Systems Biology of Brain and Behaviour: University of Bielefeld

About the programme

Brains belong to the most complex systems in nature. They control perception, cognition and eventually the behaviour of animals and humans. Understanding the mechanisms that allow animals and humans to behave adaptively in complex environments is one of the most fascinating, but also most challenging tasks in science. The graduate programme Systems Biology of Brain and Behaviour provides the relevant interdisciplinary scientific training for a comprehensive education. It introduces concepts, fundamental experimental techniques, and the theoretical approaches that are required to perform research at the frontiers of this ambitious scientific field.

The study programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying autonomous adaptive behaviour of animals and humans. Brain morphology and function, including learning ability as well as innate behaviours in humans and animals have been shaped by evolution.

Their study programme bridges the gap from neurophysiology to behavioral ecology. It includes courses on the production of behaviour by neuronal circuits as well as courses on the evolution of behaviour.

Admissions requirments

Requirements for access the study are:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in biological sciences ( or related disciplines such as computer science, cybernetics , psychology) or other first professional qualification degrees with a normal period of at least three years and a share of at least 60 credit points ( LP) or related disciplines ;
• Proven knowledge of the English language;
• the successful completion of a written application process , which shall include information about motivation and academic aptitude for this course (in English, maximum 1500 words).

Study programme

Although the interdisciplinary study programme is centred in the Faculty of Biology, a selection of curricular modules may also be selected from other fields such as Psychology, Computer Science, Robotics or Linguistics.

• Master modul A "Information processing by neurons  and neuronal networks"
• Master modul B "Biocybernetics of sensomotoric systems"
• Master modul C "Cognitive Neurobiology"
• Master modul D "Animal behaviour"
• Master modul E "Evolution of behaviour"
• Supplementary & Research moduls