The Master's programme covers the breadth of neuroscience from molecular and cellular neurobiology to systems neuroscience and cognition. Since the programme focuses on translational research, bringing findings from the bench to the bedside, special emphasis is given to pathological aspects of neurophysiology and clinical neuroscience.
Module 1 - Basic Neurobiology
A set of lectures introduces the basic elements of neurobiology to students from different academic backgrounds. In particular, the module focuses on cellular neurobiology and functional neuroanatomy. Complementing the lectures, a journal club deepens students' understanding of the material and trains them in working with primary literature and in critically appraising the scientific work of others. Furthermore, students learn relevant methods of neuroscientific research in theory and practice (lab rotations are required in modules one, four and five).
Module 2 - Working with Data
Essential to all neuroscience research is the proper handling of data, including generating data in experiments, analysing and interpreting data, as well as communicating respective findings through talks, posters or publications. This module trains students in good scientific practice, basic statistics and presentation of their research.
Module 3 - Individual Focus
The programme encourages students to develop their own research interests in more depth. A wide range of courses, lecture series, journal clubs and conferences organised by Berlin neuroscience training programmes are available. Training opportunities outside Berlin can be counted towards credit in this module as well.
Module 4 - Neuropathophysiology
The changing brain, more specifically the physiological and pathophysiological changes of the immature and mature brain, is the central topic of this module. The general aim is to provide a conceptual interface between the topics of cellular neurosciences and clinical neurosciences. In studying a number of regulatory mechanisms of the brain in health and disease, the main paradoxical principle will become evident: to stay the same the brain must change!
Module 5 - Clinical Neuroscience
Based on the material covered previously, this module is devoted extensively to the clinical manifestations of pathophysiological changes in the nervous system. Therefore, many of the lectures are given by active clinicians, and frequently illustrated by case presentations. Topics include larger systems, higher cognitive functions, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Module 6 - Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience
Based on specific examples from recently published or classical work, students deepen their understanding and knowledge gained in the core modules one, four and five. Critical evaluation of primary literature, discussion of methodological approaches and experimental design, as well as statistical analysis of hypotheses and findings are the central learning outcomes for this module.
Module 7 - Academic Writing and Publishing
This module prepares students for the successful completion of their thesis and future publications. It will train students in structuring the writing process, formulating clear and sound hypotheses, writing abstracts, describing methods and experiments properly, and working with literature data bases and creating reference lists.
Module 8 - Experimental Design
Complementary to the writing process, this module prepares students for the experimental side of the Master's thesis. The ultimate goal is a carefully developed research project plan including hypothesis, experiments to be carried out and a detailed time line.
Module 9 - Master's thesis
The entire fourth semester is dedicated to the thesis, prompting students to integrate the acquired knowledge and skills necessary for a future in science.
To get an idea of the research topics and publication output, see our website: http://www.medical-neurosciences.de/en/students/student_publications/
Module 1 - Basic Neurobiology
A set of lectures introduces the basic elements of neurobiology to students from different academic backgrounds. In particular, the module focuses on cellular neurobiology and functional neuroanatomy. Complementing the lectures, a journal club deepens students' understanding of the material and trains them in working with primary literature and in critically appraising the scientific work of others. Furthermore, students learn relevant methods of neuroscientific research in theory and practice (lab rotations are required in modules one, four and five).
Module 2 - Working with Data
Essential to all neuroscience research is the proper handling of data, including generating data in experiments, analysing and interpreting data, as well as communicating respective findings through talks, posters or publications. This module trains students in good scientific practice, basic statistics and presentation of their research.
Module 3 - Individual Focus
The programme encourages students to develop their own research interests in more depth. A wide range of courses, lecture series, journal clubs and conferences organised by Berlin neuroscience training programmes are available. Training opportunities outside Berlin can be counted towards credit in this module as well.
Module 4 - Neuropathophysiology
The changing brain, more specifically the physiological and pathophysiological changes of the immature and mature brain, is the central topic of this module. The general aim is to provide a conceptual interface between the topics of cellular neurosciences and clinical neurosciences. In studying a number of regulatory mechanisms of the brain in health and disease, the main paradoxical principle will become evident: to stay the same the brain must change!
