For detailed announcement, see: http://www.sfn.org/index.aspx?pagename=professionalDevelopment_ndpconference

Join us for the 2011 Annual Spring Conference of Neuroscience Departments and Programs. This year's theme is Current Trends in Neuroscience Education: Training the Millennial Student. Information about the 2010 conference can be found here.

Date and Location

The conference will take place Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Four Points Sheraton in Washington, DC, in the Franklin Room.  

Four Points by Sheraton Washington DC Downtown
1201 K Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005

Registration and continental breakfast begins at 7:30 am, and sessions will run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, followed by a reception from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.   

Sessions 

Welcome and Opening Remarks: Dr. David Riddle, Chair of the Committee on Neuroscience Departments and Programs (CNDP)
Keynote Address: The Neuroscience and Neurotechnology of Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age, given by David H. Rose, EdD, Founder and Chief Education Officer of the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). Modern computer technologies have radically changed the neurological sciences over the last several decades. The innovations in measurement, analysis and imaging that the new technologies allow have radically altered our understanding of virtually every aspect of the "learning sciences" from cognition and affect to learning and individual differences. Related technologies have also begun to radically alter the media, methods and materials for teaching and learning in our culture, beginning to alter our understanding of the "teaching sciences." In this presentation, we will examine recent advances at the intersection of these two fields -- the learning sciences and the teaching sciences -- in the world of modern new media. In particular we will examine advances in our ability to meet the challenge of individual differences, and highlight the growing new field of learning design called "Universal Design for Learning." 

Focus on Undergraduate Neuroscience Education: Opportunities, challenges and "bottom line"
This session will explore the opportunities and challenges unique to faculty teaching undergraduate neuroscience at a range of institutions; topics include balancing curriculum needs, teaching large classes, and providing research experiences. Panelists will also examine the varying program expectations for a baccalaureate degree in neuroscience-related majors.

Deconstructing Neuroscience Graduate Curricula: The importance of non-didactic coursework and assessment strategies
This session will focus on selected aspects of assessment strategies in graduate education (lessons learned about comprehensive examinations), how to effectively incorporate non-didactic coursework such as journal clubs and clinical experiences into graduate training, and the various formats those can take.

Lunchtime Discussions: CNDP members will lead small-group discussions around the morning session topics as well as solicit feedback on possible strategic initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of SfN’s Institutional Program members. Input will also be sought on topics and activities for the 2012 spring NDP conference.

The MS Degree in Neuroscience: Is it worth the effort?
This session will examine the value and potential benefits of the thesis-based MS degree from varying stakeholder perspectives. The ideal format for an MS program, mechanisms for support and resources required for a successful program, and relevance of the MS degree in neuroscience will be discussed.

Funding for Graduate Neuroscience Education in the Twenty-Teens: Who will be supported and by whom?
This session will address the immediate and longer-term prospects for federal funding of neuroscience training with representatives from the NIH and other governmental agencies. Attendees will also hear from a program leader who has successfully partnered with industry to support graduate education and will gain new ideas for identifying alternative funding sources.

National Research Council’s Assessment of U.S. Doctoral Programs
This session will present a brief overview of the latest Assessment of U.S. Doctoral Programs by the NRC (“NRC rankings”), which has prompted diverse responses from the university community. Facilitated discussion will focus on the validity and value of the data and rankings, and possible uses for the data.


Registration Fees and Information

Advance Registration
$225 - Institutional Program Members 
$340 - Nonmembers

After March 3 and On-site Registration
$275 - Institutional Program Members
$390 - Nonmembers

Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and reception.  Attendees affiliated with an SfN Institutional Program member may receive the reduced registration fee. 

Please print and submit the registration form with payment to the address below by March 3, 2011:

NDP Spring Conference
Society for Neuroscience
1121 14th Street, NW, Suite 1010
Washington, DC 20005

Or fax to (202) 962-4941.

Hotel Arrangements

Special meeting rates for your hotel stay are available at the Four Points Sheraton for $169/night. 

Please make your own hotel arrangements by March 3, 2011. You can do so online or by calling (202) 289-7600. Ask for the SfN rate.

Questions about the 2011 Annual Spring Conference of Neuroscience Departments and Programs? Please e-mail llarabell@sfn.org.