The doctoral programme in "Physics of Biological and Complex Systems" is offered by the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). The programme is also recognised and funded as an International Max Planck Research School.
The research-oriented programme is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, life sciences, 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.
Option of research collaboration with other research institutions