Master of Science (M.Sc.) Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences
The Master program "Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences" is an interfaculty and interdisciplinary research-orientated degree program of the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. It enables its students to specialize in the fields of experimental and/or clinical Neuroscience on a flexible and individually shaped modularized basis. The module diversity offers students with an introspection into the various dimensions of Neuroscience and shape their profile according to their individual strengths and interests.
| Duration | 4 semesters |
| Start | Winter Term, Summer Term |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor of Science in a biomedical field, psychology, mathematics, or computer sciences. Compare the master's admission regulations (Zulassungsordnung) on our download page. |
| Number of Students per Semester | five |
| Language | Please note that all modules will be taught exclusively in English. |
| Application Procedure | Deadline for an application for the summer semester: 15.01. |
Curriculum Plan of the Master's Program
During the Master's Program, similar to the Bachelor's Program, the students get a practical as well as a theoretical training consisting of lectures, courses, demonstrations and obligatory lab projects. The organization into modules allows a flexible curriculum, matching each participant's scientific background.
During the first three semesters the students can choose their courses out of a list of offered modules. Currently we offer the following courses (for detailed description of the modules please visit 'modules'):
| M-Neuro-AM1 a-c | Computational Neuroscience |
| M-Neuro AM2 a-c | Experimental and Translational Neuroimaging |
| M-Neuro-AM2 a-c | Neural Function I: Analyzing the Neural Underpinning of Behavior - From structure to function to behavior |
| M-Neuro-AM4 a-c | Neural Function II: Analyzing the Neural Underpinning of Behavior - From structure to function to behavior |
| M-Neuro-AM4 a-c | Neurophysiological and Genetic Approaches for Brain Function Analysis |
| M-Neuro-AM6 a-b | Neuroimaging |
| M-Neuro-AM6 a-b | Cellular Signal Transmission and Repair Mechanisms |
| M-Neuro-AM7 a-d | Medical Imaging in Stereotactic Neurosurgery |
| M-Neuro-AM7 a-d | Retinal Immunology |
| M-Neuro-AM8 a-e | Data Analysis in Life Sciences |
| M-Neuro-AM8 a-e | Sensory Systems |
| M-Neuro-AM8 a-e | Neuroethics |
| M-Neuro-AM10 a-b | Animal Models in Neuroscientific Research |
| M-Neuro-AM11 a-d | Molecular Neuroimmunology |
| M-Neuro-AM11 a-d | Clinical Neuroscience I |
| M-Neuro AM11 a-d | Sleep and Clinical Neuroscience |
| M-Neuro-AM11 a-d | Clinical Neuroscience II |
| M-Neuro-AM11 a-d | Synaptic Physiology in Health and Disease |
| M-Neuro-AM13 | Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases |
| M-Neuro-AM13 | Neurobiology in Drosophila |
| M-Neuro-AM15 a-c | Quantitative Microscopy |
| M-Neuro-AM15 a-c | Seminar Neurobiology: Genes, Circuits and Behavior |
| M-Neuro-AM16a-b | Lecture Neurobiology: Genes, Circuits and Behavior |
| M-Neuro-AM16a-b | Neurosurgical aspects in neuroscientific systems |
| M-Neuro-EM1&2 | Project work (elective modules) Performing two projects (elective modules) during the lecture-free period is obligatory. |
| Master thesis | Master thesis and colloquium The Master's Program is completed by a five-month Master thesis |
Please note that some modules are only offered either in the winter or the summer semester. More information about the different modules can be found on the page Modules. More information about the curriculum can be found in the examination regulations (§5 and §6), which you will find via Downloads.
Career Objectives and Perspectives
Aim of the study program is to train scientists whose degree gives them qualifications that do the international competition justice. They should attain substantial understanding of neuroscientific questions based on fundamental knowledge in relevant fields, important for their later career.
