PNB Graduate Handbook - User contributions [en-ca]

PNB Supervisory Committee Guidelines

2020-08-24T15:27:55Z

Flatene:

These guidelines are followed in matters related to graduate supervision in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. These guidelines apply to all students in the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs.

=== Matching Student and Supervisor ===
Our graduate program is based on an apprenticeship developed by mutual agreement between the student and the supervisor. In most cases, students are paired with a research supervisor before starting the program. This pairing is seen as provisional; occasionally, a period of a few weeks of sorting out may be required before a permanent match is achieved. In general, we try to arrange pairings so that the interests of student and supervisor are well-matched, and in most cases the original pairing works satisfactorily to the end of the program. In some cases, because of limitations of time or laboratory space, the faculty member who seems most appropriate for supervision of a student will not be able to serve as supervisor. However, that person may be able and willing to serve as supervisor in a subsequent year. Finding the right supervisor is, of course, important. The supervisor will probably have more to do with a student's education than anyone else. Therefore, within the limits of our resources, we try to make it possible for a student to change supervisors without prejudice. Interests change, and not every pairing proves compatible. Obviously, change becomes more complicated as the student advances in the program, so it is best for the student to identify a mismatch as early as possible. If a student wishes to change supervisors, they are asked to talk first to their current supervisor about their intention, and then to the chair of the Graduate Studies Committee, who can provide guidance to the work of other faculty members and on how to proceed. In the end, it is up to the student to meet with any faculty member with whom they might like to work. Changes of supervisor must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

=== The Supervisory Committee ===
The supervisory committee consists of the student's supervisor and at least two other faculty members. When forming a supervisory committee, it is important to read through the following guidelines from the Graduate Calendar:
: [[https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=8733#1.2.4_The_Supervisory_Committee Section 1.2.4 The Supervisory Committee]] (2020-2021 Calendar)
: [[https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=8734#2.7_Supervision Section 2.7 Supervision]] (2020-2021 Calendar)
: [[https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=8736#4-4_supervision_ Section 4.4 Supervision]] (2020-2021 Calendar)

The selection of the other supervisory committee members is up to the student and supervisor, but all supervisory committees must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. Members should be chosen because of the special contributions they can make to the student's research, perhaps because they complement the supervisor's expertise in some way. At least one supervisory committee member must be a full member of the PNB Department. Other members of the committee may be drawn from other departments or faculties if they have expertise in an area that is relevant to the research being undertaken. Most committees will have three members; occasionally a committee may have four members. A committee with more than four members is cumbersome and should be avoided.

The supervisory committee should be set up by December of the student's first year in the graduate program. The student should complete a [[Supervisory Committee#Plan of Study | Plan of Study]] to submit the membership of the committee to the Graduate Administrative Assistant and the Graduate Chair. This initial committee may well turn out to be an interim committee that advises the student in the first year and evaluates progress in May. The student may wish to change membership as their research project develops. Such changes in membership are permitted, but must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

The student is responsible for keeping committee members informed of their research progress. The formal aspects of the program that foster interaction between the student and supervisory committee are [[Supervisory Committee#Supervisory Committee Meetings | Supervisory Committee Meetings]], which occur at least once a year, and written [[Progress Reports]], which are due May 15 each year. (Students should consult with their supervisory committee to determine the format of the progress report.) Committee meetings provide an opportunity for students to present their research orally to committee members, while progress reports provide an opportunity for students to write a document that describes their research progress. Committee meetings and progress reports also provide the supervisory committee with an opportunity to evaluate the student's research progress and communication skills. Beyond these formal interactions, it is anticipated that students will work most closely with their primary supervisor, but students are encouraged to discuss their on-going work with other members of the committee. Finally, committee members are expected to play an important role in the final stages of preparation of a thesis. When the student and supervisor agree that the thesis is ready to be defended, other members of the committee are then expected to read the thesis and provide advise to the student regarding any revisions that are required to meet their standard for a defensible thesis.

Main Page

2020-07-20T18:48:19Z

Flatene: /* General Information */

= Welcome! =

Welcome to the PNB Graduate Handbook.

