The Ph.D. Program in Systems Neuroscience

Soon after it was founded, the ZSN submitted an application to the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) for funding of a new international doctoral course of study in systems neuroscience as part of the MWK’s innovative offensive in support of doctoral programs. After positive evaluation by the Lower Saxony Scientific Committee, the MWK approved the application in June, 2003, and provided funds for scholarships, cooperative administrative offices, and equipment.

The three-year Ph.D. program (cf. Annex 2, Conditions of Study) begun in the winter semester 2003/2004 is designed to contribute substantially to the training of young scientists in the fields of systems neuroscience and to provide students the skills they will need for successful research careers. The ZSN selected the first 18 scholarship holders and members of Research Training Groups on the basis of strict performance criteria for the doctoral course, and they received their study book in December 2003.

The doctoral course of studies Systems Neuroscience is conducted jointly by scientists of the TiHo, the MHH, the University, and the University of Music and Theatre under the direction of the ZSN. The course is intended to deepen and broaden the knowledge, abilities and skills acquired by the students during their undergraduate studies in the field of neurosciences. The teaching of specialized knowledge is to include the theoretical, methodological and experimental foundations of scientific work, and enhance the students’ capabilities in applied science, research, and teaching. Students are required to conduct a research project within one of the ZSN research groups; the projects are designed to apply suitable methods to a clearly defined topic, and which can realistically be expected to be completed successfully within three years; the results should represent a contribution to scientific knowledge and be published in international, peer-reviewed journals.

The thesis topics are essentially derived from the thematic focus of the ZSN research groups with special consideration of the ZSN main research fields. Every student is advised by a thesis committee containing three scientists from different ZSN research groups, which stand by the student during the entire doctoral course. Interdisciplinary tutorials, seminars, and laboratory classes at the beginning of the program are intended to introduce the students to working on and solving complex scientific problems; enable them to plan, conduct, and document their work independently and precisely, and to evaluate and interpret the results of their experiments. Progress and performance are monitored regularly during the course. During the three-year doctoral program, coursework should be limited to no more than four credit hours per week to ensure that the focus is on research.

The primary objective of the course of study is the interdisciplinary advancement of young researchers in the neurosciences. In the rapidly changing field of neurobiology, the danger of premature specialization of young scientists and the loss of an interdisciplinary approach is particularly acute, and they must receive solid training in general neurobiology. For this reason the curriculum must be broad in both content and methodology in order to acquaint students with many aspects of systems neuroscience, but the emphasis must explicitly remain on basic knowledge. Excessively specialised coursework should be avoided, so that classes are of interest to all students. The linkage of theoretical and clinical sciences is to be achieved in courses taught jointly by professors from theoretical and clinical disciplines. The training course is designed to allow students to set up an individualised course of study from the catalogue of required and elective courses on offer. Of particular importance are interdisciplinarity and the integration of basic and applied neurosciences, and this is reflected in the variety of disciplines represented by members of the ZSN. Courses covering the following subjects are offered:

•          Basics of cellular and molecular neuroscience

•          Sensory systems (auditory, olfactory, and visual)

•          Cognitive and behavioral systems

•          Limbic systems

•          Motor systems

•          Systems neuroscience: clinical applications

•          Plus: basics of biometrics, biophysics, animal welfare, etc.

Lectures and seminars are offered on each of these subjects. In addition to the cours of the doctoral program, scientific colloquia on specialised topics in systems neuroscience are offered by members of the ZSN and by guest scientists. Students of the program are expected to attend these colloquia regularly. Furthermore the ZSN holds a workshop every year on an interdisciplinary subject in systems neuroscience with participation by invited international scientists. The results of the doctoral theses are presented at this workshop in the form of lectures or poster presentations.

A maximum of 20 students will be accepted per year, including if possible between 30 % and 50 % international students. All courses of the program are taught in English. The ZSN seeks to establish cooperative programs with international research groups in order to enhance the opportunities for mobility of its doctoral candidates and enable them to complete part of their doctoral work at a foreign university.

To view the Conditions of Study please click here.