Students of the M.Sc. Program are qualified to deal with neuroscientific relevant inquisitions with a repertoire of scientific methods that exceed the traditional neuroscientific disciplines. Therefore the degree provides the students with a sufficient qualification enabling professional work in fields including basic teaching, the pharmaceutical industry, scientific publishing, and coordinative positions in neuroscientific organizations.
Due to good collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in fields such as the M.D./Ph.D. Programs (Dr. nat. med. / Dr. rer. nat.) and due to the European Graduate School in Neurosciences (EURON) with Marie Curie training site of the EU (MCTS) the location Cologne can give best conditions for a Ph.D. Program.
How to Apply for Your Supplementary Modules
Applications for registration of a supplementary module (project) have to use the Supplementary Module Registration Form in its most recent version (to be found at https://neuroscience.uni-koeln.de/downloads) and they need to be sent to pruefungsamt-med@uk-koeln. Applications are required to be handed in 4 weeks prior to the intended starting date to allow for sufficient time of formal checks and approval. The candidate has to obtain signed approval of a 1st examiner and a 2nd examiner for her/his supplementary module prior to her/his application.
Supplementary modules (internal/Cologne)
1st and 2nd examiners are selected by default from the list of examiners approved by the examination board (see below). 1st and 2nd examiners must belong to different research groups from two different institutions. As a rule, the 1st examiner is also the supervisor of the project.
Supplementary modules (outside Cologne / International)
The 1st examiner is selected by default from the list of examiners approved by the Examination Committee (see below). In this case, the 2nd examiner is then the external supervisor of the project and required to hold a masters degree or higher. The 1st examiner is responsible for the content and correct implementation of the external project module.
How to apply for your Master thesis
Issued by the examination board of the Master of Science Program Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cologne, Oct 28, 2021.
Disclaimer: The legally binding regulations are outlined in the exam regulations (Masterprüfungsordnung) as published on 27.02.2019 and available on our download page.
Further details are regulated by the examination board (Prüfungsausschuss).
Applications for registration of a master thesis have to use the Master Thesis Registration Form in its most recent version (to be found at https://neuroscience.uni-koeln.de/downloads) and they need to be sent to pruefungsamt-med@uk-koeln.de. Applications are required to be handed in 4 weeks prior to the intended starting date to allow for sufficient time of formal checks and approval. The candidate has to obtain signed approval of a 1st examiner and a 2nd examiner for her/his master thesis and colloquium prior to her/his application.
By default, 1st and 2nd examiners are chosen from the list of examiners (see below) that has been approved by the examination board. 1st and 2nd examiner must belong to different research groups from two different institutions.
By regulation (Masterprüfungsordnung, see link above), both examiners are expected to either hold a professorship or have passed the degree of habilitation (or equivalent). Exceptions may be granted on application by the examination board (in such cases please allow for additional time to evaluate your registration form). Generally, the 1st examiner is also the supervisor of the thesis. However, there is the possibility to suggest in addition a direct supervisor for the thesis (she/he will not be examiner and thus not grade the thesis and/or colloquium) in addition to the two examiners. This constellation may e.g. be relevant in cases where the candidate applies for an external master thesis (in such cases please allow for additional time to evaluate your registration form).
List of Examiners and Master Thesis Supervisors (German!)
