The programme will provide students with a broad overview of the most relevant fields of neuroscience, including basic neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience. This also includes relevant practical skills. The programme will confront students with various levels of complexity of neural functions from molecular biology to systems neuroscience. A major characteristic comprises the optional training in clinical neuroscience that will familiarise students with neuropathology and aspects of neurology and will provide them with hands-on information on current technical approaches applied in clinical research.
Educational organisation
The curriculum starts with a five- to six-week general introductory course on basic methods in neuroscience. Afterwards, students choose three laboratory work modules from at least two different subject areas, each lasting four to five weeks. Within the first year, the curriculum further includes lectures and journal clubs as well as a weekend seminar to foster the interaction among students and between students and faculty. The second year focuses on the future laboratory research with introductions to the analysis of scientific literature and methodology that can later be applied to the Master's thesis. The thesis must be completed within six months.See also:
http://www.izn-frankfurt.de/web-content_en/bilder/master_curriculum.jpg
Study abroad unit(s)
There are no regular study abroad units within the programme, but (as is usual in German programmes) there is the ERASMUS exchange programme.Also, students can choose to complete one of the laboratory work modules and/or the thesis project in an international lab.
Forms of assessment
Exams are required for individual modules and include written exams and the successful completion of protocols and the presentation of papers.Course objectives
Students gain solid practical experience and broad interdisciplinary background knowledge of neurosciences and their possible applications. They learn about neuroscientific research concepts and should be in a position to connect various specific areas and paradigms in neurosciences.They will be able to efficiently find information about methods from publications and the internet and evaluate the feasibility of carrying out experimental protocols. They will be competent in criticising methods and assessing artefacts. Students will develop critical skills to assess the relevance and validity of different or even contradictory theories and research concepts.They will be familiar with developing scientific research concepts as well as with how to incorporate these into grant applications.
Language requirements
If not a native speaker, the applicant must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language on B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, e.g.:- TOEFL (ibT) minimum 87
- IELTS minimum 5.5
Academic requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a biomedical, bioscience or psychological fieldStudents in the final year of their Bachelor's or equivalent degree courses are also eligible to apply, provided that the degree will be conferred prior to enrolment.
Enrolment fees
Goethe University charges an administrative fee of approx. 360 EUR per semester (less than 730 EUR per year). This includes a ticket for public transport. The "magic ticket" entitles you to use buses, trams, and the underground in Frankfurt and the surrounding area. You can even use the regional trains to travel to various other cities in Hesse, e.g. Marburg or Giessen.Costs of living
The cost of living in Frankfurt depends on personal requirements and lifestyle. However, students should expect minimum expenses of approx. 940 EUR per month. This calculation is based on the following items: 800 EUR for rent, food, clothing, and study materials, around 81 EUR for compulsory but almost comprehensive health insurance, and approx. 59 EUR for the administrative fee (including free public transport).Job opportunities
In Frankfurt, 44,000 companies and organisations have approx. 464,000 employees on their payrolls. In addition, Frankfurt is the financial centre of Germany, with 350 banks, including the European Central Bank, 150 foreign banks, and the fourth-largest stock exchange in the world. Furthermore, Frankfurt is home to various cultural and research institutions. These are key players in a flourishing economy, offering students and graduates interesting jobs and internships. During your studies, there are plenty of job opportunities either at Goethe University itself (e.g. as a tutor or research assistant) or you may look for jobs and internships elsewhere in the greater Frankfurt area. Job opportunities are particularly interesting for students from abroad, e.g. at the airport and the trade fair. The "Studentenwerk" as well as the Career Services at Goethe University can help you to find a suitable offer. After you graduate, it is comparatively easy to find a job in the greater Frankfurt area, since it is one of the strongest employment regions in Germany. Furthermore, due to new laws, students from non-EU countries may also receive a work permit after graduation.Funding opportunities within the university
Scholarships for applicants with a BSc obtained at a university outside Germany and a strong interest in researchhttp://www.uni-frankfurt.de/masterstip
Arrival support
Internationaler Studientreff (IST)This is a project for international and German students. Consultation hours, "get-togethers", international bar evenings, excursions in and around Frankfurt, and a buddy programme are included!
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/IST
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
The ESN is also present in Frankfurt and helps international students to get accustomed to life in Frankfurt and Germany. They also organise several "get-together" events like parties, pub crawls, quiz nights, and more.
Check the website for more Information:
http://unifrankfurt.esngermany.org/
International "Stammtisch"
Each semester, an international "Stammtisch" (a regular group meeting, mostly at a bar or restaurant) will be offered to ERASMUS/DAAD/SOCRATES scholars and German students planning to go abroad or returning from abroad. In a pleasant atmosphere, students can exchange experiences and tips on studying abroad, dealing with student life in Frankfurt, and making new friends.
Services and support for international students
The International Office of Goethe University offers a comprehensive range of advice and services on issues of visa/immigration, financing your studies, social life, and personal matters.See: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/38294574?
At the International Study Center (ISZ) at Goethe University, ongoing German language support is available. ISZ offers several options to improve your language proficiency, such as a tandem project (language exchange, e.g. Spanish-German), German language courses (preparatory and continuous), and language training during your academic programme.
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/43662305
The student union ("AStA", http://asta-frankfurt.de/) provides advice and entertainment. Faith-based organisations offer opportunities for worship and intercultural exchange.
See: http://www.esg-frankfurt.de/
See: http://www.khg-frankfurt.de/
Accommodation
Frankfurt am Main offers a wide variety of accommodation, from university dorms to privately rented apartments. The biggest providers of dorms are the "Studentenwerk" (student services, http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de) and churches.The 19 dormitories offer more than 1,700 different accommodation units starting from 120 EUR per month for a single room to up to 450 EUR for a family apartment of 45m².
For further information, see: http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de/en/consulting-service/international-students/accommodation/.
We strongly recommend that students contact such organisations as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance to the programme, as these rooms are in high demand.
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