Microcredentials in Neuroscience

Concept

Pursue neuroscience post-graduate learning and earn microcredentials through the Centre for Applied Neuroscience in a mentorship-based format with Professor Dr. Mandy Wintink, PhD.

What are Microcredentials?

Microcredentials are opportunities for learners to gain credentials for the learning they pursued. At the Centre for Applied Neuroscience, we offer microcredentials in neuroscience that have 3 main elements:

a mentorship-based model under the supervision of neuroscientist, Dr. Mandy Wintink.
individualized curriculum to meet your specific neuroscience interests.
assessment-based credentials as proof of what you have learned.

Dr. Wintink has been teaching neuroscience and psychology university courses for over 20 years but sees that the standard university model does not allow students to easily pursue unique interests. Having been part of the conventional university system for over 2 decades and an education innovator for even longer, Dr. Wintink sees the value in studying deeply with a mentor so that you can be guided to fill you own knowledge gaps and interests.

People typically choose the microcedential program at the Centre for Applied Neuroscience for a few main reasons:

specialized learning after completion of an undergraduate degree
specialized learning as preparation for a graduate degree in psychology or neuroscience
pure interest in neuroscience

Format

This course is a 14-session, private course with complementary online self-directed study. Students meet with their professor to discuss learnings, plan learning objectives, review assignments, and prepare a final written document and oral presentation. Sessions can happen weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on the pace at which the student wants to proceed. The minimum enrolment time is 4 months the maximum is 18 months.

Part 1: Survey

Students will survey 3-6 broad topics (see below) within neuroscience and psychology, as per their learning gaps and interests. The topics are chosen with the purpose to provide students with a good overview of important concepts in neuroscience and psychology and for the students to feel confident in their new credentials. During this part students will be expected to review the curated content (e.g., scientific articles, books, lectures), which may be distributed by the professor. Students will choose a subtopic to study more in-depth on their own in preparation for the next session. Students will be directed to specific resources and use a set of guiding questions and have one month to learn about their topic. They will return after a month and informally present their learning to their professor.

Part 2: Independent Projects

The second part of the course is where students choose a topic of their particular interest. The professor will continue to provide support for the student to shape the project, source information, discuss resources and content, and eventually prepare the learning for a written document and oral presentation.

Application Process

Those interested in applying for a Microcredential course should complete the online application here and email a copy of their resume or CV directly to Dr. Mandy Wintink (awintink@canc.ca). Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview.