First semester
In the first semester three out of seven Orientation Modules, which introduce to the majors, have to be selected. One of the majors is further pursued in the following semesters.
| Mandatory | Experimental Design and Statistics | 3 ECTS |
| Orientation module “Neuroscience – The Basics” (OM-05) Hands-on training in experimental neurophysiology, extra- and intracellular recording of neuronal activity Functional neuroanatomy and histology, various staining techniques | 9 ECTS | |
| Elective | Orientation module offered by other Majors Translational Biologie (OM-01), or Genetics & Developmental Biology (OM-02), or Immunobiology (OM-03), or Biochemistry & Microbiology (OM-04), or Plant sciences (OM-06), or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (OM-07) | 9 ECTS |
| Orientation module offered by other Majors Translational Biologie (OM-01), or Genetics & Developmental Biology (OM-02), or Immunobiology (OM-03), or Biochemistry & Microbiology (OM-04), or Plant sciences (OM-06), or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (OM-07) | 9 ECTS |
Second semester
In the second semester the specialization continues by the choice of the major. One mandatory module (Major Module I) and one Elective Module in the area of the major. One further Elective Module is free to choose. The Major Module I gives a deeper insight into the chosen major. Is has a methodolocical focus and builts on the contents of the respective orientation module. The elective modules A reflect the various subdisciplines of the chosen major. The elective module B can be chosen from any other major in biology, from any other teaching offer of other faculties or universities or can be done as a occupational internship.
| Mandatory | Neurobiology (SP1-05) Basic mathematics, programming in PYTHON Methods for data analysis and modeling Neuron models, network models | 12 ECTS |
| Elective module A | Neuroscience research in Drosophila Mechanisms, neurons, and neuronal circuitries underlying vision, visual information processing, and visually guided behavior Genetic, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral approaches to dissect the function of neuronal circuits and their role in behavior | 9 ECTS |
| Neuroscience – Optophysiology Optogenetic aspects of neuroscience Optogenetic manipulation of neurons, along with electrophysiological, histological, and imaging approaches in neuroscience | 9 ECTS | |
| Bioinformatics Practical experience in applied bioinformatics Focus on Python and sequence analysis | 9 ECTS | |
| Development and Function of Vertebrate Neural Circuits Distinct phases and key molecular mechanisms of nervous system development Classical techniques in embryology, modern molecular genetics, signaling research, advanced microscopy, recording of neural activity, and analysis of behavior | 9 ECTS | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience Intentions, concepts, and findings from various research fields that collectively contribute to our understanding of the relationship of cognition to the structural and physiological basis of the brain. Theoretical approaches and experimental methods applied in this context | 9 ECTS | |
| Cell Stress Signaling, Ageing and Disease Mechanisms of ageing, longevity, tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration Transgenerational stress responses | 9 ECTS | |
| Elective module B | Another of the above listed elective modules A, oder One of the elective modules offered by other Majors, oder Laboratory internship, oder Business internship (company, industry), oder Modules offered by other faculties, oder Modules offered by other universities (abroad) | 9 ECTS |
Third semester
In the third semester the respective major is further intensified through the Major Module II. Again there are options to individually tailor the studies. The practical parts Major Modules II are designed research based. The project module at the end of the third semester prepares for the Master thesis which is to be conducted in the fourth semester in the respective major.
| Computational Neuroscience Scientific Programming in PYTHON Programming and simulating Models of neurons and networks Systems’ Neurophysiology | 21 ECTS |
| Neurodevelopment Scientific Programming in PYTHON Molecular Mechanisms of nervous system development Relevance to human disease | 21 ECTS |
| Neurophysiology Scientific Programming in PYTHON Advanced electrophysiology Recording from acute slices Systems’ Neurophysiology | 21 ECTS |
| Neurogenetics Scientific Programming in PYTHON | 21 ECTS |
| Project module Preparation for the Master thesis | 9 ECTS |
Fourth semester
| Master thesis 6 months research project in one of the groups participating in the Major | 24 ECTS |
| Master thesis seminar oral presentation of the results of the master thesis | 6 ECTS |
