ZieleThe International Master Program Computational Neuroscience is interdisciplinary and strongly research oriented. Neuroscience is one of the most intensively developing and important sciences of the 21st century. Understanding the functioning of the brain requires the collaborative efforts of neurobiologists, neuropsychologists, cognitive scientists, medical researchers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and engineers. Students who have completed the Master Program will have the ability to communicate across these diverse disciplines which will help them to make their own contribution to the fast growing field of neuroscience.
AnforderungenAll students who are interested in neuroscience and have a strong mathematical background are welcome to apply. In accordance with the interdisciplinary nature of Computational Neuroscience the program encourages students from diverse disciplines such as natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics to file their application. The following is required for an application: * a Bachelor or equivalent certificate ("erster Berufsqualifizierender Abschluss", e.g. German Diplom but not Vor-Diplom), typically in the natural sciences, in an engineering discipline, or in mathematics, * proficiency in English (non-native speakers should document this by the o TOEFL test + 570 points in the paper based test or + 230 points in the computer based test or + 88 points in the internet based test), o the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency, o the IELTS with at least band 7.0, o the TOEIC with a minimum of 785 points (395 points in each section) o or an equivalent certificate; a simple interview is not sufficient, * sufficient mathematical knowledge (i.e. at least 24 credit points) particularly in linear algebra (at least 6 credit points), analysis [including dynamical systems](at least 6 credit poins), probability theory and statistics (at least 6 credit points).
TitelMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
InhaltThe program consists of modules. A module covers a certain topic using different teaching methods such as lectures, tutorials, practicals, projects and seminars. A module’s mean workload is given in credit points. A credit point is defined in agreement with the European Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS, i.e. 30 hours of student invested time correspond to 1 credit point. The Master Program covers 120 credit points in total, i.e. two years divided in four terms. Each of the four semesters covers 30 credit points, i.e. 900 working hours. Each module is followed by an exam.
Structure of the program
1st year
Models of Neural Systems 12 LP
Models of Higher Brain Functions 12 LP
Acquisition and Analysis of Neuronal Data 12 LP
Machine Intelligence 12 LP
Programming Course and Project 9 LP
Individual Studies 3 LP
Within the first year of the program, students are individually brought to a high level of competence in the basic fields of Computational Neuroscience. The second year of the program is strongly research oriented, including lab rotations and the master thesis.
Foundation (1st and 2nd semester)
The modules ‘Models of Neural Systems’, ‘Models of Higher Brain Functions’, ‘Acquisition and Analysis of Neural Data’, each cover both the theoretical as well as the experimental aspects of the respective field. The modules ‘Machine Intelligence’ covers topics in machine learning and artificial neural networks. The module ‘Programming Course and Project’ teaches the students a programming language and how to use it to specify, develop, document and test a larger program. Within the first two semesters students also have the opportunity to fill gaps of knowledge by individual studies tailored to their needs with the aid of their mentor.
Research oriented phase (3rd and 4th semester)
The third semester is devoted to lab rotations. Every student will participate in research projects in three different laboratories affiliated with the Bernstein Center. Each of the three projects lasts for approximately two months (3 x 9 CP). The projects will be tailored to give intensive hands-on experience to the students. They will carry out individual research projects, and will be supervised by a senior researcher. The three projects include at least one theoretical and one experimental project. Additionally, students will take an obligatory course on ethical issues and societal implications of brain research. The fourth semester is primarily devoted to thesis research (20 CP), and complemented by courses on advanced topics (10 CP). The Master thesis is concluded by an oral presentation (defense).