Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution

Brains are among the most complex systems in nature. They control perception, cognition and eventually the behaviour of animals and humans. Understanding the mechanisms that allow animals and humans to behave adaptively in complex environments is one of the most fascinating, but also most challenging tasks in science. The graduate programme "Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution" provides the relevant interdisciplinary scientific training for a comprehensive education. It introduces concepts, fundamental experimental techniques, and theoretical approaches that are required to perform research at the frontiers of this ambitious scientific field.
The study programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying autonomous adaptive behaviour in animals and humans. It bridges the gap from neurophysiology to behavioural ecology. This goal is reached by relating two basic aspects that are usually treated separately.

• Computational Aspect: Behaviour is the result of computations performed by the nervous system of the organism at all relevant levels of complexity. These comprise the cellular and network level as well as the cognitive and behavioural performance of the entire system.
• Evolutionary Aspect: Brain morphology and function as well as the innate and learnt behaviours of animals and humans emerge from the developmental and everyday interactions of the organism with its environment. They have been shaped by selection during the course of evolution.

As a distinguishing characteristic, this study programme focuses on both computational and evolutionary explanations of behaviour and highlights their mutual relationship.
Although the interdisciplinary study programme is centred in the Faculty of Biology, a selection of curricular modules may also be selected from other fields such as psychology, computer science, robotics or linguistics. Some of the groups involved in the graduate programme are affiliated with the Centre of Excellence "Cognitive Interaction Technology" (CITEC, http://www.cit-ec.de).

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