This English-language master's track offers a concentrated introduction to neurobiology, behavioural physiology and sociobiology, with particular attention to neurogenetics, the links between genes and behaviour, and the ways individuals interact within social groups. You will study how the brain controls behaviour and learn about chronobiology and endogenous biological clocks. The curriculum emphasizes integrative strategies to untangle complex relationships in behavioural biology and keeps you connected with current research in the field.
Teaching combines theory and hands-on work: you choose two focal topics that each provide both theoretical foundations and experimental training. Each chosen topic is structured around two theory modules plus a practical course unit. Beyond these topics, the programme includes further specialised research training in a chosen area of interest to deepen your expertise.
Students are embedded in active research environments and participate directly in ongoing projects. Through this practical engagement you will learn to independently plan and carry out theoretical and experimental investigations, and to summarise and critically discuss your findings — skills aimed at preparing you for advanced research work.
Key features and programme requirements
This master's curriculum combines two closely related fields — neurobiology and behavioural physiology/sociobiology — to give you both mechanistic and organismal perspectives on neural control of behaviour. In the first year you take a balanced set of courses across both topics: two theoretical lectures and one hands-on practical course in each area. Most taught modules are assessed by graded examinations, so you will build subject knowledge alongside formal evaluation.
In semesters three and four the focus shifts to specialised, research-oriented training tailored to your chosen interest. Students join active research projects, gaining experience in planning and conducting theoretical and experimental work independently. The programme culminates in a research thesis (25 ECTS) that you must present and defend in a final colloquium; this thesis follows a 12‑week preparatory practical course (15 ECTS) that is not graded. There is also a 15 ECTS block of “Additional Qualifications” modules to broaden or deepen specific skills — these are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
Key learning outcomes and professional skills you will develop include:
Requirements and core components
Please note the following academic prerequisites for admission. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology or an equivalent degree that meets the subject-specific criteria of the "Fachkanon Biologie." The minimum overall workload required is 150 ECTS credits (or an officially recognized equivalent). If your prior degree uses a different credit system, you should provide documentation that demonstrates equivalence to the 150 ECTS requirement.
The programme expects a strong foundation across biosciences, chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry), and quantitative subjects (physics, mathematics, biostatistics). Several alternative subject-credit distributions are accepted to satisfy these requirements. Practical laboratory experience is also required; this is preferably demonstrated by an experimental bachelor’s thesis worth at least 10 ECTS.
You must submit either your final degree certificate or your transcript of records to verify that you meet the 150 ECTS minimum. Your completed transcript of records must be uploaded no later than 15 September or 15 March, respectively.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
The programme equips graduates with practical laboratory skills, theoretical knowledge of neural and behavioural systems, and experience in experimental design and scientific communication. Many alumni progress to doctoral research (PhD) in neurobiology, behavioural ecology, chronobiology or related life-science fields.
Beyond academia, the skill set developed here — experimental competence, data analysis and project planning — is also relevant to research institutes, biotech and neurotechnology companies, conservation and wildlife organisations, and science communication roles.