Neural Engineering (MSc) htw saar - University of Applied Sciences

Neural Engineering is an emerging interdisciplinary field that merges neuroscience and engineering to understand, interface with, and manipulate the nervous system. Applications include neuroergonomic human-machine-interaction systems, brain-computer interfaces, active neuroimplants, neurocognitive and affective modelling, and neuro-inspired artificial intelligence systems.

Occupational Profile

The Neural Engineering course qualifies our graduates for demanding industrial R&D positions, e.g. in the development of nerve stimulators, diagnostic devices or active implants. Other emerging occupational fields encompass neuroergonomics (e.g. automotive branch) and neurocybernetics (collaborative robotics) applications, as well as the development of tailor-made applications in neurorehabilitation.

A considerable percentage of our Master’s graduates seek to pursue an academic career path and start a doctorate programme. Our national and international cooperation partners provide an excellent infrastructure to prepare students for a doctorate programme. Graduate students of the Neural Engineering programme participate in international research projects. This gives our students an early opportunity for active participation in the scientific community. In these projects, our students acquire essential scientific knowledge and social skills for future leadership positions.

The international orientation of the Neural Engineering programme allows our students to establish international contacts in early career stages and gain confidence on the global stage.

First Semester

The curriculum of the first semester includes the basics of neural and cognitive systems – in particular, auditory processing and perception, functional imaging in neuroscience, biomedical signal and image processing as well as the practical manufacture of active implants. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of risk management and biocompatibility, particularly with regard to implantable systems.

Second Semester

The second semester imparts expertise of neural signal analysis and mathematical modelling of neuronal activity, technical interfaces to the nervous system, neuro-inspired artificial intelligence, and clinical neurophysiology.

The compulsory courses are supplemented by elective modules.

All courses include a high percentage of hands-on work for consolidation and realisation of imparted knowledge.

Student projects and theses can be carried out at our labs or with one of our external collaboration partners (e.g. Bosenberg Clinics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Saarland University Hospital).

Moreover, students can apply for a practical internship with one of our collaboration partners abroad. In this way, students will reinforce their acquired skills and deal with real-world research or clinical problems.

Supervising professors and other academic staff will provide intensive guidance throughout the programme. Whenever possible, highly qualified guest lecturers will contribute to research and teaching.

Third Semester

The third semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis, which can also be authored externally. The results of the Master’s project will be presented in a seminar session.

Publication of this work is encouraged, and past thesis work has frequently been published in scientific journals and/or presented at relevant international conferences.

For further information, please refer to our course description.

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma (UAS or University) in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and related fields (210 ECTS). If you have completed a six semester Bachelor’s programme (180 ECTS), you are required to pass selected modules from the htw saar Biomedical Engineering Bachelor's programme with a total of 30 ECTS points. Please be aware that the modules during this "harmonisation semester" are taught in German. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

Recommended prerequisites:

Applicants should have excellent grades and a sound background in engineering science. Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system is recommended. Interest in research-oriented projects is presumed. All our courses are taught as a block.

• Semester fee: 414 EUR for the 26/27 winter semester
• The "Deutschlandsemesterticket" is included in this fee, giving students access to free public transport on local trains, trams and buses (second class/coach) within Germany.
• Semester fees are subject to change each semester.

Approximately 1,000 - 1,200 EUR per month to cover personal expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Leisure activities
• Books and study equipment
• Health insurance

At htw saar, we provide you with information, advice and support on how to find the perfect part-time job either on or off campus. In Saarbrücken, you will be able to find numerous part-time job opportunities for students. Depending on what type of job you are looking for, you may work as an academic assistant at htw saar, or you might prefer to work in a restaurant or a store in town. Find out more here: Working during your studies

For non-EU nationals, visa/residence permit status may limit the amount of work allowed in addition to studies.

For more information, please refer to www.study-in-germany.de.

At htw saar and especially in our department, we will support students in finding demanding industrial research and development (R&D) positions or in pursuing a doctoral degree.

In addition, you can always visit our career service for international students: Career Service.

Compared to many other German cities, Saarbrücken offers fairly affordable housing for students.

Information on all of your housing options can be found here: Finding a Place to Stay.

The International Office at htw saar will gladly assist you in finding your new home away from home. Just write an e-mail to study@htwsaar.de.