Computational Neuroscience University of Tübingen

Courses include lectures on neural data analysis and models of neural coding and computation, physical and physiological bases of neural recordings and brain imaging, computational motor control and computational vision, rehabilitation robotics and brain computer interfaces, systems neuroscience and neurophysiology, basic mechanisms of learning and memory, mathematics, statistics, programming, machine learning for neuroscience, theoretical neuroscience and behaviour and cognition. The essay rotation, the laboratory rotation and the Master's thesis can be done in labs chosen by students.

The Master's course lasts four semesters. The first two semesters are devoted to theoretical training/course work (lectures, seminars, tutorials, journal clubs) with an examination period at the end of each semester. The third and fourth semesters are set aside for the seven-week essay rotation, the ten-week lab rotation and the six-month Master's thesis. Ideally, the Master's thesis will lead directly to PhD studies.

Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience, Centre for Mental Health, Centre for Neurosensory Systems, Natural & Medical Sciences Institute, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, International Max Planck Research School for the Mechanisms of Mental Function and Dysfunction

Two internships (lab rotations) of ten weeks each have to be completed in the third semester. The first laboratory rotation can be an exploration and review project, e.g. an essay rotation.

This MSc programme is aimed at students with a first degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, bioinformatics, engineering or a related field who have a strong interest in biomedical and neural science and technical applications. Profound knowledge in maths (linear algebra, analysis), statistics, elementary probability theory, and programming skills in at least one language are compulsory.

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 200 EUR per semester. This includes use of local public transport free of charge from Monday to Friday (in the evenings), on weekends and on public holidays. In addition, students may purchase a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area (currently about 160 EUR).

Estimated basic student expenses are around 1,000 EUR per month according to the Tübingen Student Services organisation (“Studierendenwerk”), including rent for student accommodation. Rent for private accommodation will be more expensive.

Students may find jobs as junior research assistants in the research groups associated with the Graduate Training Centre.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services organisation ("Studierendenwerk") or on the private market. Rooms in student accommodation cost approx. 200 to 440 EUR per month. As Tübingen is a very attractive place to live, private accommodation is more expensive and can take some effort to find. To make sure you find a suitable place to live, you should start looking as early as possible. We recommend you apply for student accommodation through the "Studierendenwerk" at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's programme and send in a copy of your notification of admission as soon as you receive it. (Your application won’t be processed until the “Studierendenwerk” has received proof of your admission.) Please see: overview of the halls of residence and FAQs.
For private accommodation, it is best to check the local newspaper or websites like "WG gesucht".

Reservations for a room for international students in the student halls of residence can be made by the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience upon request.

Innovative – interdisciplinary – international: These three words summarise what makes the University of Tübingen special. Excellent research and teaching are Tübingen’s answer to the challenges of the future in a globalised world. We maintain exchanges with partners around the globe. Networks and cooperation across faculty and subject boundaries are the pillars of our successful strategy. This is reflected in our good position in international rankings. In addition, we are one of the eleven German universities distinguished with the title of “excellent.”

Founded in 1477, the University of Tübingen has been a place of top-level research and excellent teaching for almost 550 years. Some 28,500 students from Germany and around the world are enrolled here in our more than 200 study programmes, including numerous international programmes taught entirely in English.

The University of Tübingen is a member of the European University Alliance “CIVIS – A European Civic University” (https://civis.eu/en), offering a wide range of special exchange opportunities for students.

Tübingen

• is in south-western Germany, about 40 kilometres south of Stuttgart.
• has some 92,000 inhabitants. The town’s many students and its numerous young families make Tübingen Germany’s youngest city by average age.
• is one of the most coveted places to study in Germany – both because of the excellent conditions for students and researchers, and the unique charm of the town.
• boasts a renowned historic centre with many cafés, restaurants, and shops, and outstanding cultural activities.
• is a very safe place to be, with excellent public transport.
• is well known for its eco-friendly attitudes.
• is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The Black Forest and the Swabian Jura hills are not far away and provide excellent opportunities for climbing, canoeing, hiking, biking – and skiing in winter.