Courses in cognitive neuroscience are a very good match for anyone interested in Psychology and Sociology, as it addresses the neural underpinnings of the human mind and behaviour. Cognitive neuroscience is also getting recent attention in Economics, in an emerging subfield called neuroeconomics. Prospective economists who are interested in applying neuroimaging techniques to study, e.g. rational and irrational decision making in Homo economicus should consider this track. Careers in the field of Linguistics will benefit much from a background in cognitive neuroscience, as a considerable part of research in the subfield of psycholinguistics now takes place at the level of neural processes, and this will undoubtedly increase further in the future. Courses in this track are also a very good match for those who are interested in Philosophy, especially philosophy of the mind or aesthetics, or in cognitive aspects of Art.
Within the natural sciences, courses in cognitive neuroscience are a good combination with Biology, providing a basis for further studies into molecular, neurophysiological and evolutionary aspects of neuroscience. In combination with Chemistry (especially Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry), knowledge of cognitive neuroscience forms a foundation for a future in designing medicines for brain disorders, while a combination with Medical Science prepares those who want to specialize in the fields of neuropsychology, (biological) psychiatry, neurology, or neurosurgery.
No courses in other tracks depend on courses in the cognitive neuroscience track, but its brain-centred perspective nicely complements many other tracks and courses. Students with main interests in other fields of science, as well as many students in the humanities and social sciences, appreciate the level 1 course, UCSCICOG11, which provides an introduction to many concepts in the field.
Conversely, if cognitive neuroscience itself is a main interest of yours, there are no courses in this track that depend on other courses or tracks, although knowledge of high-school level biology is recommended. However, it is important to realize that the field of cognitive neuroscience is very broad, including examples as diverse as research into neuronal mechanisms of memory formation, clinical work with patients suffering from brain damage, research on brain degenerative diseases, and the development of brain-computer interfaces. The Cognitive Neuroscience track only covers core aspects that are common to these specializations, but not the expertise or skills that are specific to them. Students who are considering a career in (cognitive) neuroscience should, therefore, note that the track is not sufficient as a basis for all further career paths in cognitive neuroscience, and they should prepare for future specialization by carefully selecting appropriate courses from other tracks.
