Master`s program Neurobiology

This program was designed in 2010 when two levels of higher education (Bachelor and Master) became  basic for University education in Russia.

The aim of the program: training of the specialists, possessing both broad theoretical knowledge in the field of neuroscience and experimental skills in this field, able to carry out research at the molecular, cellular, systemic levels of nervous system, preparing students for careers in academic research, teaching and industry

Objectives of the program:

1) develop general competence in neuroscience and more in-depth knowledge of one or more sub areas of neuroscience

2) develop an ability of planning and conducting experimental research in laboratory

3) develop a general professional competence in oral and written expression and in the critical analysis of scientific articles

The Chair of the Master's Program:

Prof. Guzel Sitdikova, PhD, Dr.Sci, Head of Dept of Human and Animal Physiology

Educational and Experimental basis: Department of Human and Animal Physiology, including International Laboratory of Neurobiology, Open Lab Neurobiology, Open Lab Neurorehabilitaion.

Experimental basis for the conducting of research projects is Laboratory of Neurobiology, which was organized at the Department of Human and Animal Physiology in 2011, under the MEGA grant from the Government of Russian Federation to invite leading scientists and organization of research laboratories (Funding 194 mnl rub for 5 years). The Leading scientist of the Laboratory is   Dr. R. Khazipov Research Director in INSERM, France. Nowadays it has the status of an International Laboratory associated with the Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology, Marseilles, France. One of the main research area of the Laboratory is brain development in ontogeny. The laboratory is equipped by advanced research techniques, which allow carrying out research at the level of single ion channels, neuronal networks and also behavioral level.

At the basis of Laboratory of Neurobiology Open Lab was organized where several famous scientists were invited to guide such areas of researches as neurobiology of pain – Prof. RA Giniatullin (Head. Neurobiology Laboratory of the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio), mechanisms of synaptic plasticity - Dr. A.Rozov (Prof. of the University of Heidelberg, Germany), epilepsy Dr I. Khalilov (INMED, France).

Open Lab Motor Neurorehabilitation is guided by Dr.I. Lavrov and also include invited scientists Y Gerasimenko and Ml Paveliev. The main  area of research include basic mechanisms of motor control, traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, identification of spinal cord structures responsible for pattern generation in order to find the most effective ways to activate spinal network.

Teaching stuff

All members of teaching stuff posses PhD and include 4 Professors (Sitdikova G, Gainutdinov Kh, Khazipov R,), 5 Associate Professors (Baltina T, Yakovlev A, Eremeev A, Rozental S, Eremeev A,) and 1 Seniour Teachers (Zvezdochkina N,). Besides, invited scientists like Giniatullin R., I Lavrov, A. Rozov also participate in the teaching of basic and elective courses (Synaptic plasticity, Neurobiology of Pain, ets). 50% of the main employees are regularly training in the world's leading research laboratories in France (Paris, Marseille), Great Britain, Finland, Austria, Germany, and are engaged in an intensive educational and research work.

The structure of the Master's Program

Total number of credits 120 credits includes theoretical and practical modules and scientific research

Theoretical modules include basic courses, developing general cultural and professional competences (30 credits) and professional courses developing professional competences (36 credits, including elective courses 15 credits).

Practice and scientific research 48 credits aimed to develop research skills and curry out the Master thesis (33 credits).

Invited scientists and members of teaching stuff of Department can be scientific advisors of Master's students.

Research skills

Students have the opportunity to learn electrophysiological methods such as patch clamp on cell cultures, brain slices (in vitro), extracellular recordings of neuronal network activity of the whole brain (in vivo) using multi-channel silicon electrodes; fluorescence measurements methods of study animals behavior, histological method, computer analysis of data in MatLab system. Molecular facilities provide for analysis of protein and DNA biochemistry, including microsequencing, peptide mapping, synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides, cellular transfection

International mobility

Students of Master's program have opportunity of training in international research laboratories:

1. The National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), France

2. University of Helsinki, Finland

3. The University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio

4. University of Salzburg Austria

5. Heidelberg University, Germany

6. Giessen University, Germany