International Programmes 2023/2024

GGNB Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (PhD) GGNB Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (PhD)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
PhD (Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences) or, alternatively, Dr rer nat
In cooperation with

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

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

Processing of sensory information and subsequent motor responses form the basis of our interaction with the outside world. Sensory and motor deficits are common and of immense sociocultural relevance. Elucidating the principles of sensory and motor function as well as their dysfunction and functional restoration requires a combination of anatomical, physiological and computational skills. Moreover, a general understanding of sensory coding and its conversion into cognitive processes and motor action relies on integrating specialised sensory and motor neuroscience curriculum with a broad general neuroscience training. The programme provides a specialised yet interdisciplinary training to prepare a new generation of scientists with comprehensive knowledge and state-of-the-art practical and theoretical skills in sensory and motor neuroscience as well as in disease modelling and development of innovative approaches for functional restoration.

Sensory and motor neuroscience on the Göttingen campus covers most sensory modalities and spans from sensory transduction to sensorimotor transformation, motor planning and execution. We bridge observations on the molecular, cellular, network and organismic levels. Activities on deciphering disease mechanisms and developing novel approaches to sensory restoration are emerging. They build on the improved understanding of normal functions, using animal models ranging from drosophila and mice to primates. Developing and improving neuroprostheses such as hand protheses and cochlear implants involves innovative concepts such as optogenetics.

Course organisation

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

The research-oriented programme is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, 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 related disciplines

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

University of Göttingen

University location

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.