Behavioural Neurobiology / Neuroethology, Master of Science in Biology

The programme gives an overview of the fields of neurobiology, behaviour, sociobiology and ecology. This includes aspects of neurogenetics, behaviour, sensory systems, physiology, as well as the interaction of individuals, social groups and large populations in complex and variable ecosystems. The students learn basic principles underlying sensory systems, neuronal integration and decision-making, chronobiology/endogenous clocks, integrative approaches to elucidate complex correlations in the field of behavioural biology, and gain insight into current research in the field. The two topics selected, of which each one is consisting of two theory modules and a practical course unit, provide both theoretical and experimental skills. Further research training is provided in a selected field of interest, and the students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work and, finally, to summarise and discuss the results obtained in the thesis. The study programme in Behavioural Neurobiology / Neuroethology is a combination of two major topics, i.e. neurobiology and behavioural physiology/sociobiology. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical courses and one practical course in each of the two topics. All modules are accompanied by a graded examination. In semesters three and four, further specialised research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects. They learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work. They also learn to summarise and discuss the obtained results in their thesis. The thesis has to be presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis (25 ECTS) is preceded by an ungraded preparatory practical course of 12 weeks (15 ECTS). Further modules (15 ECTS) are selected within the sub-area "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest. These modules will not be graded (pass/fail only). PDF Download