The [https://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/ Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB)], at [http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/ McMaster University], has a strong research base in the areas of [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/animal-behaviour-group.html Animal Behaviour], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/systems-a-behavioural-neuroscience.html Systems and Behavioural Neuroscience], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/cognition-perception.html Cognition/Perception], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/developmental.html Developmental Psychology] and [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/evolution-a-social-behaviour.html Evolution and Social Behaviour]. In addition, we offer [https://www.science.mcmaster.ca/maccr/ Research and Clinical Training (RCT)] which is a stream within the PNB Graduate Program.

There are 30 core [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/people.html faculty] in PNB, several associate faculty members, and approximately 100 [https://science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/people/trainees-graduates/grad-students-pnb.html graduate students]. Our graduate program is strongly research-oriented and provides flexibility to optimize the program around the interests of the student. The breadth of research areas provides a rich environment for graduate training. There is a strong collegial environment in the department that supports scientific interactions among faculty and students. As a consequence of this long-standing department culture, students often undertake research projects with more than one faculty member. Our graduate students are introduced to theory, issues, and questions in the field of Experimental Psychology and are trained in the research approaches used to study the problems.

== General Information ==
Official sources of information about our graduate program are the McMaster [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/index.php?catoid=42 Graduate Calendar (2020-2021)], the ([https://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/# McMaster University Policies, Procedures & Guidelines]), and the PNB department policies. If there is a difference between official sources of information and information presented in the PNB Graduate Handbook, the official university documents should be taken as correct. If you cannot find the information you need or if you need any clarification about any of the guidelines and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us:
:* [mailto:riddeln@mcmaster.ca Nancy Riddell], Graduate Administrative Assistant; Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23298
:* [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca Dr. Judith M Shedden], PNB Associate Chair (Graduate), aka Graduate Chair

== Prospective Graduate Students (how to apply) ==
The application process for the September 2020-2021 academic year will open late September 2019, with a '''''deadline of December 1, 2019 for RCT applicants and December 15, 2019 for experimental applicants'''''.
* [[Admission Requirements]]
* [[Financial Support]]

== Incoming Students (getting to know McMaster, Hamilton, and PNB) ==
* [[Living in Hamilton]]
* [[PNB Social Life]]
* [[International Students]]
* [[Orientation Guide for Incoming Grads]]
* Mandatory Training: [[Courses required in very first term | Health and Safety training, SGS 101, and SGS 201]] must be completed in the first term of the first year.
* [[Student Software Benefits]]

== Current Graduate Students (guidelines and forms and things) ==
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) maintains a page where you can find various forms and guides. These forms, and the links to them, tend to change occasionally. We'll provide links directly to some of the forms in various places in the handbook; if you find a broken link, look for the form directly on the [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS resources page], and also - [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca let us know] about the broken link!

=== Forms ===
* [[Forms]]: A place where several forms are gathered together.

=== Finances ===
* [[Financial Support]]
* [[External Scholarships]]
* [[Teaching Assistantships]]
* [[PNB Graduate Travel]] Support

=== Academic ===
* [[Supervisory Committee]]
* [[Supervisory Committee#Supervisory Committee Meetings | Supervisory Committee Meetings]]
* [[Supervisory Committee#Plan of Study | Plan of Study]]: A map to plan your path through graduate school
* [[Progress Reports]] (due annually on May 15)
* [[Course Requirements]]: Guidelines about required courses
* [[Comprehensive Exam]]: When and How
* [[Completing your Degree]]: The defense process

=== Help, Advise, Support ===
Sometimes we need:
* [[Help, Advise, Support]]
* [[Leaves of Absence]] and vacation time
* [[Forms]]
* [[Full-time off Campus]]

* [[Open Access Publishing]]

== Beyond the Degree (Career Planning) ==
Career planning and professional development:
* [[Career Planning]]

= About this Wiki =
The PNB Graduate Handbook Wiki was started in April 2018, with a [http://pnb.mcmaster.ca/pnbgraduatehandbook/index.php/Talk:Main_Page small group of editors]. Information is updated regularly. If you would like to join our editing group, [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca let us know!]

== If you find a broken link ==
If you find a broken link in this Graduate Handbook, [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca please email our Wiki Group].

