Brain, Mind and Computer Science
BMCS is a three-year interdisciplinary PhD programme taught in English in the fields of computer science and psychology, centred around the unifying theme of user-centred technologies.
Further information
The areas covered by the BMCS PhD intersect significantly with core, long-term themes that are strongly represented in international research programmes, for which people capable of working in projects and teams with vision and impact are required. The degree courses are designed to create the conditions for such abilities to emerge. The courses present PhD students on the two curricula with current advances in crucial branches of computer science and cognitive neuroscience. In addition, there are numerous courses (or resources to be used independently) to improve transferable, language, programming and scientific writing skills, and to raise awareness of the ethical, social and legal aspects of the use of technologies. All courses are taught in English and are specifically organised for this PhD programme.
Course objectives
BMCS aims to:
- introduce all enrolled students, regardless of background and curriculum, to key topics identified in neuroscience and computer science through compulsory courses with a final examination;
- present more specific research fields through optional interdisciplinary-oriented mini-courses;
- encourage exchange by assigning co-supervisors from a different curriculum from that of the PhD student and group work among students from different disciplinary backgrounds;
- promote internationalisation through a compulsory period abroad of at least three months for research activities related to the PhD project.
Training activities
The PhD student is placed in one curriculum but is also supervised by a supervisor from the other curriculum. The research project is assessed annually by the Research Committee.
Learning requirements by the 2nd year include:
1. passing 7 compulsory examinations;
2. attendance of at least 150 hours of courses offered by the PhD programme, including compulsory courses or, up to 15%, courses external to the PhD programme;
by the 3rd year:
3. completion of the period abroad;
4. achievement of at least level C in English.
Research lines
Curriculum: Neuroscience, Technology and Society
PhD students on this curriculum undertake innovative research in applied cognitive science and neuroscience, especially in relation to emerging technologies that will have a strong impact on future society. The main research areas of this curriculum are:
- Clinical and developmental cognitive Neuropsychology
- Human-computer interaction and systems usability
- Assistive and rehabilitative technologies for sensory, perceptual and cognitive disorders
- Cybertherapy
- Neurotechnologies and symbiotic systems
- Neurorehabilitation
- Neurostimulation
- Topics concerning smart cities and smart communities and health technologies
Curriculum: Computer Science for Societal Challenges and Innovation
This curriculum promotes and develops research on information technologies and applications that drive innovation in infrastructures, services and products of both social and industrial interest, and on the knowledge that enables them. The curriculum’s areas of specialisation reflect the research and excellence areas of the members of the board. These include:
- Machine learning (machine learning, big data, and applications to computer vision and natural language processing)
- Cybersecurity
- Mobile network infrastructures and their applications (ad-hoc networks, multimedia app)
- Innovative computing infrastructures and their applications (cloud computing and related fields, IoT)
- Critical applications and support for the corresponding correctness verification (software verification)
Professional profile
BMCS prepares PhD graduates for high-level career opportunities in innovative national and international working environments. Professional roles developed by this PhD programme include:
- experts in human-computer interaction, ergonomics, and the design of user-centred applications and technologies;
- computer science experts who are attentive to the user perspective in the areas of AI (machine learning, big data), recommender systems, cybersecurity and ethical hacking, mobile network infrastructures (ad-hoc networks, multimedia app), serious games, IoT and computer vision, and Industry 4.0 solutions
- design of devices and software for psychological and physical well-being (e-health, virtual coaching, assistive technologies, technologies for disability, neurocognitive rehabilitation)
Curriculum
- Neuroscience, Technology, and Society
- Computer Science for Societal Challenges and Innovation
Contacts
Brain, Mind and Computer Science
Department of GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - DPG
Via Venezia - No. 8, 35100 Padua (PD)
Anna Spagnolli (Coordinator)
anna.spagnolli@unipd.it
Administrative contacts
phd.bmcs@unipd.it