Master of Science in Molecular and Translational Neuroscience Ulm University

Molecular and Translational Neuroscience (MTN) is a research-oriented Master's programme designed to provide students with advanced training in both basic research as well as clinically and therapeutically oriented neuroscience. One of the objectives of Molecular and Translational Neuroscience is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, depression, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and age-related diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. These conditions can significantly impact patients' quality of life and, in severe cases, may lead to complete loss of independence.

Current therapies often lack sufficient efficacy due to limited understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms. Therefore, Molecular and Translational Neuroscience focuses on the investigation of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the adaptation and homeostasis of the nervous system and serves as a bridge, linking basic cellular and pharmacological studies, molecular neurobiology, behavioural physiology, and diagnostics as well as pharmacological applications.
The knowledge gained can then be translated into targeted approaches for innovative therapies and preventive strategies.

Our English-taught MTN programme provides specific theoretical, methodological and practical knowledge of cellular and molecular processes in neural cells and in the nervous system that lead to disease as well as the application of this knowledge to potential new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and clinical applications. Furthermore, the close interaction with our industrial partner Boehringer Ingelheim provides insights into the work of a pharmaceutical company.

The interdisciplinary Master's degree programme Molecular and Translational Neuroscience comprises two academic years (four semesters). All lectures, seminars and practical trainings as well as all examinations are held in English.

Lecturers from the Department of Neurology, from Institutes of Medicine, Biology and Biochemistry of Ulm University and Ulm University Hospital as well as from the CNS department of Boehringer Ingelheim in Biberach demonstrate the practical side of the interactions between basic research and the development of therapeutics. In the first semester, there are compulsory modules introducing neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and molecular and translational neuroscience. A practical course about laboratory methods is also compulsory. These modules are supplemented by a wide range of elective courses from various disciplines that enable students to set their own individual focus: whether stem cell biology or ageing research, stress physiology or brain imaging techniques, European patent law or statistics in medicine, to name just a small selection of our elective modules. In the third semester, students can gain practical experience through internships of several weeks in modern laboratories of Ulm University and Ulm University hospital as well as externally. The fourth semester is reserved for the Master's thesis.

The study plan can be found here:
https://www.uni-ulm.de/fileadmin/website_uni_ulm/med/01_StudiumUndLehre/02_Studienangebot/4_MTN/Studyplan_MTN_11_2024.pdf

The curriculum can be found here:
https://www.uni-ulm.de/fileadmin/website_uni_ulm/med/01_StudiumUndLehre/02_Studienangebot/4_MTN/Curriculum_Master_MTN_Ulm_University.pdf

The module handbook can be downloaded below.

High degree of practical experience through laboratory internships lasting several weeks - internal and external, national and international

Training in modern laboratories of Ulm University and Ulm University Hospital with a focus on, among others: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis

Please refer to the Admissions Office website. 

Academic admission requirements include proof of a Bachelor's degree with good examination results in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, physiological chemistry, neurobiology, biopsychology, human biology, molecular life science, or any other study programmes that essentially contain a similar content. This proof can be a Bachelor's degree awarded by any higher education institution in Germany or abroad or any qualification that is recognised as equivalent and consists of at least three years of study.

Good examination results are shown by submitting a Bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 2.7 or better or, if no degree has yet been awarded, all examination results achieved by the date of application showing an average grade of 2.7 or better. The examination results must be documented in a current transcript of records.

The semester contribution is 182 EUR per semester. For further details, visit the Office of the Registrar website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/study/organisation/tuition-fees/.

The cost of living in Ulm is estimated to be around 945 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month. For more information on the costs students in Ulm can expect, see the following website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/io/degree-phd/welcome/finances/living-expenses/.

Student assistant jobs are regularly offered by institutes in all faculties as well as in the central administration. Student assistants help with the preparation and execution of tutorials, work on research projects, or help with administrative tasks. Furthermore, several companies with strong ties to the university are located on campus (e.g. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Continental, BMW Car IT, Sartorius, and more) and offer the possibility of student jobs.

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Students who perform well academically and/or participate in community service are eligible to apply for scholarships such as the "Deutschlandstipendium".

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The Career Service at Ulm University serves as a valuable resource for students, offering assistance in career exploration, skill development, and a successful transition from academia to the professional world.

The Graduate & Professional Training Centre Ulm ("ProTrainU") focuses on supporting doctoral students and other young researchers in their careers and professional development.

The Entrepreneurs' Campus at Ulm University offers opportunities for creative academics who want to develop their ideas into products or business models.

Students admitted to the programme have the opportunity to apply for a room in one of the student residences. The university has several residences (all within a bus ride or walking distance from campus) featuring fully furnished rooms for one person and a kitchen and bathroom that are shared with a few other students. Rental rates vary between 298 EUR and 426 EUR per month.
https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/en/

Private accommodation must be arranged by the students themselves. Detailed information can be found at: https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/en/accommodation/private-room/

Founded in 1967, Ulm University is dedicated to world-class teaching and research in medicine and STEM. Its 10,000 students are distributed among the faculties of medicine, engineering, computer science and psychology, mathematics and economics as well as natural sciences.

According to a Times Higher Education ranking based on research and teaching excellence, Ulm University is ranked 14th worldwide among all universities founded in the "Golden Age of Higher Education", an era between 1945 and 1967 that is characterised by rapid university expansion. Ulm University is also a founding member of YERUN, a network of highly ranked young European research universities.

Ulm University's subject range concentrates on the STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The latest research findings are swiftly incorporated into the curriculum, ensuring cutting-edge subjects and content. Ulm University attaches great importance to the ongoing refinement of its high standards in teaching, which are defined and anchored in its teaching mission statement. 

As a young research university, Ulm University is oriented towards the global challenges of the future. Strategic and interdisciplinary research themes are contributing to improvements in the areas of green energy, quantum technologies, data science as well as human health and well-being. Great success in the acquisition of third-party funding and numerous larger projects, such as collaborative research centres and a Cluster of Excellence, are all testimonies to the university's research strength.

Ulm University is the centre of and driving force behind the "Science City Ulm", an innovative teaching, research and science hub. There are numerous start-ups, development centres of renowned companies such as Siemens, Nokia, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BMW and Continental, as well as clinics and non-university research institutions that are well-connected with the university. As a result of close collaborations with these partners, students benefit from access to contract lecturers from the industry as well as invaluable opportunities for research projects, internships and final theses. 

For more information on Ulm University, see https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/.

Ulm is one of the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growing and liveable cities in Germany. It is located in the heart of southern Germany near Stuttgart, Munich, the Alps and Switzerland.

With a population of more than 120,000 people, Ulm has an ideal size for living, studying and working. The city offers a mix of medieval and modern architecture and a great variety of cultural, sports and leisure activities.

A healthy mix of medium-sized businesses and global players, high-tech and trade, and innovation and tradition makes Ulm and the greater Ulm area one of Germany's economically most dynamic regions.

A truly outstanding landmark is the "Muenster", Ulm's cathedral. The Muenster has the world's second tallest church steeple, which measures 161.5 metres (530 ft).

Ulm is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein (1879 to 1955), the world's most famous scientist. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out this video featuring the highlights of Ulm.