Molecular Physiology of the Brain: University of Göttingen

Scientific aims:

• Research and teaching activities in this programme are dedicated to the molecular and cellular analysis of brain function. The programme is associated with the DFG Research Centre Molecular Physiology of the Brain.

Core research activities are:

1. mechanisms of synaptic function (focus on presynaptic processes),
2. neuron-glia interactions,
3. neuronal development (focus on synaptogenesis),
4. molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and network adaptation,
5. synaptopathies leading to network dysfunctions,
6. molecular and cellular causes of neurodegenerative, neurological, and psychiatric diseases (focus on Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and autism),
7. molecular and cellular mechanism of nervous system regeneration. Projects employ in parallel biochemical, cell biological, genetic, morphological, physiological, and behavioural approaches and integrate genetic model organisms.

The doctoral programme Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB) is member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). The graduate school offers a joint modular training programme to which the twelve doctoral programmes of GGNB contribute and that is open to all GGNB students.

In addition to a lecture and seminar programme, training consists of

1. individual counselling by thesis committees,
2. intensive methods courses of 1-3 weeks in special training labs,
3. 2-3-day methods courses in the laboratories of the participating faculty,
4. professional skills courses such as scientific writing, presentation skills, intercultural communication, project management, team-leadership skills, conflict resolution, ethics, and career development, and
5. student-organised scientific meetings, industry excursions, and intercultural events. Students will be able to tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from a large number of courses and events.

The Molecular Physiology of the Brain programme is hosted by the Göttingen University Medical Faculty, and includes faculty members of a variety of university research groups, as well as research groups of the Max Planck Institute for

• Biophysical Chemistry
• the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine
• the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation
• the German Primate Centre and the European Neuroscience Institute.