== PNB Graduate Handbook LOGO competition ==
It's a ''small'' thing (135 x 135 pixels), but this Wiki needs a logo. Do you have artistic talents? Are you interested in submitting an entry to our logo competition? The logo should be something that represents the research by graduate students in PNB. My first attempt was a boring image of a human brain, and then an animated thing, and then a Santiago Ramon y Cajal drawing. Do you have a better idea? It is challenging because the logo is expected to be a very small 135 x 135 pixels, simple, eye-catching, and representative of PNB.

= MediaWiki Guide =
Wiki help (clicking on [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents Help] might be even more helpful):
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki Release Mailing List]
* [[sidebar]]

PNB Social Life

2020-06-04T18:56:25Z

Flatene: /* Soccer */

=== Our Department’s Social Life ===
The Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour department at McMaster is home to various receptions, seasonal parties, club functions, and sporting events, which help to generate some camaraderie and informality.

Throughout the academic year, psychology graduate students attend a series of '''colloquia''' given by distinguished guest speakers (typically Thursdays 2:30pm). Graduate student preferences mainly dictate the list of invitees, and interested graduate students (but not faculty) are invited to dine out with the guest speaker at departmental expense. (Faculty and indeed all interested people are welcome at receptions held before and/or after dinner.) The colloquium series is considered an important component (albeit an informal and unevaluated one) of graduate education, allowing students an opportunity to exchange ideas with leading researchers in their area of interest while also establishing social contacts that may be of importance to their postgraduate careers.

We also offer a '''weekly graduate seminar''' (Fridays 3pm) at which our graduate students present their research to the department. On Fridays, following the graduate seminar, we offer an informal get-together called '''Friday Social''' where students and faculty relax and socialize at the end of the week.

=== Softball ===
The PNB department '''Psy Jung''' softball team has been a tradition for as long as anyone can recall, fielding teams from the genuinely recreational to the humourlessly competitive. The team partakes in the Graduate Student Association (GSA) league each year and is team focused on fun and inclusivity, with no softball experience needed to join. All season games are played on the McMaster fields opposite Cootes Drive. The Phoenix Cup tournament is held on a weekend in late August each year, located off campus and offering a Phoenix BBQ for players. Team registration works on the premise that all PNB graduate students are welcome to join (all skill levels are welcome), all members of the previous years team are welcomed back, and we base the addition of newly joining significant others based on team numbers each season. Some general details are:
:* Co-ed, self-pitch league (3 females minimum on field)
:* ~20 games per season plus Phoenix Cup tournament
:* Games from May-August with 1-2 weekday evening/night games per week (only Phoenix Cup games are on a weekend)
:* ~$50-60 per player for the season pending team registration numbers

:For any questions regarding Psychology Jung softball feel free to email [mailto:imbaulcl@mcmaster.ca Connie Imbault] or [mailto:grevillj@mcmaster.ca Lucas Greville].

=== Soccer ===
Soccer is a department tradition (beginning 2015): Students organize a soccer team for the summer Graduate Student Association (GSA) league! Everyone is welcome to join! The team is laid back and individuals of all skill levels are encouraged to join. Some general details are:
:* Co-ed (3 female players minimum on the field)
:* 11 on 11, 90 min games
:* ~16 games from May to August (all games are played at McMaster)
:* The weekly schedule varies but games can take place on Saturdays during the day (except long weekends) and on Tues or Wed evenings. Typically we have one game per week.
:* ~$80-100 for the entire season (depending on the number of players who register)

:If you are interested in soccer, or if you have any questions, please email [mailto:filicd1@mcmaster.ca David Filice].
:To help with the recruitment process please also let David know:
:* Expected games attendance (be honest please! It doesn't matter if you can only play 3 for example as long as I know so I can recruit accordingly): ''__/16 games''
:* Do you want be the goalkeeper? ''Yes / No but I could play as a goalie from time to time if needed / No''
:* Lastly, if you know anyone who would be interested outside of the department, please let them know, as anyone can play!

=== Other Events ===
Graduate students also organize other sporting events such as volleyball, basketball, and ice-hockey (for non-skaters), and in the past there have been squash and racquetball challenges. You don't have to be talented to participate and have fun. Maybe you would like to organize something yourself!

PNB Social Life

2020-06-04T18:55:13Z

Flatene: /* Other Events */

=== Our Department’s Social Life ===
The Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour department at McMaster is home to various receptions, seasonal parties, club functions, and sporting events, which help to generate some camaraderie and informality.

