Course of Study

Structure of the program

Three-year PhD program, beginning in the winter semester leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.).

Each student is advised by a supervision group consisting of three scientists from different ZSN research groups, during the entire doctoral course.

During the the PhD program, which normally covers six semesters, students must complete 300 hours of coursework, half of which are obligatory and half electives.

The topic of the thesis is essentially derived from the research focus of the ZSN groups with special consideration of the ZSN main research fields.

Students have to give a presentation of their thesis after the first and second year and pass an oral intermediate and a final exam (defence of the thesis).

Abstract of the course program

Interdisciplinary tutorials to the various fields in Systems Neuroscience such as

Basics of cellular and molecular neuroscience
Sensory systems (auditory, olfactory and visual)
Cognitive and behavioural systems
Limbic systems
Motor systems
Systems neuroscience: clinical applications

Laboratory classes in the fields:

Cellular Biology
Molecular Techniques
The Senses, Emotions and Motor Functions

Biweekly seminar open to the public in which invited speakers and members of the CSN present their neuroscientific research.

Gain of knowledge and skill as biometry and statistics, establishment of a reference database, scientific presentation (oral and posters), scientific writing ect.

External courses (workshops, summer schools, e.g.) as well as active participation in national and international congresses will be supported.

Within the elective program, students can develop their own specific interests and deepen their specialized knowledge.

The training course is designed to allow students to set up an individualized course of study.