Biology - Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution

Study Type

graduate

Admission semester

Winter Semester only

Focus

Neurobiologie, Kybernetik, Evolutionsbiologie, Kognitive Neurowissenschaften, Verhaltensökologie, Verhaltensbiologie, Perception, Movement / Action, Theoretical Modelling, Experimental Design

Annotation

Brains belong to the most complex systems in nature. They control perception, cognition and eventually the behaviour of animals and humans. Understanding the mechanisms that allow animals and humans to behave adaptively in complex environments is one of the most fascinating, but also most challenging tasks in science.

The graduate programme "Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution" provides the relevant interdisciplinary scientific training for a comprehensive education. It introduces concepts, fundamental experimental techniques, and the theoretical approaches that are required to perform research at the frontiers of this ambitious scientific field.
The study programme is taught in English and international students are very welcome.

As a distinguishing characteristic, this study programme integrates computational and experimental approaches and focuses on the neuronal as well as on the evolutionary aspects of behaviour.
• Computational Aspect: Behaviour is the result of computations performed by the nervous system of the organism at all relevant levels of complexity. These comprise the cellular and network level as well as the cognitive and behavioural performance of the entire system.
• Evolutionary Aspect: Brain function and behaviour emerge from the developmental and everyday interactions of the organism with its environment. They have been shaped by selection during the course of evolution.

Our study programme bridges the gap from neurophysiology to behavioral ecology. It includes courses on the production of behaviour by neuronal circuits as well as courses on the evolution of behaviour.

Admission modus

Local admission restriction

More information regarding admission requirements

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for the course are:

Completed Bachelor's degree in Biosciences (or a related subject e.g. Computer Science, Cybernetics, Psychology) or another first professionally qualifying degree from an institution of higher education with a standard period of study of at least 3 years and components of at least 60 credit points (CPs) in biology or related disciplines\;

Proven proficiency in German\;

Successful completion of a written application procedure which, among other things, demonstrates motivation and academic aptitude for this degree course.

You can find more detailed information on the website of the University of Bielefeld or the department-specific requirements published there.

Tuition fees

More information regarding tuition fees