Program Overview

Systems Neuroscience (Ph.D.)

Overview

The doctoral program "Systems Neuroscience" is part of the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). The scientific profile of the Systems Neuroscience is characterized by three foci: Translational neuroscience, functional brain imaging, and comparative studies of non-human primates and humans.

Program Details

• Name: Systems Neuroscience
• Degree: Doctoral degree (Dr.rer.nat./Ph.D.)
• Graduate school: GGNB
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters
• Start: Summer and winter semester
• Language of the programme: English
• Admission: Limited admission (application to GGNB)

Description of the Programme

The doctoral program "Systems Neuroscience" is hosted by the Center for Systems Neuroscience (CSN) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the German Primate Center, and the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences. The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences, physics, or related fields.

Research Focus

The Center for Systems Neuroscience (CSN) focuses on three topics:

• Translational neuroscience focuses on research that enables the transfer of results from basic science to human diseases. Core topics include neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, and neuroprotection.
• Functional brain imaging techniques have developed into one of the most versatile tools in neuroscience. Collaborative projects focus on research addressing human brain disorders (including rodent models) and sensory information processing.
• Comparative studies on non-human primates (NHP) and humans: The German Primate Center (DPZ) provides unique opportunities for systems-level neuroscience research. Research foci include basic research into higher-level processes in the visual cortex (e.g., attention, motor planning) as well as clinical and translational research on sensory deficits, neurological, and psychiatric human diseases.

Structure

The GGNB offers an integrated training and qualification concept consisting of:

• Thesis advisory committees advising the doctoral student and monitoring the progress of the doctoral project
• Scientific methods courses, seminars, and summer schools in all science areas covered by the graduate school
• Professional skills courses in the four categories: Scientific Communication; Good Scientific Practice, Ethics, and Intellectual Property; Self-Management and Organizational Skills; and Career Development, as well as German language courses and courses on Scientific English
• Industry excursions to biotechnological, pharmaceutical, optical, or (bio)physical companies, guided by GGNB alumni
• Student-organized scientific symposia and career-related events
• Annual Ph.D. retreats organized by the programs

In total, 20 credits are required, and doctoral students can tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from all courses and events. Only a Seminar on Good Scientific Practice is mandatory.

Application

Previous Education

• M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, or related fields.

Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to provide proof of proficiency in English at level C1 of the CEFR (or equivalent, e.g., completion of an M.Sc. degree in English or IELTS Band 7).

Further Requirements

• You are eligible to apply to GGNB if:
  • You have already secured a doctoral position with a GGNB faculty member (apply within 3 months after the start of the PhD project)
  • You have successfully established contact with a GGNB faculty member who has expressed an interest in your application and who may be able to offer you a PhD position if you pass the selection process (apply up to 4 months before the planned start of the PhD project)