaviour, the neurochemical control of maternal behaviour, the interaction between primary and subordinate circadian oscillators in the brain and the structural foundations of learning and memory, particularly the role of the cerebral cortex.

Master's degree in psychology or its equivalent in a closely related discipline.Research and Clinical Training Option requires that applicants have completed specific Psychology undergraduate courses required by federal and provincial licensing bodies, including an empirically based undergraduate thesis or its equivalent, as well as master's-level courses in Psychology specified by the program.