Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Exploring the brain
Introduction
The Master’s programme in neuroscience and neuroimaging combines a broad foundation in basic and clinical neuroscience with advanced imaging techniques. The programme qualifies you for a career in a field which is expanding rapidly, in part due to the increasing worldwide availability of high-resolution scanners.
The neuroscience and neuroimaging programme focuses on two growing fields. Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that combines and draws on multiple fields, from molecules to medicine. Neuroimaging encompasses the various techniques used to image the structure of the brain, and it is relevant to a number of health science disciplines, where it has a great impact on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological diseases.
Since the turn of the millennium, the Chinese government has invested heavily in all areas of basic neuroscience as part of a major drive for excellence. New research institutions with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment have been established, and Chinese and foreign scientists have been brought in to drive the future development of the field. As a neuroscience and neuroimaging student at SDC, you have an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of these progressive research environments and prepare yourself for an exciting career.
The unique combination of advanced imaging techniques and a broad knowledge of basic and clinical neuroscience, which is not offered as a Master’s programme anywhere else, will qualify you to facilitate interdisciplinary research and projects, for example within academia or in one of the big international pharmaceutical or technological companies that have established research activities in China.
On completion of the programme you receive a double degree and the following titles: Master of Science in Neuroscience and Neuroimaging from Aarhus University and Master of Neurobiology/Biophysics from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Place of study
The programme is carried out at SDC, at Yanqihu campus north of Beijing, and you must (as the general rule) be in China for the entire duration of your studies.
Programme Structure
The first semester is designed to give students, all of whom have different academic backgrounds, the necessary basic knowledge and competencies to follow the tailored courses in the rest of the programme.
The final course of the semester introduces several different imaging techniques. You take the following courses:
• Basic Neuroscience (10 ECTS)
• Fundamental Biomedical Signal Processing (8 ECTS)
• Introduction to Scientific Computing (2 ECST)
• Molecular Imaging of brain Function and Structure (5 ECTS)
• Human Brain Electrophysiology (5 ECTS)
In the second semester, more advanced courses build on the knowledge gained through the first semester courses. Some of the courses integrate both neuroimaging and neuroscience. You take the following courses:
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (5 ECTS)
• Machine Learning in Neuroscience (5 ECTS)
• Neuroscience in a Clinical Perspective (5 ECTS)
• Methods in Preclinical Neuroscience (5 ECTS)
• Integrative Neuroimaging (5 ECTS)
• Specialisation/Elective Course (5 ECTS)
- Cognitive Science
- Advanced Neuroscience
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
In the third semester, you work on your Master’s thesis (60 ECTS) at a laboratory in China. While working on your Master’s thesis, you have a unique opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories in China.
The Master’s thesis is completed during the fourth semester.
Courses may be subject to change.
Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Klaus studies Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Neuroscience and Neuroimaging News
"Researching in both China and Denmark has taught me to merge the strengths of each environment"
Nick Yao Larsen recently shared his personal story in Science and Technology Daily.Read more
SDC alumna behind Chinese edition of popular brain book
Tang Jie got a full-time job in a high-tech company and recently she translated the Chinese edition of the book “Brains Explained”.Read more
Neuro students give their opening speeches at annual symposium
Students presented their thesis projects when the annual Neuroscience and Neuroimaging symposium was held on 18-19 October.Read more
Career
As a graduate of the programme, your key competencies are a broad knowledge of molecular, cellular, and clinical neuroscience with a coupling to current research based on human studies, as well as the many diverse model systems and tools used in neuroscience. Furthermore, you have an understanding of technology and hardware design for imaging techniques such as X-ray/CT, PET/SPECT, EEG, MEG, and MRI.
China is investing heavily in research within the fields of neuroscience and neuroimaging, and during your two-year programme, you have a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment and research. You also gain valuable cultural insight into Chinese labs and society, which gives you the competencies necessary to work effectively in future cross-cultural work settings.
With a Master’s degree in neuroscience and neuroimaging, your career options include Research & Development positions within the pharmaceutical companies, the medico-technical industry, positions at neuro-oriented hospital departments, or you can pursue an academic career as a researcher at a university.
Contact current student
If you have further questions, please take a look at the FAQ on the Studying in China page. If you still have questions, you have the following options.
For questions regarding specific courses, admission or
practical matters please contact SDC at:
For first-hand questions regarding living and studying in China, you may contact current Neuroscience and Neuroimaging student Humam Ahmed Hamdoun at humamse1@gmail.com.
He does not represent SDC, but will answer your questions on the basis of his own personal experiences.
Heads of the Educational Programme
Danish Head of Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Associate professor Kim Ryun Drasbek
Department of Clinical Medicine
Aarhus University
Programme coordinator
Vibeke Sauer Panyella, MSc.
Email: vibekepanyella@cfin.au.dk
Phone +45 7846 4089
Chinese Head of Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Professor Xue Rong
Principal Investigator, Institute of Biophysics
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Testimonials
Rasmus West Knopper
BA-degree:
B.Sc. in Sports Science, Aalborg University
Occupation:
PhD-candidate at the Department for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
Sophie Bögemann
BA-degree:
B.Sc. in Psychobiology
+ M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Amsterdam
Occupation: PhD-candidate at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, the Netherlands
Camilla Erichsen
BA-degree:
B.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry, Aarhus University
Occupation:
PhD-candidate at the Department for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
Sakeerthi Vinethkanth
BA-degree:
B.Sc. in Biochemistry, University of Copenhagen
Occupation:
Research scientist