Master of Science in Neuroscience

The Master's programme in Neuroscience at University of Oldenburg provides in-depth training in the neurosciences. The programme is research-oriented and international. It aims to attract students with a variety of different Bachelor's degrees. Our Master’s programme Neuroscience is devoted to basic science and mainly covers the nervous systems of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. The programme focuses on Sensory, Behavioural, and Computational Neuroscience. Students can choose to specialise within these areas or combine them with neighbouring disciplines. In addition to theoretical and experimental neuroscience background knowledge, students acquire transferable skills and hands-on research experience in at least one research project prior to their Master’s thesis. Four out of many distinctive characteristics: International: All courses in English, semester abroad is possible Science-oriented: Intensive hands-on modules in small groups and individual student projects connecting to ongoing research projects Interdisciplinary: Teachers & students with diverse backgrounds, joint courses with the Master's programmes in Biology, Neurocognitive Psychology, Molecular Biomedicine and Physics, Engineering and Medicine Flexible: There are no mandatory courses. Students design their individual curriculum from a large range of elective modules based on their interests. The unique focus on Sensory, Behavioural, and Computational Neuroscience builds on our local strengths as reflected in a number of cooperative research and graduate education programmes. These established structures integrate basic biological research and applied research on sensory processes. Our Master's students are guided towards independent scientific work by direct interaction within internationally recognised research labs. The broad scope of sensory research also offers a wide range of methods to learn, from molecular genetics to electrophysiology, anatomy, and behaviour, and from mathematical modelling to modern imaging techniques. Finally, our teaching faculty directly reflects the multidisciplinary nature of neuroscience, providing a unique choice for developing individual strengths and interests. Students who are specifically interested in molecular or in cognitive psychology should consider our "sister programmes" in Molecular Biomedicine or Neurocognitive Psychology, which are also offered at University of Oldenburg. The programme takes two years to achieve 120 ECTS credit points. All courses are elective. One research module and a Master's thesis are mandatory and can be chosen from a broad variety of topics. Courses can be selected according to your individual preference for topics and types of modules: Background modules: Provide background knowledge on a neuroscientific topic. Courses for eight to 20 students are organised in full-time blocks of two to seven weeks and usually comprise lectures, seminars, and hands-on practical experience. A minimum of 30 credit points must be acquired in background modules. Research modules: These are individual student research projects in the supervisor's lab. The aim is to practise independent research, including experiments, background literature, and presentation of results. One research module has 15 ECTS and typically consists of six to eight weeks lab time plus time for preparation and for writing the report. Research modules are taken in one of the neuroscientific research groups at University of Oldenburg. External projects at a university, research institution, or a company science laboratory, either in Germany or abroad, are also possible. A minimum of 15 credit points must be acquired in research modules. Skills modules: Professional skills beyond the specifics of neuroscience are developed in courses for up to 24 students. Topics include programming and statistical data analysis, science communication and ethical discussions. A minimum of six credit points must be acquired in skills modules. Electives: O