Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution

The master's program "Behavior: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution" at Bielefeld University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education for students interested in understanding the complex mechanisms underlying behavior from a neurobiological, psychological, and evolutionary perspective. This program is designed to explore how neural systems give rise to behavior, how these behaviors have evolved over time, and how they function across different species, including humans. Students will gain a solid foundation in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral science, combined with insights from evolutionary biology and psychology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical research skills, enabling students to critically analyze contemporary scientific literature and conduct independent research projects. The program encourages an integrative approach, connecting molecular and cellular neuroscience with systems neuroscience and behavioral analysis. Through courses, seminars, laboratory work, and a research thesis, students will learn about neural circuits, brain structure-function relationships, sensory systems, learning and memory, decision-making processes, and the evolutionary factors that shape behavior. The program prepares students for a variety of careers, including research, academia, clinical practice, and industry sectors related to neuroscience and behavioral sciences. Featuring experienced faculty members, modern laboratory facilities, and strong international collaborations, "Behavior: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution" at Bielefeld University offers a stimulating environment for students committed to advancing knowledge at the intersection of brain function and behavior from an evolutionary perspective.

Educational organisation

Throughout the first year, basic concepts and current topics of mechanisms and evolution of brain and behaviour are taught in a comprehensive study programme. This combines both seminars and lectures with lab courses and small scientific projects. Emphasis during the first year is put on individual tutoring and intensive training in small groups.
Semesters 1 and 2:
Module A "Probing Behaviour" (10 ECTS)
Module B "Neural Mechanisms of Behaviour" (10 ECTS)
Module C "Control of Behaviour" (10 ECTS)
Module D "Perception and Action" (10 ECTS)
Module E "Evolution of Behaviour" (10 ECTS)
Module F "Function of Behaviour" (10 ECTS)

In the second year, students carry out independent projects in two of the participating research groups. These projects will eventually lead to the six-month Master's thesis project.
Semesters 3 and 4:
Supplementary module (10 ECTS)
Two research modules (A, B): Small research projects in preparation for the Master's thesis project (10 ECTS each)
Participation in a weekly seminar series
It is recommended that at least the supplementary module will be done in a research group outside Germany.
Thesis: The Master's thesis project comprises original and independent research. Research projects are accompanied by training in scientific writing and oral presentation skills. The Master's thesis will be written in the format of international scientific journals (30 ECTS).

Study abroad unit(s)

It is recommended that students spend the summer break of their first year as well as the period of the supplementary module at a research lab outside Germany. During the third semester, up to 30 ECTS can be obtained at a non-German university (e.g. within the ERASMUS programme). Students receive support in selecting an appropriate international research group, e.g. from cooperating institutions.

Forms of assessment

Students are assessed by written exams, oral exams, their lab reports, and oral presentations.

Course objectives

The course objective is to enable in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of behaviour and its evolutionary origin. Students learn to formulate research questions, and to design and carry out the required experiments. Students are trained in a broad range of experimental techniques as well as theoretical modelling approaches for the analysis of the mechanisms underlying complex behaviour. Students are encouraged to practise the oral and written presentation of scientific concepts and results in various relevant formats.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required. Evidence of English language skills: e.g. English as first language, first degree obtained at an English-speaking institution, TOEFL test (paper-based: TOEFL®ITP with a score record of at least 543; Internet-based: TOEFL iBT® with a score record of at least 87), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall band score of at least 5.5 or any other equivalent test (level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
International students: working knowledge of German is necessary for daily private activities, German courses are strongly recommended.

Academic requirements

BSc degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or related subjects

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR. According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000 EUR per year.

Job opportunities

Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.

Arrival support

Once a new student has been accepted, the secretary of the project helps with enrolment, accommodation, and government procedures. International students should contact the "brother-sister" programme (brother-sister@uni-bielefeld.de). It arranges for support from a more advanced student who accompanies the newcomer in getting to know the university campus and relevant institutions at Bielefeld University, in exploring the city, and in getting over any hurdles of registration and any other bureaucratic formalities. The International Office of Bielefeld University also offers a wide range of cultural events and excursions for international students.
For further details, please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/degree/upon-arrival/index.html

Services and support for international students

The International Office of Bielefeld University provides additional assistance. Bielefeld University regularly offers language courses in English and German. The university's "brother-sister programme" for international students provides student mentors who help newcomers getting settled at the university and in Bielefeld.
Special support for international students focusing on everyday and academic language skills is provided at university level by the university project "PunktUm". PunktUm offers a wide range of German courses which provide students with knowledge of German culture and aim at helping them to integrate into life at the university and German society in general. Many additional cultural activities are part of the programme.
For further details, please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/degree/help-and-care.html

Accommodation

In Bielefeld, there are 17 halls of residence run by the public "Studentenwerk" (for further details, please see: http://www.studentenwerkbielefeld.de) or private organisations. Additionally, both single apartments and rooms in flat-shares with other students are available on the private market. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 200 to 280 EUR per month. Cost of furnished accommodation ranges between 200 to 380 EUR per month. The International Office assists students in their search for accommodation.
For further information, please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/International/Students/degree/preparations/flat-search.html