Neuroscience

Overview

We are conscious, we sense, we feel and we act because of our brains. The brain coordinates and is affected by bodily functions, and it integrates the information about the outside world conveyed by our senses – it is the central player in the physiology of the whole body.

The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary programme with two complementary study tracks:

The Neuroscience study track provides you with an understanding of both fundamental and ​cutting-edge neuroscience, studying the brain and the entire nervous system at different levels of organization, from genes and molecules to nerve cells and networks; and beyond.

The Cell and Systems Physiology track provides you with a holistic view of the integrated mechanisms that govern the functions of organisms, from cells to functional systems.

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of science that studies the nervous system at different levels of organization, from genes and molecules to nerve cells, networks, and beyond. The focus of interest in a neuroscientist’s research may lie in understanding the neurobiological bases of behaviour, analysing the functional roles of a single molecule, or in developing novel treatments to neurological disorders or sensory deficits. The Neuroscience study track of the Master’s Programme provides you with an understanding of both fundamental and cutting-edge neuroscience, and its modules allow you to gain theoretical knowledge and methodological skills in areas that are of specific interest to you.

The nervous system orchestrates and regulates organismal metabolism, but is at the same time itself a target of numerous metabolites that fuel and affect its functions. To provide the students with a holistic view of the integrated mechanisms that govern organisms, from cells to functional systems, the Programme also provides the study track of Cell and Systems Physiology. In addition to addressing the complexity of the metabolic design of organisms, one special focus is on understanding the processes of cell development, regeneration and aging, the key determinants between life and death.

Career:

Although many of the graduates from the programme continue to doctoral training (PhD), you will also get qualifications for specialist jobs outside Academia. Neuroscientists work as specialists in diverse fields, for example in:

• pharmaceutical industry

• education

• biotechnology

• public policy

• science writing

• publishing

A Master’s degree in Neuroscience  at University of Helsinki is a popular choice among students studying towards biology teacher qualification (Finnish and Swedish speaking students).