Throughout the academic year, psychology graduate students attend a series of '''colloquia''' given by distinguished guest speakers (typically Thursdays 2:30pm). Graduate student preferences mainly dictate the list of invitees, and interested graduate students (but not faculty) are invited to dine out with the guest speaker at departmental expense. (Faculty and indeed all interested people are welcome at receptions held before and/or after dinner.) The colloquium series is considered an important component (albeit an informal and unevaluated one) of graduate education, allowing students an opportunity to exchange ideas with leading researchers in their area of interest while also establishing social contacts that may be of importance to their postgraduate careers.

We also offer a '''weekly graduate seminar''' (Fridays 3pm) at which our graduate students present their research to the department. On Fridays, following the graduate seminar, we offer an informal get-together called '''Friday Social''' where students and faculty relax and socialize at the end of the week.

=== Softball ===
The PNB department '''Psy Jung''' softball team has been a tradition for as long as anyone can recall, fielding teams from the genuinely recreational to the humourlessly competitive. The team partakes in the Graduate Student Association (GSA) league each year and is team focused on fun and inclusivity, with no softball experience needed to join. All season games are played on the McMaster fields opposite Cootes Drive. The Phoenix Cup tournament is held on a weekend in late August each year, located off campus and offering a Phoenix BBQ for players. Team registration works on the premise that all PNB graduate students are welcome to join (all skill levels are welcome), all members of the previous years team are welcomed back, and we base the addition of newly joining significant others based on team numbers each season. Some general details are:
:* Co-ed, self-pitch league (3 females minimum on field)
:* ~20 games per season plus Phoenix Cup tournament
:* Games from May-August with 1-2 weekday evening/night games per week (only Phoenix Cup games are on a weekend)
:* ~$50-60 per player for the season pending team registration numbers

:For any questions regarding Psychology Jung softball feel free to email [mailto:imbaulcl@mcmaster.ca Connie Imbault] or [mailto:grevillj@mcmaster.ca Lucas Greville].

=== Soccer ===
Soccer is a department tradition (beginning 2015): Students organize a soccer team for the summer Graduate Student Association (GSA) league! Everyone is welcome to join! The team is laid back and individuals of all skill levels are encouraged to join. Some general details are:
:* Co-ed (3 female players minimum on the field)
:* 11 on 11, 90 min games
:* ~16 games from May to August (all games are played at McMaster)
:* The weekly schedule varies but games can take place on Saturdays during the day (except long weekends) and on Tues or Wed evenings. Typically we have one game per week.
:* ~$80-100 for the entire season (depending on the number of players who register)

:If you are interested in soccer in the spring 2018, or if you have any questions, please email [mailto:filicd1@mcmaster.ca David Filice].
:To help with the recruitment process please also let David know:
:* Expected games attendance (be honest please! It doesn't matter if you can only play 3 for example as long as I know so I can recruit accordingly): ''__/16 games''
:* Do you want be the goalkeeper? ''Yes / No but I could play as a goalie from time to time if needed / No''
:* Lastly, if you know anyone who would be interested outside of the department, please let them know, as anyone can play!

=== Other Events ===
Graduate students also organize other sporting events such as volleyball, basketball, and ice-hockey (for non-skaters), and in the past there have been squash and racquetball challenges. You don't have to be talented to participate and have fun. Maybe you would like to organize something yourself!

Living in Hamilton

2020-06-04T18:40:26Z

Flatene: /* Transportation */

We have lots more information to add here! [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca Send us information and links] if you have ideas about showcasing Hamilton for newcomers.

=== Finding Housing ===
There are several resources for locating housing online. Here is the link to
* [https://offcampus.mcmaster.ca/available-properties/ McMaster’s off campus housing ads]
* [https://www.kijiji.ca/ Search kijiji.ca for roommates and apartment rentals in Hamilton]

If it is an option, it is suggested that you visit Hamilton to look at areas that you would like to live in. Your best resource for housing options will often be talking to current graduate students.

