Computational Neuroscience - Master

Application procedure

For the program, 15 places are available per year and they will be awarded according to qualification and experience of the applicant.

To apply for one of the places, you will have to use the University of Tübingen ‘Online Application Portal’. Applications for the next terms, respectively, will be possible from February 01 until March 31 (for the courses that start in the upcoming winter terms - i.e., September/October).

The selection procedure has three parts:
First, complete applications will be checked for background, academic records and grades, resulting in an initial shortlist of eligible applicants.
Second, shortlisted applicants will be invited to take an online subject test.
Third, based on the results of these tests, shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews. Based on the interviews, applicants: (1) will get an offer for a place on a course; (2) will be placed on the waiting list (3) will not be considered further.

Applicants for the masters program must hold a Bachelor´s degree (GPA 2.5 or higher) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or accredited academic institution. Students from Asian countries need to obtain the APS certificate.

Target audience: 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.

All applicants whose native language is not English must show proof of English proficiency (TOEFL , IELTS or CAE). Exempted from this proof are students who (1) graduated from a college/university where the medium of instruction was English or (2) German students who had English as a foreign language at a German Gymnasium for at least 8 years.

Beyond that, there are no further language requirements in this program. You will not need German in the program itself.

The Graduate School of Neural Information Processing covers theoretical and computational aspects of neuroscience, a field of research that has become increasingly important in the past years.

Teaching Program – Curricular Focus

• neural data analysis and models of neural coding and computation
• computational motor control and computational vision
• rehabilitation robotics and brain-computer interfaces
• physical and physiological basis of neural recordings and brain imaging
• systems neuroscience and neurophysiology
• basic mechanisms of learning and memory
• mathematics, statistics and programming
• machine learning for neuroscience
• theoretical neuroscience
• behaviour and cognition

Details on the curriculum can be found in the Module Handbook

The Graduate School of Neural Information Processing has an explicit ‘research orientation’ with the goal of optimally preparing graduate students for demanding doctoral projects. This goal is achieved by two means: first, by recruiting active researchers as instructors who incorporate state-of-the-art neuroscientific questions and methods in their courses and, secondly, by implementing extensive periods of laboratory training where students engage in current research projects. The same is true for the experimental masters thesis of 6 months, which often serves as ‘seed crystal’ for a subsequent doctoral dissertation.

In Tübingen, neuroscience research and training is ‘without boundaries’:

• it is interdisciplinary – it bridges gaps between traditionally separated disciplines,
• it is interfaculty – it involves the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medicine, including the University Clinics, and
• it is interinstitutional – the University of Tübingen, the University Clinics, and several local, extra-university institutions are networked and cooperate in various research centres.

These three ‘inters’ are embodied in Tübingen’s joint platform of neuroscience, the Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), which forms ties with many partner institutions within and without the University (find a full overview here: Participating Institutes). The CIN and its partner institutions form the fundament and setting in which the Graduate Training Centre (GTC) is embedded, taking full advantage of the lively neuroscience research community, the large international faculty of renowned scientists, and the state-of-the-art facilities.

Semesters 1 + 2 comprise the theoretical parts of the masters training, including the exams at the end of each semester. Course types include lectures, lectures with exercises, journal clubs, tutorials and seminars. In addition, two one-week block practicals will be offered and a retreat in the summer term.

Semester 3 comprises two rotations (18 weeks total) where students work on small research projects in laboratories of their choice. Students will acquire practical skills in state-of-the-art methods and, furthermore, will get to know current scientific questions and research projects embarked on in Tübingen. Each lab project will be concluded with a written report and an oral presentation of the project in a final seminar. The lab work, together with the written and oral performance, will be marked and makes up a considerable part of the final grade.

Semester 4 represents a six-months period where students conclude their studies with an experimental masters thesis. After graduation, students may either leave the program with a M.Sc. degree to pursue further studies elsewhere or they may continue with their project and enter the GTC’s doctoral program.

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

Module Handbook

Study- and Examination Regulations

The graduate program of Neural Information Processing offers a unique curriculum and exciting research opportunities for graduate students who wish to pursue careers in neuroscience in science and academia. The integrated curriculum offered in this program will give students a broad expertise that is not easily achievable in any individual department.

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

After the masters program students have the opportunity to continue directly with their doctoral thesis and enter the doctoral Program for Neurosciences.

Hier finden Sie alle Informationen zur Ehemaligen-Vereinigung Alumni Tübingen.