StudyQA — Master: Elite Neuroengineering — Technical University of Munich

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The ENB Elite Master of Science programme in Neuroengineering (MSNE) at the Technische Universität München is a two-year graduate programme, with an optional Research Excellence Certificate, hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Center of Competence on Neuroengineering. The programme is interdisciplinary and combines experimental and theoretical neuroscience with profound training in engineering. Besides taking a series of mandatory core courses, students will have the opportunity to choose from electives from multiple disciplines and to gain research experience under the guidance of world-renowned faculty. The programme aims to attract high-profile international students. It will provide a unique skill set that will open up career possibilities beyond the conventional job market.

Educational organisation

The programme is designed as a two-year full time (120 ECTS) Master of Science training, with an optional Research Excellence Certificate (additional 30 ECTS). The curriculum is innovative in the sense that all mandatory modules include hands-on implementation of acquired knowledge in small team projects with close supervision to ensure that the students are able to apply the relevant methods and techniques. Due to the interdisciplinary character, the mandatory modules ensure that all aspects of the qualification profile (neuroscience, engineering, mathematics, psychology, and informatics) are covered, while still leaving students the choice of the preferred form of implementation during tutorials and labs. The Literature Seminar, Scientific Debating, and Colloquium build a framework for the individual choice of a topic and related research papers, strengthening students' abilities to identify relevant research, analyse the research, and write about this research. Furthermore, the programme includes one or two individual research projects (of 8 and 12 ECTS, respectively) during the semester breaks to enable students to perform independent research early during their education.
We offer a mandatory set of core courses to cover all basic aspects of neuroengineering from brain anatomy to neuro-recording, electronics, and computational processing. Thereby, MSNE students acquire a rich toolbox and a deep understanding of neuroengineering concepts, despite the breadth of the field. The courses are conducted in a way that sets the framework for each topic covered. During the tutorials and labs, students have the opportunity to focus on individual problems as they work towards the individual qualification for research excellence. Students are free to select remaining courses (Learning Agreement). The overall timeline is three semesters of classes. This includes hands-on projects and intensive study projects during the semester breaks (possibly abroad). The fourth semester is dedicated to the mandatory Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

International Collaborating Institutions: EPFL (Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuroengineering; HBP), Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Singapore A*STAR and NUS (Sinapse Institute), Imperial College London (Center for Neurotechnology), Hong Kong Univ. of Science&Technology (IAS, neuroengineering)
Those universities offer complementary Master's programmes, such that MSNE students studying abroad directly obtain credits. All MSNE students are strongly encouraged to spend at least one practical work period abroad.

Internships

The research projects after semester one (optional) and semester two (mandatory) give students first exposure to individual independent application of learned concepts. All associated faculty and international partners agree to offer small, tightly supervised research projects during the semester breaks, thereby allowing students an exploration of their interests and an early specialisation. Students have the option to publish the results of these research projects as small papers and presenting these papers in the NeuroEngineering Summit (after the third semester).

Course objectives

Graduates will not only enhance their knowledge in neuroengineering, but will also develop research skills through the coursework and thesis. Apart from the cutting-edge knowledge and technical skills acquired, graduates will also develop their basic soft skills.
Beyond the skill sets of only one or two disciplines, MSNE graduates become proficient in neuroscience, engineering, mathematics, psychology, and informatics. This course of study is specifically geared towards solving complex engineering problems with high societal impact.
Graduates are able to apply state-of-the-art neuroimaging, neurophysiology and electrophysiology techniques and are able to use the techniques to conduct brain-computer interface research. They understand the functional gross anatomy and the function of neurons. They can design research methods for specific applications. They can derive results from data with appropriate statistical methods and large-scale data analysis. By using computational methods to abstract neural systems and their behaviours as well as modelling such behaviours in software and hardware (both with analogue and digital systems), graduates are able to investigate brain functions in order to conduct research and participate in ongoing research projects.
Students opting to take the additional "Research Excellence Certificate" select additional elective courses, complete an additional research project, and present their research project results within their peer group at the NeuroEngineering Summit. Students who graduate with the certificate are able to combine several aspects of neuro-inspired systems and define their own research focus, thereby surpassing the ability to conduct research with the ability to identify an individual research field that allows a smooth transition into doctoral studies. They are able to write about solutions within their individual research fields in publications as well as present and defend these solutions during a research conference.

Language requirements

The following documents providing your proficiency in the English language are accepted:

An original document issued by the university stating the language of instruction throughout the Bachelor's studies was English. The confirmation has to be sealed. Proof of citizenship in an English-speaking country is also accepted.
TOEFL score report

The minimum scores are: 88 (ibT), 234 (CbT), 605 (PbT)
An authenticated copy or the original document submitted directly or the TOEFL office is accepted.
TOEFL-code: university: 7806; department: 99
TOEFL ITP is not accepted.

IELTS (Academic) score report

The minimum score is 6.5 (overall score)
An authenticated copy or the original document submitted directly or the IELTS office is accepted.

University of Cambridge Examination (ESOL) score report

Required grades are A, B, or C in CAE or CPE.
An authenticated copy or original document submitted directly or the institution issuing the document is accepted.

School leaving certificate in Germany (Abitur or vocational diploma). Good grades in English (minimum of 10 points on average).

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a university that is rated H+ at Anabin in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Bio-Medical Engineering, Psychology with an Engineering minor or a similar degree

Enrolment fees

Approx. 115 EUR per semester, the fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Munich.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich, we recommend a budget of at least 800 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Students can apply for jobs as research assistants or teaching assistants.

Arrival support

TUM's International Center offers a special programme tailored for international students, TUMinternational (TUMi). The TUMi programme provides help and advice for new students as well as a cultural programme with events scheduled both prior to and during the academic periods.
The service desk of the Student Service Center is the first contact point for international students. We are here to help you with issues such as applications, enrolment, student cards etc. Furthermore, we offer various three- to six-week summer schools combining academics with a rich menu of educational and social activities as a foretaste of university life. For international students who have been admitted to a degree programme, the Student Service Center offers a four-week pre-study course designed to help you get started at the TUM. Students new to TUM are invited to the service fair "Fit for TUM" which takes place before the semester officially starts, to get an overview of the various offerings of support services at TUM. http://www.tum.de/en/studies/international-students/
Learning German: While the language of instruction for many of TUM's postgraduate programmes is English, learning German and thus being able to participate in daily German life at a deeper level enriches the experience of studying and living in Munich. As such, TUM's Language Centre offers language classes for students at all levels, both prior to and during the semester: http://www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/startseite/