Master's degree Neurosciences Track Behavioural Sciences
field(s) of training :
Science, Technology, Health
diploma level :
Grade de Master (Bac+5)
duration of the program :
2 years
location(s) :
Caen
Course overview
You wish to specialise in analysing human and animal behaviour? To discover how brains function, join the master’s degree in Neurosciences with the Behavioural Sciences path!
This two-year full-time master’s programme trains you in research through research related to neurosciences and behavioural sciences. The course is supported by Norman research units and technical centres in Caen and Rouen that offer their skills and expertise in this field. As such, this master prepares to careers in theoretical and applied research, public and private.
Highlights
This master’s programme benefits from the interventions of neurosciences professionals: researchers of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (the CNRS) as well as clinicians. Thanks to their insights, you will learn about the latest knowledge and skills in the studies of animal and human behaviours.
Application requirements
Entry requirements
To enter this course, you should
- Have solid skills and knowledge in Biology, Computer science, English, Statistics
- Graduate from a degree in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, or Psychology
Language proficiency requirements
Minimum French proficiency level: C1
Specific conditions
If you successfully completed Year 1 of this master's programme, you will enter Year 2 automatically.
If you completed another course in
- Neurosciences
- Biology and Health
- Integrative Biology and Physiology
- Health
- Psychology
Or have completed the second cycle of Medical Studies or Year 5 of Pharmacy Studies, you can also apply to Year 2 of this master's programme.
Course structure
Courses
- Take place
- On site in the University of Caen Normandy, in various campuses depending on the units:
- Campus 1
- Campus 2
- Campus 5
- Online, with the streaming of the Neuroscience seminar series, animated by English-speaking professionals
- On site in the University of Caen Normandy, in various campuses depending on the units:
- Amount to 580 contact hours.
- Are completed by compulsory internships.
Course units
While most of the course units are research-oriented, you will also attend transversal classes to support you in your future career choices:
- Biostatistics
- English
- Professional project
- Professional environment knowledge
- Hygiene and security
- Internship preparation
The master’s programme is made up of a core curriculum in neurosciences and thematic modules. In Year 1, 1st semester, the core curriculum focuses on
- Evolution, behaviours and cognition
- Neurobiology and cell communications
Then you will have to select 3 thematic modules out of 4:
- Memory: from animal to human
- Brain pathologies
- Major neurotransmissions systems and their disturbances
- Behavioural neurobiology
- Nervous system anatomy and physiology
- Theoretical and applied cognitive neuroethology
In the 2nd semester, you will attend 3 theoretical course units out of 5:
- Animal experimentation procedures
- Brain and cognitive development
- Major psychiatric and neuropsychological disorders
- Cognitive functions neuroimaging
- Psychopharmacology
Then you will put your knowledge and skills into practice with experimentations in laboratory:
- Laboratory rotations
- Supervised project
In Year 2, the 3rd semester aims at preparing you for your end-of-studies internship that will take place in the 2nd semester. As such, courses will mostly be theoretical and thematic:
- Methodological approaches in behavioural sciences
- Neurotransmission behaviours and systems
- Emotions and cognition
- Aging pathways: prevent, diagnose, intervene
- Animal, human and health ethology
- Cognitive deficits and behavioural neural basis in psychiatric pathologies
- Human sensorimotor integration
Internships and placements
The master’s degree in Neurosciences is research-oriented. As such, the programme includes 2 compulsory internships in laboratories:
- Year 1, 2nd semester: 2-month long internship
- Year 2, 2nd semester: 6-month long internship
Each internship will be evaluated through a written detailed report and an oral presentation of this report.
Coursework and assessment
The course lasts 2 years and is divided in 6 semesters, each comprising several courses units. Examinations are held at the end of each semester and are graded on a scale from 0 to 20, 20 being the best grade. Grade compensation is organized without eliminatory marks and on the basis of the general average obtained in every course unit of the same semester.
The 2 semesters do not compensate each other in year 2.
To successfully complete a semester, you must have an average mark of at least 10 points out of 20. If you have not completed your semester, you can retake the courses units you failed; you do not have to retake the courses in which you have obtained at least 10 pts out of 20.
Language
French
English
Learning outcome
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Know and understand the technical and scientific stakes in the field of molecular, cellular, integrated neurosciences and behavioural sciences
- Conduct research works
- Suggest work hypothesis, elaborate protocols and make recommendations
- Write synthetic reports and present results
- Share information and ensure their valorisation in an international context
- Master computer processing tools
- Teach theoretical and practical courses to a student audience
- Supervise and provide methodological tools to students
- Support and counsel students in their job
Further study
The master’s degree in Neurosciences specialised in Molecular, Cellular and Integrated Neurosciences is research-oriented. Once you’ve obtained your degree, you are encouraged to pursue doctoral studies related to your research topic.
Careers
Once you’ve obtained your master’s degree in Neurosciences, you can work as:
- Project engineer
- Clinical research associate
If you decide to pursue doctoral stories and obtain a PhD, you will be able to access more opportunities, such as:
- Biology research professor
- Research manager in major organisations
- Research & development executive in private companies
With an expertise in Neurosciences, you will be able to take many opportunities in:
- Research and development in life sciences (medicine, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, agronomy…)
- Higher education and research
- Pharmaceutical industry and biotechnologies
Address
Université de Caen Normandie
UFR des Sciences
Esplanade de la Paix · CS 14032 · 14032 Caen Cedex 5
France