PhD in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science - Development and Aging in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

A key advantage of the NACS program lies in its focus on comprehending standard neural growth. The interplay between genes and environment during development forms the foundation for neural pathways governing sensory, cognitive, emotional, and social functions. Both cognitive and social conduct present extraordinary intricacy and variety among animal species, showing significant differences even within the same species. The sophisticated nature of acquiring particular abilities essential for normal cognitive and social functioning is evident in the unusually prolonged developmental phase these behaviors undergo in humans. Throughout this extensive developmental window, environmental factors shape genetic blueprints to form the neural connections needed for appropriate behavioral responses. Numerous NACS researchers contribute to examining core mechanisms across developmental stages and aging. The program incorporates fundamental scientists exploring essential neural circuit operations in normal development. This research domain inherently spans multiple disciplines, encompassing cellular, molecular, social, and behavioral dimensions of developmental processes.