=== Transportation ===
Hamilton has an extensive public transit network. It is also very easy to travel to Toronto and surrounding cities via public transit. When you pay your student fees, you will receive a 12-month bus pass for the Hamilton Street Rail bus network (HSR).
* [https://www.hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares Hamilton Street Rail (HSR)]
* [http://www.gotransit.com GO transit (for bus and train travel inside and outside of Hamilton)]
* [http://www.viarail.ca VIA rail (cross-Canada train network)]
* [https://www.coachcanada.com/bus-schedules Coach Canada] stops at McMaster in front of [https://goo.gl/maps/KivqeGqZiCTRgAT98 Mary Keyes].
* [https://www.greyhound.ca/ Greyhound Canada]

Hamilton has a great bike share program called SoBi (Social Bicycles), with bike stations located on campus and throughout Hamilton neighbourhoods:
* [https://hamilton.socialbicycles.com/ SoBi Hamilton (Bike the Hammer)]

Add information about:

neighbourhoods, advantages and disadvantages of each
* Westdale
* Downtown
* Strathcona/Kirkendale
* Emerson/Ansile Woods
* Dundas
* living in Toronto (how to, disadvantages to commuting)

Grocery stores

parking on campus

Entertainment

Bars, restaurants, cafes,

Festivals in Hamilton

Living in Hamilton

2020-06-04T18:27:47Z

Flatene: /* Finding Housing */

We have lots more information to add here! [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca Send us information and links] if you have ideas about showcasing Hamilton for newcomers.

=== Finding Housing ===
There are several resources for locating housing online. Here is the link to
* [https://offcampus.mcmaster.ca/available-properties/ McMaster’s off campus housing ads]
* [https://www.kijiji.ca/ Search kijiji.ca for roommates and apartment rentals in Hamilton]

If it is an option, it is suggested that you visit Hamilton to look at areas that you would like to live in. Your best resource for housing options will often be talking to current graduate students.

=== Transportation ===
Hamilton has an extensive public transit network. It is also very easy to travel to Toronto and surrounding cities via public transit. When you pay your student fees, you will receive a 12-month bus pass for the Hamilton Street Rail bus network (HSR).
* [https://www.hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares Hamilton Street Rail (HSR)]
* [http://www.gotransit.com GO transit (for bus and train travel inside and outside of Hamilton)]
* [http://www.viarail.ca VIA rail (cross-Canada train network)]
* [https://www.coachcanada.com/bus-schedules Coach Canada] stops at McMaster in front of [https://tinyurl.com/ybfc7f5z Mary Keyes].
* [https://www.greyhound.ca/ Greyhound Canada]

Hamilton has a great bike share program called SoBi (Social Bicycles), with bike stations located on campus and throughout Hamilton neighbourhoods:
* [https://hamilton.socialbicycles.com/ SoBi Hamilton (Bike the Hammer)]

Add information about:

neighbourhoods, advantages and disadvantages of each
* Westdale
* Downtown
* Strathcona/Kirkendale
* Emerson/Ansile Woods
* Dundas
* living in Toronto (how to, disadvantages to commuting)

Grocery stores

parking on campus

Entertainment

Bars, restaurants, cafes,

Festivals in Hamilton

Financial Support

2020-05-06T19:46:24Z

Flatene: /* Support, Tuition, Fees */

=== Support, Tuition, Fees ===

A separate application for financial assistance is not required when applying to the PNB Graduate Program, as all applicants are automatically considered for financial support within the Department. All graduate students are supported by stipends from a combinations of external scholarships, departmental scholarships, research grants, training grants, and teaching assistantships. The minimum stipend for 2020-2021 is $23,902 (see below for breakdown). Hamilton is affordable for students and thus the stipend affords a comfortable lifestyle.

''[https://gs.mcmaster.ca/current-students/fees-and-payment/ This link about 2019-2020 payment information] was created to help new students understand MacIDs, student accounts, payments, tuition, and deadlines.''

* Department scholarships:
::* PNB graduate students without [[External Scholarships]] receive a departmental scholarship; in 2020-2021 this is $15,000 for both M.Sc. students and Ph.D. students who do not have external scholarship support.
::* PNB graduate students with [[External Scholarships]] receive the value of the external scholarship plus a smaller departmental scholarship; in 2020-2021 this is $2,500 for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. students with external scholarship support.

