Neuroscience

The Master of Science in Neuroscience at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. This program combines rigorous coursework, cutting-edge research opportunities, and practical training to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and biotechnology. Students will explore key areas such as molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and neuroimaging techniques. The program emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with experimental skills, fostering critical thinking and innovation in scientific research. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in collaborative projects, participate in seminars and workshops, and contribute to ongoing research efforts at EPFL’s renowned neuroscience laboratories. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, whether they lie in fundamental research or applied sciences. By the end of the program, graduates will have developed a solid foundation in modern neuroscience, equipped to analyze complex neural data, design experiments, and communicate scientific findings effectively. The MSc in Neuroscience aims to prepare students for doctoral studies or professional roles in neuroscience-based sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, medical technology firms, and neuroscience research institutes. Located in the vibrant city of Lausanne, EPFL provides an inspiring environment for scientific exploration, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic community of researchers and students. The program promotes a collaborative learning environment, fostering connections across disciplines to advance the understanding of the nervous system’s role in health and disease. Graduates of the program leave with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience and improve human health through scientific discovery and innovation.

Below are some remarks and recommended courses: 

• Neuroscience Upgrade Master courses (mandatory if announced at the enrollment)
• Neurosciences I : molecular neuroscience and neurodegeneration (BIO-480)
• Neurosciences II : cellular mechanisms of brain function (BIO-482)
• Neurosciences III : behavioral and cognitive neuroscience (BIO-483)

More Master courses recommended to the EDNE students

• Understanding Statistics and Experimental design (BIO-449) - No form needed for this one!The usual email with cc to your thesis director will do!
• Analysis and Modelling of Locomotion (BIOEN-404)
• Signal Processing for Functional Brain Imaging (MICRO-513)
• Chemical Biology (CH-412)
• Biological modeling of neural networks (BIO-465)
• Computational Motor Control (CS-432)
• Fundamentals of Neuroengineering (BIOENG-448)
• Sensorimotor Neuroprosthetics (BIOENG-486)

• Training (no ECTS) proposed by the SV Technology Platforms

• EPFL courses on  transferable skills (for PhD students)
• EPFL Language Center - Special language skills - New courses - Registration directly to the Language Center - NO ECTS!

Other EPFL PhD program courses we recommend 

• EDBB - Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• EDMS - Molecular Life Sciences

Advanced Microscopy for Life Science (BIO-659) - See Dr Arne Seitz for the registration process

• EDCH - Chemical engineering
• EDEE -  Electrical Engineering
• EDIC - Computer, Communication and Information Sciences
• EDMT - Management of Technology
• EDPO - Photonics
• EDPY - Physics 

• Check out the open positions (see below)
• On-line application here.  
• Please select a minimum of 3 up to a maximum of five (5) Labs of interest on the on-line application. This is mandatory for our selection process. 
• If your dossier is reviewed positively by the PhD program commission members, you will be selected to participate in the Hiring Days. (January  25th to 27th 2017)

Funding for the Neuroscience program at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) can be obtained through various channels, including Swiss and international scholarship programs, university grants, research assistantships, and external funding sources. Students enrolled in the master's or doctoral level programs may have access to financial aid options provided by the Swiss government, the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse), and other organizations supporting scientific research and higher education. EPFL offers a range of scholarships specifically designated for graduate students, including the EPFL Excellence Fellowships, which are awarded based on academic merit and research potential. These fellowships often cover tuition fees partially or entirely and provide a stipend to support living expenses. Additionally, students conducting research within the program may have opportunities to work as research assistants or teaching assistants, earning a salary that supports their studies and research activities.

International students are encouraged to explore funding options from their home countries, which may include government-sponsored scholarships or grants aimed at promoting scientific exchange and international collaboration. EPFL also partners with various European programs, such as Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which facilitate mobility and research funding across Europe. Some students may seek external grants from private foundations, industry collaborations, or non-governmental organizations interested in neuroscience research. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and support in applying for these scholarships and grants.

In terms of long-term financing, students pursuing their PhD or postdoctoral research in neuroscience can consider employment contracts with research groups, which often include competitive salaries, social security benefits, and health insurance coverage in accordance with Swiss labor laws. Overall, the financing of studies involves a combination of university-funded scholarships, research funding, external grants, and employment opportunities, making it possible for motivated students to pursue their neuroscience education without insurmountable financial barriers.

The Bachelor's degree program in Neuroscience at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) provides students with an in-depth understanding of the biological basis of neural systems and their function in health and disease. The curriculum covers various interdisciplinary fields including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science, to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of neural mechanisms, brain structure, neurophysiology, and neurobiology. Students are engaged in laboratory work, theoretical courses, and research projects designed to develop both scientific understanding and practical skills necessary for a career in neuroscience research or related fields.

The program emphasizes experimental techniques and computational methods used in modern neuroscience, such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and data analysis. Furthermore, students learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural communication, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and neurodegenerative disorders. The integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience prepares graduates for advanced studies or careers in academia, healthcare, or biotech industries.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, research laboratories, and collaborations with leading neuroscientists. The curriculum typically includes coursework on cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, computational neuroscience, neurotechnology, and ethics related to neurological research. Additionally, internship and exchange opportunities are often available, providing students with practical experience and international exposure.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue master's or doctoral studies in neuroscience, neuroengineering, medicine, or related health sciences. The program promotes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and innovative problem-solving skills necessary for advancing understanding of the nervous system and developing new therapeutic interventions. Given Lausanne’s vibrant scientific community and proximity to numerous research institutions, students benefit from a stimulating environment for scientific discovery and professional development.

Overall, the Bachelor’s in Neuroscience at EPFL is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, foster curiosity about the nervous system, and prepare students for a dynamic career in neuroscience and related disciplines. The program’s integration of theory, practical skills, research, and ethical considerations aims to produce highly qualified graduates capable of contributing to scientific progress and societal well-being.