Study

The doctoral program "Sensory and Motor Neuroscience" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). The graduate school offers a joint modular training program to which the twelve doctoral programs of GGNB contribute and that is open to all GGNB students. In addition to a lecture and seminar program, training consists of (1) individual counselling by thesis committees, (2) intensive methods courses of 1-3 weeks in special training labs, (3) 2-3-day methods courses in the laboratories of the participating faculty, (4) professional skills courses such as scientific writing, presentation skills, intercultural communication, project management, team-leadership skills, conflict resolution, ethics, and career development, and (5) student-organized scientific meetings, industry excursions, and intercultural events. Students are able to tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from a large number of courses and events.

Exploring the principles of peripheral and central sensory processing, motor programming and response requires a combination of anatomical, physiological, and computational skills. The program provides training across the sensory modalities, and applies cellular and systems approaches to motor function. Students will acquire a broad neuroscience background and are trained in computational approaches for quantitative analysis and modelling of the sensory and motor mechanisms.

In addition to seminars on sensory and motor physiology, the program will contribute to GGNB training with short methods courses in state-of-the-art techniques in cell physiology, high resolution imaging/anatomy and bioinfomatics both at an introductory and advanced level.

Experimental research constitutes the major component of the doctoral studies and is conducted in the laboratory of a faculty member of the doctoral program. Doctoral research projects are complemented by a school-wide training program, offered to all GGNB students, who are members of a vibrant international research community. The language of the doctoral program is English.