Description

Contents

The Masters programme Neurosciences is divided into a curriculum of modular courses underlying a basic pattern of three weeks and leading to the Masters thesis. The compulsory modules in the first of the four semesters of the programme impart basic theoretical and practical skills, which are essential for the modules in the second semester (Advanced Studies I). In these modules in the compulsory optional area students deepen special aspects of the spectrum of neurosciences. The students choose three modules out of an offer of eight Advanced Studies I. In the third semester two six weeks lab-rotations (or observing in the clinic) will follow, which can also be performed abroad (or in different institutions at home, e.g. different universities or in industry) as well as a project proposal (Advanced Studies II). These courses particularly aim at the consolidation and application of the advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and the training of abilities in the area of experimental design and scientific communication. In the fourth semester a run of six months is provided for the Masters thesis (30 CP).

The 4-semester course of study is modularised. The curriculum is structured as follows:
In the first semester the basic theoretical knowledge of neurosciences will be imparted in four modules. Students learn in lectures and seminars the cellphysiological and neuroanatomical principles of the structure and the function of neurones and the central nervous system. They are also introduced to the basics of neuropsychology and clinical neurosciences (neurological and psychiatric disorders). In the semester break elementary practical knowledge (laboratory animal science, programming) will be imparted. In the second semester these basics will be deepened and applied in practical training. Students may choose three compulsory optional subjects from a broad offer (see summary of modules, time schedule and attachment to the examination regulations, resp.) and hence decide for individual foci for the first time. These Advanced Studies I will emphasise the development of scientific meta skills more than in former courses. The independent acquisition of information (professional literature), critical handling of data, analytical strategies of problem solving, cooperativeness and teamwork skills, and scientific communication capacity in speech and writing will be advanced and practised. The next higher stage of subject-related qualification and the further extension of meta skills will follow in the third semester, where students achieve more independence in lab-rotations (Advanced Studies II) and in writing and defence of a project proposal (in terms of an application for research funding). Thus, the students are prepared to accomplish their Masters thesis in the fourth semester in one of the departments of their choice (or partly in different institutes or enterprises at home and abroad).

Area foci/ modules for advanced specialisation

Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences

* Systemic Neurosciences
* Theoretical Neurosciences
* Clinical Neurosciences (Clinical Neuropsychology and Behavioural Neurology)
* Complementary Methods in Neurosciences (Laboratory Animal Science, Programming)
* Neuro- and Electrophysiology
* Neuropharmacology
* Experimental Neuroanatomy and Behavioural Physiology
* Psychophysics and Human Neurophysiology
* Experimental Neuropsychology
* Cognitive Psychology and Electroencephalography
* (Structural and Functional) Neuroimaging
* Neurophysics and Modelling

Semester abroad

Lab-rotations may be done abroad

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor (B.Sc.) degree (or equivalent) in either Biology, Physics, Psychology, Computer Sciences, or a related field. In addition we require 60 CP in one of the following disciplines: Zoology, Human Biology, Biopsychology or Neuropsychology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology, Genetics, Statistics/Mathematics, Medicine/Clinical Neurology/Neuropsychology, Physics, Chemistry or closely related fields

English level C1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (unless the last academic degree was obtained at a school, in which the primary language of instruction was English). The following minimum scores for the exams as listed below have to be fulfilled:

* British Council IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - 6.5
* Cambridge EFL Examinations - Certificate in Advanced English - A, B
* Cambridge EFL examinations - Certificate of Proficiency in English - A, B
* UNICERT - III
* TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet based (iBT) - 90
* C1 - test of the Fremdsprachenzentrum of the University of Bremen

An essay (Letter of Motivation) explaining why you are choosing the programme and what your research interests are.

Recommendation of a university teacher which should not be older than two years

English Language Requirements