Module 5 - Clinical Neuroscience
Based on the material covered previously, this module is devoted extensively to the clinical manifestations of pathophysiological changes in the nervous system. Therefore, many of the lectures are given by active clinicians, and frequently illustrated by case presentations. Topics include larger systems, higher cognitive functions, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Module 6 - Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience
Based on specific examples from recently published or classical work, students deepen their understanding and knowledge gained in the core modules one, four and five. Critical evaluation of primary literature, discussion of methodological approaches and experimental design, as well as statistical analysis of hypotheses and findings are the central learning outcomes for this module.
Module 7 - Academic Writing and Publishing
This module prepares students for the successful completion of their thesis and future publications. It will train students in structuring the writing process, formulating clear and sound hypotheses, writing abstracts, describing methods and experiments properly, and working with literature data bases and creating reference lists.
Module 8 - Experimental Design
Complementary to the writing process, this module prepares students for the experimental side of the Master's thesis. The ultimate goal is a carefully developed research project plan including hypothesis, experiments to be carried out and a detailed time line.
Module 9 - Master's thesis
The entire fourth semester is dedicated to the thesis, prompting students to integrate the acquired knowledge and skills necessary for a future in science.
To get an idea of the research topics and publication output, see our website: http://www.medical-neurosciences.de/en/students/student_publications/
Educational organisation
Semester 1 includes the modules Basic Neurobiology (20 CP), Working with Data (10 CP) and Individual Focus (8 CP).In Semester 2 Working with Data and Individual Focus continue. The big new topic is Neuropathophysiology (20 CP). Furthermore, the module Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience (5 CP) begins.
Semester 3 focuses on Clinical Neuroscience (16 CP). The module Advanced Problems and Topics in Neuroscience continues. The modules Academic Writing and Publishing (5 CP) and Experimental Design (6 CP) prepare students for the Master's thesis.
Semester 4 is dedicated entirely to the Master's thesis (30 CP).
Study abroad unit(s)
Medical Neurosciences is a member of the Network of European Neuroscience Schools (NENS) and an active partner in the EU-funded Erasmus Mundus Master's Course NEURASMUS. Our students benefit from these connections and can complete a lab rotation or parts of their Master's research project in a foreign lab.Internships
Lab rotations or parts of the MSc and PhD research project can be completed at a lab outside the programme, either in Germany or abroad.Forms of assessment
Each of the modules in the Master's programme is concluded with an exam. Exams include multiple choice questions, essay questions, oral presentations and written reports. The overall grade is a combination of the module grades and the grade of the Master's thesis.Course objectives
The main objective of the programme is to bring together clinical and basic neurosciences in a comprehensive educational programme by providing a structured education in basic neurosciences to medical students and by training students of the life sciences in medical topics and approaches concerning the central and peripheral nervous system.Students who complete the Master's programme successfully are encouraged to continue their research training in the PhD programme.
Language requirements
Non-native English speakers must prove proficiency in English by submitting a language test score.Academic requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as medicine, natural sciences, life sciencesEnrolment fees
Approx. 250 EUR per semester including public transportCosts of living
Accommodation: 300-450 EUR per monthTransport: included in enrolment fee
Insurance: 65 EUR per month
General living expenses depend on personal lifestyle.
Job opportunities
The MSc programme is demanding and time-consuming. It generally does not allow for part-time work. Some lab/research work may be funded.Funding opportunities within the university
The programme offers scholarships for excellent international and German students. Recipients receive 550 EUR per month. These stipends are made available by the research cluster of excellence NeuroCure (http://www.neurocure.de).http://www.medical-neurosciences.de/en/admission/finances
Arrival support
During orientation, students will be introduced to the programme in particular and the university/Berlin in general.Services and support for international students
The programme office provides support in all administrative matters such as visa, residence permit, registration, matriculation, banking, insurance, etc.Accommodation
Berlin's housing market is very accessible and comparatively inexpensive. For information on accommodation, from student dormitories to your own apartment, see our website at:http://www.medical-neurosciences.de/en/program/resources_and_links/housing/
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