Structure
The 5-year program consists of a study phase and a research phase. Graduation from the study phase via an MSc qualifies students to enter the research phase.
Study Phase (2 years) starting in October 2020
Successful applicants undergo a full-time MSc program at the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC) at the University of Tübingen. The GTC is an umbrella entity comprising three graduate programs (Neural & Behavioral Sciences, Neural Information Processing, Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience), created to give students access to the broadest possible range of research and to encourage interactions among faculty and students in different disciplines.
The Neuroscience program offers a diverse curriculum in the form of core neuroscience courses and advanced topics courses. Courses taken during the first two years are designed to fill gaps in the general biological or physical science background of each student, to provide broadly based training in neuroscience, and to provide intensive training in the particular area in which a student plans to carry out research. A specific program of courses designed to take advantage of the full educational opportunities is developed by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor.
Semesters 1 + 2: theoretical part of the master´s training (lectures, tutorials, seminars, block practicals)
Semester 3 + 4: practical part (laboratory/essay rotations and master´s thesis)
The study phase concludes with the award of a Master´s degree (M.Sc) which is a prerequisite for entry onto the research phase.
Research Phase (3 years)
The core focus of this phase will be independent research that is guided by members of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and participating labs at the University of Tübingen. This research will take place over approximately three years and culminate in a doctoral dissertation and the degree ‘Dr.rer.nat. in Neuroscience’, the German equivalent of a PhD.
In addition to ongoing support from the primary advisor, doctoral candidates benefit from regular interaction with their Advisory Board, a cross-institutional panel that includes three or more senior scientists and will contribute interdisciplinary and/or methodological expertise, independent guidance and supervision and individual coaching for the student. During the Research phase, doctoral students will be offered a wide spectrum of specialized training courses that have been developed over the years.