Neuroscience

The Master's degree in Neuroscience at the University of Freiburg offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system. This program is tailored for students who are passionate about exploring the biological bases of behavior, cognition, and neurological disorders through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of topics, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroinformatics.

Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects within state-of-the-art laboratories, working alongside leading experts in the field. The program emphasizes the integration of various scientific disciplines, fostering a multidisciplinary approach essential for advancing neuroscience research. Courses are delivered by highly qualified faculty members who are active researchers, ensuring that students are trained with the latest scientific developments and methodologies. The program also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as neuropharmacology, neuroimaging, neurogenetics, and neural modeling, allowing students to tailor their education to their research interests and career goals.

The university supports a collaborative learning environment, encouraging interaction and exchanges with fellow students and faculty members. Besides theoretical coursework, students participate in practical laboratory work, seminars, workshops, and scientific conferences, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and research institutions. The Master's program in Neuroscience prepares graduates to pursue doctoral studies or to enter professional roles where advanced knowledge of neural processes is essential. Graduates will be equipped with critical analytical skills, experimental expertise, and a thorough understanding of neuroscience principles, making them competitive candidates in the rapidly evolving field of neurological research and applied sciences.

First Semester

 You will begin your program obtaining a comprehensive education in the foundations of neuroscience and the experimental and theoretical methods used in neuroscientific research. In the lecture "From Membrane to Brain" and the accompanying seminar you will acquire in depth knowledge about the structure and functional principles underlying brain function and neuroanatomical structures, organizational schemes, and processes in nerve cells and functional systems of the brain (e.g. visual, auditory, motor, somatosensory and cognitive systems). In two practical courses "Physiology and anatomy of neuronal systems" and "Neurophysiology: Measurement and Analysis of Neuronal Activity" practical experience in basic neurobiology will be gained in (i) measuring and analyzing physiological properties of neurons and neuronal networks and (ii) in comparative and functional neuroanatomy in rodents and humans on the basis of fixed tissue specimens and models. Important theoretical concepts and mathematical tools essential for model building and data analysis in neuroscience will be taught in a separate "Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience" course consisting of lectures and practical exercises. ]

Second Semester

 As soon as in the second term you will have the chance to focus on a specific neuroscientific topic. While you will meet with all students of your semester in the "Advanced topics in Neuroscience I" module, consisting of a lecture series and regular "Journal Clubs" to discuss recent neuroscience publications, you can individually choose from various elective subjects such as computational neuroscience, neuro- and optophysiology, neurotechnology, and neurodevelopment. Each elective offers multiple courses to choose from, including a subset of courses from other electives, enabling you to compose an individual and multidisciplinary curriculum. 

Third Semester

 In the third semester you will continue with lab work related to your specialization, diving deeper into practical work. You will enter two research laboratories for research internships during which you carry out a six weeks research project which matches your specific neuroscientific interests. Furthermore this will allow you explore research fields for future MSc thesis opportunities. In a parallel advanced seminar series with local and international speakers, you will continue to meet your fellow students and scientists from all over the world to attend top level research presentations, and extend your network.

Fourth Semester

The fourth semester will be dedicated to your masters thesis project and the preparation of your written thesis and the final oral exam.

Entry requirements

The MSc Neuroscience has the following entry requirements:

1. A Bachelor degree (or equivalent international qualification) with a major in natural sciences, engineering sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, behavioural sciences or sport sciences. If you have already obtained multiple degrees then it is your first degree that counts.
2. A Bachelor degree (or equivalent international qualifications) with a final grade of at least 2.5 (according to the German grading system) or a Bachelor degree with a final grade that ranks among the top 33% across the last 3 years. Again it is your first degree which counts in case you have obtained multiple degrees already. To transfer foreign grades to the German grading system you can use this table for orientation but please note that the information in the table is not legally binding.
3. A first Bachelor degree with at least 100 ECTS in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering sciences of which at least 20 ECTS must be in mathematics or physics. For degree programs which do not use ECTS: 1 ECTS amounts to 25-30 hours of student work, details can be found here.
4. If you have not completed a Bachelor degree yet you can still apply if you meet the following three criteria at the time of application: (i) You have already obtained 135 ECTS in total. (ii) You have already obtained at least 80 ECTS in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering sciences of which at least 20 ECTS must be in mathematics or physics. (iii) You have already submitted your Bachelor thesis or you have at least already registered for your Bachelor thesis project. Please contact us as soon as possible (mscneuro@uni-freiburg.de) if it is a problem for you to meet criterion (iii). 
   If your application is successful you will still need to demonstrate before enrolment for the MSc Neuroscience that you successfully completed your Bachelor degree and that your degree fulfills the requirements 2. and 3. above.
5. Proficiency in English (level B2 or above according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). English proficiency can be demonstrated by a recognised English language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc.), a German Abitur or a Bachelor degree which was taught entirely in English. Further information can be found here.

The financing options for the Neuroscience program at the University of Freiburg include a variety of funding opportunities for both domestic and international students. Tuition fees for this program are generally free or very low for students enrolled at public universities in Germany, including the University of Freiburg, due to the country's education policy. However, students are responsible for covering living expenses, which can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Students often finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, part-time employment, scholarships, and student loans. The university offers students access to numerous scholarships and funding programs, such as the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides financial support based on academic excellence and social engagement. International students can also explore funding opportunities from their home countries or European Union programs that support mobility and exchange.

Living costs in Freiburg include accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, study materials, and leisure activities. On average, students should budget around €850 to €1,000 per month for living expenses. The university provides guidance and resources to help students plan their finances, including information on part-time job opportunities and financial aid applications.

Students are encouraged to seek external funding sources early in their studies to ensure financial stability throughout their academic journey. The university's student services can assist with counseling, application procedures for various scholarships, and advice on managing finances effectively. Overall, while the academic program itself may not involve significant tuition fees, careful financial planning is essential for students to successfully complete their studies and participate fully in campus life.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Neuroscience at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system. This interdisciplinary programme combines insights from biology, psychology, physics, and medicine to give students a broad understanding of neural processes and their implications for behavior, cognition, and neurological disorders. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, and experimental design. Students learn about molecular and cellular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, and cognitive neuroscience. Special emphasis is placed on research methods and current scientific debates in the field. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, and industry, or for further studies at the master's and doctoral levels. Instruction is delivered by experienced faculty members through lectures, seminars, practical lab courses, and project work. The university's facilities include modern laboratories, neuroimaging equipment, and dedicated research centers, providing students with hands-on experience. Students are encouraged to undertake internships or research projects in collaboration with external institutions and research groups. The programme is taught entirely in English, facilitating international exchange and collaboration. The typical duration of the Bachelor's programme is six semesters, with opportunities for international mobility and participation in summer schools or exchange programmes. Graduates of this programme will have acquired essential scientific skills and a detailed understanding of the nervous system, enabling them to pursue additional qualifications or enter various professional fields related to neuroscience and medicine. The programme seeks to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a scientific mindset, preparing students to contribute to advancements in neuroscience research and healthcare solutions.