Master Program

The Master program is structured in 9 modules. The complete two-year program accounts for 120 ECTS credits. The next run will start in October 2012.

Modules

  • Module 1 Basic Neurobiology: a set of lectures introduces the basic elements of neurobiology to students of different academic backgrounds.
  • Module 2 Working with Data: trains students in good scientific practice, basic statistics and presentation of their research.
  • Module 3 Individual Focus: encourages students to develop their individual research focus.
  • Module 4 Neuropathophysiology: The Changing Brain: the general aim is to provide a conceptual interface between the topics of cellular neurosciences (module 1) and clinical neurosciences (module 5).
  • Module 5 Clinical Neuroscience: based on the material covered previously (Basic Neurobiology/ Neuropathophysiology), this module is heavily devoted to the clinical manifestations of pathophysiological changes in the nervous system.
  • Module 6 Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience: based on specific examples from recently published or classical work, students deepen their understanding and knowledge gained in the core modules Basic Neurobiology, Neuropathophysiology and Clinical Neuroscience.
  • Module 7 Academic Writing and Publishing: prepares students for the successful completion of their thesis and future publications.
  • Module 8 Experimental Design: prepares for the experimental side of the Master thesis.
  • Module 9 Thesis: the entire 4th semester is dedicated to the thesis, prompting students to integrate gained knowledge and skills necessary for a future in science.

Overview of Modules

No. Title Components Examinations CP
1 Basic Neurobiology Lectures/Seminars, Methods, Lab Rotation, Journal Club, Self Study Online Exam, Lab Report 20
2 Working with Data Lectures/Seminars, Exercises, Textbook (e.g. Statistics for Dummies), Self Study Exam or Take Home Assignment 8
3 Individual Focus Lectures/Seminars, Conferences, Workshops, Self Study Oral Exam/Presentation 10
4 Neuropathophysiology: The Changing Brain Lectures/Seminars, Methods, Lab Rotation, Journal Club, Self Study Online Exam, Lab Report 20
5 Clinical Neuroscience Lectures/Seminars, Lab Rotation, Self Study Online Exam, Lab Report 16
6 Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience Tackling a complex topic/issue Meetings with Supervisor, Review of content of Module 1, 4 and 6 Online Exam 5
7 Academic Writing and Publishing Lectures/Seminars, Writing tutorial, Self Study Abstract Describing a method 5
8 Experimental Design Meetings with Supervisor, Self Study Take Home Assignment (Project Proposal for MSc Thesis) 6
9 Thesis Experiments, Thesis writing Thesis 30

Overview of Core Topics

Module 1: Basic Neurobiology

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Microscopic Histology
  • Cellular Neurophysiology
  • Cell Biology of Glia
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Biochemistry of Vesicle Release
  • Biosynthesis of Neurotransmitter
  • Synaptic Plasticity
  • Behavior and Memory
  • Brain Rhythms and Synchronization
  • Networks: Cerebellum, Amygdala, Retina, Olfactory Bulb, Thalamus
  • Neurogenetics

Module 4: Neuropathophysiology: The Changing Brain

  • Vascular System, Anomalies, Measurement of Cerebral Blood Flow
  • Blood Brain Barrier, Brain Metabolism
  • The Immune Response in the CNS/PNS
  • Neuroendocrine Mechanisms
  • Sleep and Wakefulness, Circadian Rhythms
  • Stem Cells: Lineage, Determination; Transplantation
  • Differentiation, Dedifferentiation, Brain Tumors
  • Axon Guidance, Layer Formation, Corticogenesis
  • Synapse Development and Elimination
  • Neuron Death, Neuron Growth and Neurotrophins
  • Brain Infection, Control of Inflammation
  • Regeneration in the PNS and CNS: Focus Axons
  • Aging and Neurodegenerative Mechanisms
  • Metabolic Damage, Oxidative Stress, Free
  • Radicals
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders, Stroke
  • Channelopathies, Excitability Disorders
  • Structual Pharmacology
  • Synaptic Reorganization in the Damaged Mature Brain
  • Neuromuscular Disorders/Motorneuron Diseases
  • Speech Disorders after Stroke

Module 5: Clinical Neuroscience

  • Visual System
  • Auditory System
  • Somatosensory System, Pain
  • Taste, Olfaction
  • Skeletomotor System
  • Cerebellum
  • Basal Ganglia
  • Oculomotor System
  • Learning and Memory
  • Attention, Executive Functions
  • Language
  • Decision Making
  • Stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuroinflammatory Diseases
  • Movement Disorders
  • Dementia
  • Affective Disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Addiction

Course of Studies

 

 

 

Esther Walton (Germany), former Master student

"I have found the course to be very intense, but with an amazing student-to-lecturer ratio and a very motivated team. You also have the opportunity to meet scientists at the forefront of groundbreaking research and be part of it."