| Faculty | Department | Academic Title | Name |
| MedFac | Anaesthesiology | Prof. Dr. | Tim Hucho |
| MedFac | Anatomie | Prof. Dr. | Martin Scaal |
| MedFac | Anatomy | Prof. Dr. | Johannes Vogt |
| MedFac | Anatomy | Prof. Dr. | Doychin Angelov |
| MedFac | Biochemistry | Prof. Dr. | Marius Lemberg |
| MedFac | Physiology | Prof. Dr. | Tatiana Korotkova |
| MedFac | Endocrinology | Prof. Dr. | Jens Brüning |
| MedFac | Human Genetics | Prof. Dr. | Brunhilde Wirth |
| MedFac | Child and Adolescence Psychiatry | Prof. Dr. | Stephan Bender |
| MedFac | MPI Metabolic Research | Dr. | Marc Tittgemeyer |
| MedFac | Medical Psychology | Prof. Dr. | Elke Kalbe |
| MedFac | Neurosurgery | Prof. Dr. | Roland Goldbrunner |
| MedFac | Neurosurgery | Prof. Dr. | Veerle Visser-Vandewalle |
| MedFac | Neurosurgery | PD | Weiß Lucas |
| MedFac | Neuropathology | Prof. Dr. | Martina Deckert |
| MedFac | Neuropathology | Prof. Dr. | Manuel Montesinos-Rongen |
| MedFac | Neurophysiology | Prof. Dr. | Jürgen Hescheler |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Gereon Fink |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Michael Schroeter |
| MedFac | Neuology | Prof. Dr. | Özgür Onur |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Michael Barbe |
| MedFac | Neurology | PD Dr. | Haidar Dafsari |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Thilo van Eimeren |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Norbet Galldiks |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. | Helmar Lehman |
| MedFac | Neurology | PD Dr. | Michael Malter |
| MedFac | Neurology | Prof. Dr. Dr. | Adele Rüger |
| MedFac | Neurology | PD Dr. | Clemens Warnke |
| MedFac | Neurology | PD Dr. | Gilbert Wunderlich |
| MedFac | Nuclear Medicine | Prof. Dr. | Alexander Drzezga |
| MedFac | Nuclear Medicine/FZJ | Prof. Dr. | David Elmenhorst |
| MedFac | Palliative Medicine | Prof. Dr. | Raymond Voltz |
| MedFac | Physiology | Prof. Dr. | Rudolf Wiesner |
| MedFac | Radiology | Prof. Dr. | Marc Schlamann |
| MedFac | Psychiatry | Prof. Dr. | Frank Jessen |
| MedFac | Psychiatry | Prof. Dr. | Joseph Kambeitz |
| MedFac | Psychiatry | Prof. Dr. Dr. | Kai Vogeley |
| MedFac | Psychiatry | Prof. Dr. | Alfredo Ramirez |
| MedFac | Neurology | PD. Dr. | Carolin Weiss Lucas |
| MedFac | Neurology | Dr. | Lukas Volz |
| MedFac | Neurology | Dr. | Graziana Gatto |
| MedFac | Psychiatry | Dr. | Thomas Schüller |
| MedFac | Neurology/FZJ | Prof. Dr. | Peter Weiß-Blankenhorn |
| MedFac | Physiology | Prof. Dr. | Natalia Kononenko |
| MedFac | Neurology | Dr. | Carlos Baldermann |
| MedFac | Molecular Neuroscience | Prof. Dr. | Dirk Isbrandt |
| MedFac | Neurology | Dr. | Markus Aswendt |
| MatNat | Zoology, FZ Jülich | Prof. Dr. | Sacha van Albada |
| MatNat | Genetics | Prof. Dr. | Matteo Bargami |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Ansgar Büschges |
| MatNat | Zoology, FZ Jülich | Prof. Dr. | Silvia Daun |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Heike Endepols |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Matthias Hammerschmidt |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Kei Ito |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Peter Kloppenburg |
| MatNat | Genetics | Prof. Dr. | Sigrun Korsching |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Martin Nawrot |
| MatNat | Zoology | Prof. Dr. | Reinhard Predel |
| MatNat | Genetics | Prof. Dr. | Rugarli |
| MatNat | Biochemistry | Prof. Dr. | Günther Schwarz |
| MatNat | Zoology | PD Dr. | Benjami Altenhein |
| MatNat | Zoology | Dr. | Erica Erhardt |
| MatNat | Zoology | Dr. | Thomas Riemensperger |
| HumF | Psychology | Prof. Dr. | Jan Peters |
| HumF | Psychology | Prof. Dr. | Jutta Stahl |
| HumF | Psychology | Prof. Dr. | Simone Vossel |