* During the years of their graduate training, students assist in the Department teaching activities. The nature of each student's contribution depends upon his or her other interests and the needs of the Department. [[Teaching Assistantships]] pay $8,902 per year (2020-2021) and are available to all graduate students in our Department. The sum of department scholarship ($15,000) plus teaching assistantship ($8,902) provides the minimum stipend $23,902.
* Tuition Fees (2020-2021) for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents for one academic year (September to August) are $6,307.20 plus supplemental fees of $998.16 (total = 7305.36). Once you have paid tuition and fees from your take-home amount of $23,902, the remaining amount is '''$16,596.64 before taxes'''.
::* Payments for [[Teaching Assistantships]] are treated as income and will be taxed; scholarship funding (both departmental and research) is not taxed.
::* Scholarship funding is paid in 3 installments at the beginning of the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer terms. TA hours are paid biweekly through Fall and Winter terms.
::* Tuition and supplementary fees are due the first week of September, however students are not charged interest until the end of the month so that there is enough time to receive scholarship funding to pay tuition. [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources/tuition-and-fees Details about Tuition and Fees at McMaster].
::* Information on charges and payments is updated about mid-July for September's new and returning students. Visit the [http://student-accounts.mcmaster.ca/ Student Accounts & Cashiers website] for detailed information about paying fees, UHIP (for international students), deadlines, etc.
::* Pay cheques are distributed using the direct deposit system (this is mandatory). This means that to get paid, you must complete a form for Direct Deposit and have a valid bank account. You should also fill out the TD1 and TD1ON Personal Tax Credit Returns. Detailed information and forms can be found on the [http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/hris/employee/teachingassistants/ Working at McMaster teaching assistants site].

* In recent years, foreign students have been put on a similar financial footing with Canadian students, by virtue of their receiving either a supplementary departmental scholarship or a tuition differential waiver. This is still the process for international masters students. However, in 2018 international tuition for graduate students in PhD programs at McMaster has been equated to domestic tuition rates. Health Insurance is mandatory for all Visa students and is provided through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) at a current cost of $636 for one person. Please refer to [[International Students]] for more details about tuition and fees.

=== [[External Scholarships]] ===

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply to external granting agencies in the autumn before they apply to the Department. Financial support from these (Tri-Council) agencies is often substantially greater than can be offered by the Department. Canadian citizens or landed immigrants may apply to the Federal Tri-Council agencies: (1) Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), (2) Canadian Institutes of Health Sciences (CIHR), or (3) Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Ontario residents may also apply to the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program; students who apply for one of the Tri-Council scholarships are automatically entered into the central competition for OGS. Details of these and other assistance programs are available on our [[External Scholarships]] page, and from the McMaster University [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/awards-funding/scholarships School of Graduate Studies scholarship page], or for new students just arriving at McMaster, from your own University Graduate Office.

:: '''Current Students:''' ALL graduate students, if eligible, are required to apply for [[External Scholarships]]. The season for submitting most scholarship applications is late summer into the fall term (with some exceptions). Please refer to [[External Scholarships]] for more details.
:: PNB graduate students with [[External Scholarships]] receive the value of the external scholarship plus a departmental scholarship of $2,500 (2020-2021). They also have the same opportunity as other students for the 200 hours of TAships, which provide $8,902 per year (2020-2021).

=== [[Teaching Assistantships]] ===
Follow this link for detailed information about [[Teaching Assistantships]].

=== PNB Graduate Travel Support ===
Graduate students can apply to receive financial support to attend scientific conferences. Please refer to [[PNB Graduate Travel]] for more details.

=== Additional Support ===
Dr. Dick Day often engages graduate students as '''examination invigilators'''. Email is sent to all graduate students when invigilators are needed.

If you are having trouble making tuition and other scheduled payments, we refer you to a couple of websites that contain important information:
* [http://student-accounts.mcmaster.ca/ Student Accounts & Cashiers website]
* [http://sfas.mcmaster.ca Student Financial Aid & Scholarship Office]
* OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) loans are available to residents of Ontario. If you are coming from out of province, you must apply for assistance through your home province.

=== Maximum Number of Hours You Can Work ===

McMaster University regulations state that the maximum number of hours that full-time graduate students can work on campus is 10 hours/week; this includes work from [[Teaching Assistantships]]. It is the responsibility of the graduate student to make sure that any work above the teaching assistant duties falls within the guidelines set out by the university and [http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/elr/collective-agreements/cupe-unit1/ the union (CUPE 3906)]. If you work more than the allowed 505 hours per academic year, you risk losing your full-time student status, and therefore, not only your scholarship, but also the high pay rate for Teaching Assistantship work.

