  We present a simple model for the doped compound $Nd_{2-y}Ce_{y}CuO_{4}$, in
order to explain some recent experimental results on the latter. Within a
Hartree-Fock context, we start from an impurity Anderson-like model and
consider the magnetic splitting of the $Nd$-$4f$ ground state Kramers doublet
due to exchange interactions with the ordered $Cu$ moments. Our results are in
very good agreement with the experimental data, yielding a Schottky anomaly
peak for the specific heat that reduces its amplitude, broadens and shifts to
lower temperatures, upon $Ce$ doping. For overdoped compounds at low
temperatures, the specific heat behaves linearly and the magnetic
susceptibility is constant. A smooth transition from this Fermi liquid like
behavior ocurrs as temperature is increased and at high temperatures the
susceptibility exhibits a Curie-like behavior. Finally, we discuss some
improvements our model is amenable to incorporate.
