The program consists of a set of core modules, elective core modules, a set of elective modules, and a Master’s thesis. Students may choose, in consultation with their mentor, a selection of elective core modules and elective modules to suit their backgrounds and goals. The Master’s thesis is mandatory and students have the option to reduce the duration of the thesis project in favor of two short research projects.
The core modules provide a common foundation for students with different educational backgrounds and are mandatory for all NSC students. The set of elective core modules cover the following:
- Systems Neurosciences
- Neural Computation and Theoretical Neurosciences
- Neurotechnologies and Neuromorphic Engineering
Students must attend core modules from at least two of the three above listed disciplines (see Credit Point System).
In addition to theoretical courses, the core modules include a practical education in instrumentation, measurement, and data analysis relevant to neuroinformatics as well as an opportunity to study, discuss, and report on a list of foundational research papers in neuroscience and computation. In addition, a journal club, held with graduate students and INI staff, will provide a forum for the analysis and evaluation of recently published high-profile research. The journal club provides a state-of-art awareness of progress in the field.
A learning agreement must be signed by both the student and his/her mentor at the start of the studies (first semester). This is mandatory for students who started in the Spring 2019 or later, and optional for those who started earlier. Please provide the NSC administration with the signed agreement in the first semester. The learning agreement form can be found under Documents.
The program is affiliated with the Faculty of Science (MNF) at the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Department (D-ITET) of the ETH Zurich.
Since 2011, students are awarded a Joint Master Degree UZH/ETHZ. The leading house of this Joint Master is the University of Zurich, regulations are according to guidelines of the University of Zurich.