The Cognitive Science Department at UCSD is developing a new program of training with the goal of unifying research in brain science, behavioral studies, and computational theories and models. Although still in the early stages of development, the program already shows real promise. The advanced graduate students are producing insightful and publishable papers that cut across these disciplines. The program's three years of experience leads to confidence that the multidisciplinary approach to the study of cognition will significantly enrich our understanding of the biological and computational bases of cognition. These traineeships will enhance the educational experience of students by permitting them undistracted time and energy to attend to the rigorous coursework and experimental research required by this new discipline. The goal of this grant is to attract intellectually diverse and multiply-equipped students, with special attention to minorities, women, and others who have been under-represented.
