PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD (Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences) or, alternatively, Dr rer nat

In cooperation with

German Primate Center (DPZ), Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI-NAT), Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS)

Teaching language

• English

Languages

English

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

Application is possible independent of deadlines.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The doctoral programme of the Center for Systems Neuroscience (CSN) focuses on these 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. In Göttingen, a cluster of EEG labs flanks two groups that operate several MRI systems at different field strengths for the use on humans and experimental animals. 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) and clinical and translational research on sensory deficits as well as neurological and psychiatric human diseases.

Course organisation

The doctoral programme in "Systems Neuroscience" is part of the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Center for Systems Neuroscience (CSN) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the German Primate Center, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization.

The research-oriented programme is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences, physics, or related fields.

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 of Scientific Communication; Good Scientific Practice, Ethics, and Intellectual Property; Self-Management and Organisational 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-organised scientific symposia and career-related events
• Annual PhD retreats organised by the programmes

In total, 20 credits are required, and doctoral students can tailor their individual curricula by choosing from all courses and events. Only a seminar on good scientific practice is mandatory.

The doctoral students hold at least three annual Thesis Advisory Committee meetings within the regular PhD time of three years. The maximum duration of PhD studies in GGNB is four years.

A Diploma supplement will be issued

No

International elements

• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Integrated internships

Option of research collaboration with other research institutions

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

Yes

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Fees amount to around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are approx. 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Doctoral fellowships are available at approx. 1,200 to 1,500 EUR per month.

Academic admission requirements

Master's degree or equivalent in biosciences, psychology, physics, or a related discipline

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English. If no English test is available, proficiency in English can be evaluated during a personal interview. Proven higher education in English or a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country may also be accepted.

Application deadline

Application is possible independent of deadlines.

Submit application to

Online application at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/apply/497097.html

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. For further information, please see the following link:

https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Information on the career service for doctoral students in the natural sciences can be found here: http://www.gauss.uni-goettingen.de/career.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Buddy programme

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