Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

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Deze opleiding

Are you interested in the basis of consciousness, the mechanisms of learning, or the genetics of behaviour? In this programme you study the brain, cognition, and behaviour from different perspectives.

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locatieGroningen
diplomaMSc
typeonderzoek, 120 EC
start1 september
taalvolledig English
opleidingsduur2 jaar voltijd
accreditatiesNVAO
croho-code60615
numerus fixusnee
honoursnee

The main focus of this Research Master is to train students to become independent researchers, and contains three tracks that are described in more detail below:

  • Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track)
  • Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track)
  • Molecular & Clinical Neurosciences (N-track)

The curriculum consists of 20 ECTS of track-specific education, 10 ECTS of multidisciplinary education that covers all fields of neuroscience, and 90 ECTS in which students can pursue their own specific interests through choosing electives and two research projects. Students will also participate in summer and winter symposia.

Through the four track-specific courses (see the Programme link below), students develop their foundational knowledge of research topics and skills in the Behavioural, Cognitive, or Molecular Neuroscience. Thereafter, students can further develop their specialisation through elective courses and research projects in their field of interest. The programme also provides the unique opportunity to broaden their scope by choosing projects and electives in the domains of the other tracks (i.e., interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary research). It is advised to start the programme in the track that aligns best with your BSc. Educational profile.

Admission to the programme is selective, based on the applicant’s academic credentials and motivation (see “Entry Requirements” for details).

Groningen has been ranked among the top ten best cities to live in Europe in the 2023 EU Report on Quality of Life in European Cities. Info about life in Groningen can be found here.

Waarom aan de University of Groningen?

  • Awarded 'Top Rated Programme' label (Keuzegids Masters 2017/2018/2019/2020/2021)
  • Excellent research facilities including University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Heymans Institute, and Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences
  • More than 75% enrolment in PhD projects after graduation
  • Integrated teaching by top researchers from three faculties in small groups
  • The Programme takes great pride in having a strong cohort structure both within and across the three track

Studieprogramma

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specialisaties

specialisatie Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track)

The four track-specific courses of the B-track focus on the neurobiology as well as the function and evolution of behaviour.

Coordinator: Prof. Meerlo, https://www.rug.nl/staff/p.meerlo

Bachelor-Master connections: Biology or other Bachelor in Life Sciences with a substantial neuroscience component.

Content: Neurobiological, physiological, and developmental processes are crucial to understand the evolution, function, causation and development of behaviour. Exploring these fields will provide insights in brain circuitry and processes driving human and animal behaviour. Courses in the B-track cover chronobiology (i.e., the rhythms of life, from molecular mechanisms to behavioural output), evolution of behaviour (development, causation, evolution and adaptive significance), neuroendocrinology, physiology and behaviour (e.g., brain-periphery interactions, energy balance, eating disorders), and neurobiology of behaviour (e.g., neural mechanisms in neuroethology, human speech and birdsong). Altogether training in the B-track prepares students for a future research career in the field of Behavioural neurosciences.

B-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, & literature. This information is provided to give an impression of the content of the track. It is not required to study this prior to the start of the programme.

  • B-track specific and general curriculum information: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/course/WBBY026-05

Representative research links:
  • Neurobiology: https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/neurobiology/research
  • Evolutionary Genetics, Development & Behaviour: https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/egdb/
  • Paper 1: stress, stress hormones, and circadian rhythms: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100931
  • Paper 2: sleep, plasticity, memory, molecular https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24028961/
  • Paper 3: neural parallels between birdsong and speech acquisition: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.035
  • Paper 4: Antidepressants, pregnancy, gut microbiome: https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2019.1705728
  • Background literature: Neuroscience exploring the brain (Bear, Connors, Paradiso, 4th edition: ISBN: 9781451109542)

specialisatie Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track)

The C-track focuses on cognitive processes and their implementation through neural mechanisms at the systems-level.

Dr. Mark Nieuwenstein, https://www.rug.nl/staff/m.r.nieuwenstein

Bachelor-Master connections: Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Human Movement Sciences).

Content: By characterising and modelling the functional and neural implementation of cognitive processes, a fundamental understanding of both the workings of the healthy brain and mind can be achieved, and of how cognitive functioning breaks down in case of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Courses in the C-track offer knowledge and hands-on training in advanced statistical analyses, EEG and fMRI methods, cognitive modelling, and cognitive neuropsychiatry. In addition, students execute two research projects in which they can pursue and develop their interests and research skills. Altogether, training in the C-track prepares students for a future research career in the field of cognitive neurosciences.

C-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature.

  • C-track specific and general curriculum information: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60615-5542?legacy=true

Representative research links: Behavioural and Social Sciences: https://research.rug.nl/en/organisations/experimental-psychology/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Farticle
  • Paper 1: Adaptive encoding speed and working memory: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976231173902
  • Paper 2: Annual Review in vision science: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-vision-030320-062352
  • Paper 3: A computational framework of temporal preparation across time scales: https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000356
  • Paper 4: Neural basis of emotion regulation in remitted depression: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2022.102988
  • Background literature: Cognitive Computational Neuroscience:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706072/pdf/nihms-1046507.pdf

specialisatie Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track)

The track-specific courses focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, function, and communication, as well as clinical/neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Coordinator: Dr. Sonja Pyott, https://www.rug.nl/staff/s.j.pyott/

Bachelor-Master connections: (Molecular) Medicine, Biomedical Sciences.

