MicroDegrees

Summary

Our MicroDegree is a one-on-one mentorship-based program for students who want to work directly with a doctorate-level supervisor (i.e., someone with a Ph.D.) to study a topic of special neuroscience and psychology interest to them.

We offer MicroDegres in the Following Areas:

Courses

Life Coaching Certification

Our CAN Life Coaching Course uses neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness and allows students to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical tools to help guide others through a personal development journey. The course was developed by Dr. Mandy Wintink and launched as our first course in 2010.

We offer this course in-house in Toronto and online for individual enrollment.

Psychological Neuroscience

The Psychological Neuroscience course is an introduction to general neuroscience and psychology topics of current relevance including drugs (i.e., Neuropsychopharmacology), mental disorders, neurological disorders, sex & gender, the effects of technology & social media on the brain, and multiple intelligences.

Social Neuroscience of Diversity & Inclusion

During this course, students will learn some fundamental principles of how the mind and brain work through the lens of psychology and neuroscience. For example, students learn the neuroscience basis of cognitive biases, discrimination, and prejudices. They will also learn about the nature of diversity, the theory of intersectionality, and stress and recovery associated with traumas. Ultimately, all of the learning prepares the students’ brains to think more inclusively, appreciate diversity, and serve as agents of social change.

Format: Online

The MicroDegree involves 6 months of general certificate course followed by a 6-month mentorship program, making the entire duration of study about 1 year in length. The MicroDegree builds on knowledge gained during the certificate course and consists primarily of one-on-one monthly meetings with a designated mentor along with a significant degree of self-directed learning by the student. Together, the student and the mentor decide on a topic that the student wants to study at the outset and then student spends their time researching the topic and meeting with their supervisor to share insights, all the while working toward a written document, in the form of a MicroThesis. The MicroThesis will then be prepared into an oral presentation for invited members of the Centre for Applied Neuroscience community, including the student’s classmates.

This program consists of virtual meetings between the student and their supervisor.

Competencies

Students having successfully completed the MicroDegree will have earned the following skill-based competencies:

Scientific Literacy Level 1 or higher
Foundational Neuroscience Knowledge in the Topic Area
Foundational Psychology Knowledge in the Topic Area
Scientific Reading Skills
Independent Study Skills
Thesis Writing Skills
Oral Presentation Skills
Discussion Skills
Critical Thinking in Neuroscience and Psychology Skills

Pre-Requisites

The MicroDegree option is only available to students with at least a bachelor’s degree. Under some circumstances an associates degree or an academic-based college diploma may qualify. Students must also complete the corresponding Certificate Course before taking the MicroDegree.

Fees

$3250 MicroDegree Fee + Certificate Fee for Associated Program (starting at $1350, but please refer to the specific MicroDegree topic of interest)

Application Process

To apply for this program, please fill out the following application form.

Upcoming Courses:

Instructor

Teacher

Mandy Wintink

I am very curious about why people do the things they do and why they don’t do what they should. Together we explore who, why, what, how, and where you are and end up discovering direction, purpose, and a plan of action.

I am a guest speaker for the Life Coaching Certification Course, after having taught the course from 2010 - 2020.

Graduates

MicroDegree Students (Current and Past)

Layla Toppazzini

I work with people who are interested in becoming more consciously connected to their light. Together we crack their individual codes by uncovering the inner blocks that keep them stuck and disempowered. This often leads to profound transformation.

In 2021 I also completed the MicroDegree in Psychological Neuroscience. My topic of research was healing through trauma.

Vanessa Yuen

Each day is an exercise in trying, failing, succeeding and starting over. But these are things we do, not who we are. Each of us is enough exactly as we are. My goal is to help people see that and believe it. It’ll change your world. It changed mine.

Vanessa is a reviewer for the MicroDegree Program.

Vanessa Vella

Vanessa helps you stop treating yourself like a s**thead and start treating yourself like someone you love, with small, consistent actions that add up over time. She has two adorable cats, loves coffee, and is always trying to learn all the things.

She also a teacher and the director for the Life Coaching Certification Course. Vanessa completed the MicroDegree in Psychological Neuroscience with CAN in 2020. Her thesis title was: We Need To Be Better In How We Think About Sexuality.

Victoria Bergin

I coach children and adults with mindful approaches to being the most authentic version of themselves through self-awareness, emotional wellness and energetic practices.

In 2020 I completed my MicroDegree in Psychological Neuroscience at CAN. My thesis topic was spirituality and neuroscience.

Betty Wotoczek

I help people develop their Awesome Personal Power. Harnessing the Power of the Mind, Thoughts and Body we can create magic in life. If we don’t like what’s happening, let’s change it through honesty, courage and humour using strategies that fit you!

I completed my MicroDegree in Psychological Neuroscience with CAN in 2020. My thesis title was: Mind-Body Techniques Advancing Movement in Parkinson’s Through Body Awareness

What is a MicroDegree?

A MicroDegree is a microcredential that was popularized by MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) like Coursera.org.

What kind of research do students conduct? Do they need to get ethics approval?

The nature of the student’s research is library/internet-based, secondary research reviews rather than a laboratory-based, primary research focus that would be customary in a traditional neuroscience research program. Students will be reading, reviewing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing the primary research of other neuroscientists. As such, there are no ethics requirements to summarize, synthesize, and critique scientific research that already has been published.

Who typically does a MicroDegree?

Students who are interested in neuroscience and want a more systematic and guided approach to learning about neuroscience. Some of our students go on to apply to and/or attend graduate school in neuroscience using this as part of their foundation. Others use the MicroDegree as professional development to include a neuroscience lens to their existing work focus. This may include professions like teaching, law, medicine, psychotherapy, healthcare, business, leadership, as some examples of the pervasiveness of neuroscience reach.

MicroDegreeMandy WintinkMay 25, 2021Psychological Neuroscience, Social Neuroscience of Diversity & Inclusion