Admission Requirements

2020-04-29T14:37:33Z

Flatene:

Thank you for your interest in our graduate program.
<br>The application process for the September 2020-2021 academic year will open late September 2019, with the following deadlines:
:* '''''deadline of December 1, 2019''''' for the PNB Research and Clinical Training Stream (within the PNB Graduate Program)
:* '''''deadline of December 15, 2019''''' for the PNB Graduate Program

The Department believes that successful graduate training requires close collaboration between student and research director on a research project that is of interest to both. Applicants are therefore encouraged to correspond directly with individual members of the faculty in whose research they may be interested. Faculty members are happy to discuss the opportunities available for research in their laboratories.

The McMaster Graduate Calendar is an important source of information.
:* [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/index.php?catoid=39 2019-2020 McMaster Graduate Calendar]
:* [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/preview_entity.php?catoid=39&ent_oid=5489&returnto=8191 2019-2020 McMaster Graduate Calendar - Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Graduate Program]

Foreign students may enter Canada on student visas. Further information on how to obtain these visas may be requested from the nearest Canadian Consulate. We encourage foreign students to read our page for [[International Students]].

== Graduate Application Requirements ==

To help you understand the application requirements for our PNB graduate program, we advise you to first read carefully the general application requirements found on the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply How To Apply] web page, especially the “Prepare your application” and “Application Instructions” tabs. Then check the points listed here for requirements that are specific to our PNB graduate program.

Applicants for graduate study in Psychology normally must have received, from a recognized university, either a Master’s degree in Psychology, or an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with at least a B+ standing. Occasional exceptions are made to the above requirements for students with a background in a related or relevant scientific discipline. For example, students with strong backgrounds in biology, neuroscience, computer science, chemistry or physics are encouraged to apply.

In addition to the requirements laid out by the School of Graduate Studies ([https://gs.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply How To Apply]), PNB requires the following:

* A statement of interest in pursuing graduate studies in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour in one or more of the following six areas:
:: (1) Animal Behaviour
:: (2) Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience
:: (3) Cognition/Perception
:: (4) Developmental Psychology
:: (5) Evolution & Social Behaviour
:: (6) Research & Clinical Training stream

: The statement should be one page in length, single spaced, with 12 pt font.
: Please list any research, teaching, or work experience that is related to the fields in which you are interested in working.
: Please list supervisors you wish to work with (no more than 3).

* Please indicate clearly if you are interested in applying to the [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/maccr/ Research & Clinical Training (RCT) stream]. There will be a question on the application form for this purpose but you might also address this in your statement of interest.

* Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test). It may be worthwhile to ask the faculty member you are interested in working with whether they would like to see your GREs.
* If English is not your native language, please provide an official copy of your TOEFL score (please see the School of Graduate Studies [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply How To Apply] page for minimum scores).

To access the online application, visit: [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply School of Graduate Studies “How to Apply”]

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Graduate Administrative Assistant, Nancy Riddell, by email ([mailto:riddeln@mcmaster.ca riddeln@mcmaster.ca]) or phone (905-525-9140 ext. 23298).

== [[Financial Support]] ==

Main Page

2020-04-29T14:19:54Z

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= Welcome! =

Welcome to the PNB Graduate Handbook.

The [https://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/ Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB)], at [http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/ McMaster University], has a strong research base in the areas of [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/animal-behaviour-group.html Animal Behaviour], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/systems-a-behavioural-neuroscience.html Systems and Behavioural Neuroscience], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/cognition-perception.html Cognition/Perception], [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/developmental.html Developmental Psychology] and [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/research/evolution-a-social-behaviour.html Evolution and Social Behaviour]. In addition, we offer [https://www.science.mcmaster.ca/maccr/ Research and Clinical Training (RCT)] which is a stream within the PNB Graduate Program.