Content: Investigating these molecular and cellular pathways contributes to understanding the neuronal basis of cognition and behaviour and is essential for the development of strategies to detect, treat or even prevent neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Courses in the N-track cover the anatomy of the nervous system, neurotransmission and transduction cascades, neurophysiology, stem cell biology, protein homeostasis and quality control, neuropathology, neuropharmacology and neuroinflammation. Students engage in diverse research projects that range from basic research in simple model systems to translational studies in clinical departments but ultimately share a common interest in addressing neuroscience-related research questions at the molecular and cellular level. Altogether, the N-track master prepares students for a future research career in molecular and biomedical (or clinical) neurosciences.

N-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature. This information is provided to give an impression of the content of the track. It is not required to study this prior to the start of the programme.

  • N-track specific and general curriculum information: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60615-5543

Representative research links:
  • Brain banner Home research institutes Brain and Cognition (BRAIN): https://umcgresearch.org/w/brain
  • Perceptual and Cognitive Neuroscience (PCN): https://umcgresearch.org/w/pcn
  • European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA): https://umcgresearch.org/w/eriba?inheritRedirect=true
  • Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems (BSCS): https://umcgresearch.org/w/biomedical-sciences-of-cells-and-systems
  • Research Neurobiology group at GELIFES: https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/neurobiology/research
  • Papers: Published papers Central Medical Library UMCG
  • Background literature: Neuroscience exploring the brain (Bear, Connors, Paradiso, 4th edition, ISBN:9781451109542)

Onderwijs

taal van onderwijs100% en
avondonderwijsn.v.t.
afstandsonderwijsn.v.t.
study abroad
During the BCN programme you can do an internship abroad in various labs around the globe. The exchange period has a typical duration of 7 months and counts toward your final degree.

Toelating en kosten

startmomenten

1 september 2024

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2024
wettelijk tarief : € 2530 (€1265 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 19900
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 24200

1 september 2025

aanmelding deadline : 1 mei 2025
collegegeld nog niet bekend

Please fill out the following checklist to explain why you want to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form): https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/bcn-checklist.docx

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January

1 February – 1 March

15 March – 15 April

1 May - 15 June






toelatingseisen

vooropleiding
A Bachelor's degree in the Life Sciences, (Molecular) Biology, Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or related programmes. The Admissions Board determines whether the content of the previous degree programme meets the admission requirements.

basiskennis
Please see detailed information for each track in the section “Programme”

taaltoets
English proficiency at VWO level is required.

reference letter
Please provide us with reference letters from two qualified referees.

studie kosten
bron: University of Groningen
bedrag kostenpost
€ 9500.00levensonderhoudper jaar
€ 75.00inschrijvingsgeldin het eerste jaar
€ 500.00studiematerialenper jaar
€ 750.00visa/permitvoor de gehele opleiding

De stad

studievereniging

GLV Idun
Groninger LevenswetenschappenVereniging Idun is the study association for Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and their connecting master programs.
The association organises various activities, from social activities, like our weekly drinks, or even traveling abroad. In addition, Idun also organizes career/education-related activities like company visits and lunch lectures. GLV Idun contributes to a fun student time by bringing students together, and preparing her members for their career ahead!

aan het woord: studenten en docenten

Celina Pütz
The perfect programme for a career in academia

I chose the BCN Research Master because it is interdisciplinary and full of opportunities. I am part of a research team for one semester every year, in which I can focus solely on gaining skills and first-hand experience in conducting research. I enjoy having a say in the process, whilst being taught by researchers themselves during both the research internship and the preceding courses.I have the chance to develop my skills in whichever direction I want them to go. But it is not only the research experiences I gain; BCN is more than just a Master's degree programme...
You never feel alone or lost in your work, and there is always someone to help you out if you are stuck. Everyone interacts on a first-name basis, and thanks to the small number of study groups, everyone is fully included in the programme and its process. It’s the perfect programme for someone that wants to start a career in academia, or is thinking about doing so. For me, it convinced me that academia is the direction I want to go, and thanks to BCN, the whole world is open for me after I graduate!


lees verder ...
studenten
"I picked BCN for its research-based approach. The two internships were highly enriching in preparing me for academia, and to succeed even when facing challenges." Maria da Costa Caiado

"I picked BCN for its research-based approach. The two internships were highly enriching in preparing me for academia, and to succeed even when facing challenges. Another aspect that stood out was flexibility and willingness to collaborate between students and professors. The course structure further allows for students to go abroad for internships/conferences and the University also offers vast financial support opportunities to accommodate all students interested.".

All in all, I am pleased with the outcome and the impact that BCN had on me.

Na de studie

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Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt

As a graduate of this programme, you can work as a researcher, both in the academic world and other fields. Because of their multi-disciplinary training, graduates of this degree positively distinguish themselves: you can easily grasp the bigger picture and are able to familiarise yourself with new fields and methodologies quickly.

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bron: UWV

Contact

Academic Advisors FSE

For questions regarding the programme

W: Academic Advisors FSE
studyscience@rug.nl Study Science

For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions

E: studyscience@rug.nl
Meer informatie?
Bezoek de website van deze opleiding.

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