What is the molecular biology behind memory? Which genetic alterations make you more vulnerable to stress and depression? And which cellular targets can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease? If these questions intrigue you, the specialisation Fundamental Neuroscience might be what you are looking for. You’ll study the mechanisms that underlie psychological processes, as well as psychiatric and neurological disorders. The courses are organised along the mechanisms and disorders, and include practical training sessions in which you will acquire laboratory skills that you'll you need to study them. You will also take several courses that focus on improving your academic skills, such as writing papers and research proposals. After you’ve completed the programme, you will have obtained all the knowledge and skills you need to embark on an academic career in fundamental neuroscience.

The specialisation in Fundamental Neuroscience provides you with both a theoretical background and practical experience in research at the interface between psychology and biology. This specialisation takes brain cells as a starting point and uses knowledge from different neuroscience disciplines, such as molecular biology and behavioral testing, to study how the brain functions. The programme will give you an overview of the mechanisms that underlie psychological processes, as well as psychiatric and neurological disorders, and will provide you with the laboratory skills needed to conduct preclinical research into these disorders and mechanisms.

The specialisation provides an in-depth study of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying psychological, psychiatric and neurological disorders, including affective, cognitive, and motor disorders. Within this context, you also study the role of the emerging field of pain and neuro-inflammation. Core courses are organised along these mechanisms/disorders including practical trainings to acquire the necessary laboratory skills. Specific workshops provide additional technical knowledge.

Your Future

The research master in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience is primarily designed to prepare students for a scientific career, in which pursuing a PhD is usually the next step. On average, more than 90% of our graduates find their desired job or training position within 3-6 months after they have graduated. The majority of our graduates are working on PhD projects at top universities. Others pursue clinical training or are employed in industry.

The programme also provides you with a solid background for careers in a variety of other settings, which may include the following:

• scientific research and policy functions in research institutes
• somatic and mental health treatment institutions
• forensic institutes
• centres for educational research and counselling
• insurance providers
• government agencies