There are 30 core [http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/people.html faculty] in PNB, several associate faculty members, and approximately 100 [https://science.mcmaster.ca/pnb/people/trainees-graduates/grad-students-pnb.html graduate students]. Our graduate program is strongly research-oriented and provides flexibility to optimize the program around the interests of the student. The breadth of research areas provides a rich environment for graduate training. There is a strong collegial environment in the department that supports scientific interactions among faculty and students. As a consequence of this long-standing department culture, students often undertake research projects with more than one faculty member. Our graduate students are introduced to theory, issues, and questions in the field of Experimental Psychology and are trained in the research approaches used to study the problems.

== General Information ==
Official sources of information about our graduate program are the McMaster [https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/index.php?catoid=39 Graduate Calendar (2019-2020)], the ([https://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/# McMaster University Policies, Procedures & Guidelines]), and the PNB department policies. If there is a difference between official sources of information and information presented in the PNB Graduate Handbook, the official university documents should be taken as correct. If you cannot find the information you need or if you need any clarification about any of the guidelines and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us:
:* [mailto:riddeln@mcmaster.ca Nancy Riddell], Graduate Administrative Assistant; Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23298
:* [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca Dr. Judith M Shedden], PNB Associate Chair (Graduate), aka Graduate Chair

== Prospective Graduate Students (how to apply) ==
The application process for the September 2020-2021 academic year will open late September 2019, with a '''''deadline of December 1, 2019 for RCT applicants and December 15, 2019 for experimental applicants'''''.
* [[Admission Requirements]]
* [[Financial Support]]

== Incoming Students (getting to know McMaster, Hamilton, and PNB) ==
* [[Living in Hamilton]]
* [[PNB Social Life]]
* [[International Students]]
* [[Orientation Guide for Incoming Grads]]
* Mandatory Training: [[Courses required in very first term | Health and Safety training, SGS 101, and SGS 201]] must be completed in the first term of the first year.
* [[Student Software Benefits]]

== Current Graduate Students (guidelines and forms and things) ==
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) maintains a page where you can find various forms and guides. These forms, and the links to them, tend to change occasionally. We'll provide links directly to some of the forms in various places in the handbook; if you find a broken link, look for the form directly on the [https://gs.mcmaster.ca/resources SGS resources page], and also - [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca let us know] about the broken link!

=== Forms ===
* [[Forms]]: A place where several forms are gathered together.

=== Finances ===
* [[Financial Support]]
* [[External Scholarships]]
* [[Teaching Assistantships]]
* [[PNB Graduate Travel]] Support

=== Academic ===
* [[Supervisory Committee]]
* [[Supervisory Committee#Supervisory Committee Meetings | Supervisory Committee Meetings]]
* [[Supervisory Committee#Plan of Study | Plan of Study]]: A map to plan your path through graduate school
* [[Progress Reports]] (due annually on May 15)
* [[Course Requirements]]: Guidelines about required courses
* [[Comprehensive Exam]]: When and How
* [[Completing your Degree]]: The defense process

=== Help, Advise, Support ===
Sometimes we need:
* [[Help, Advise, Support]]
* [[Leaves of Absence]] and vacation time
* [[Forms]]
* [[Full-time off Campus]]

* [[Open Access Publishing]]

== Beyond the Degree (Career Planning) ==
Career planning and professional development:
* [[Career Planning]]

= About this Wiki =
The PNB Graduate Handbook Wiki was started in April 2018, with a [http://pnb.mcmaster.ca/pnbgraduatehandbook/index.php/Talk:Main_Page small group of editors]. Information is updated regularly. If you would like to join our editing group, [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca let us know!]

== If you find a broken link ==
If you find a broken link in this Graduate Handbook, [mailto:shedden@mcmaster.ca please email our Wiki Group].

== PNB Graduate Handbook LOGO competition ==
It's a ''small'' thing (135 x 135 pixels), but this Wiki needs a logo. Do you have artistic talents? Are you interested in submitting an entry to our logo competition? The logo should be something that represents the research by graduate students in PNB. My first attempt was a boring image of a human brain, and then an animated thing, and then a Santiago Ramon y Cajal drawing. Do you have a better idea? It is challenging because the logo is expected to be a very small 135 x 135 pixels, simple, eye-catching, and representative of PNB.

= MediaWiki Guide =
Wiki help (clicking on [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents Help] might be even more helpful):
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki Release Mailing List]
* [[sidebar]]