What do you like about the Research Master's programme and why? How has the programme challenged you?
What I really like about this Cognitive Neuroscience (CNS) programme is the freedom to really shape your own path within neuroscience. There are only a few compulsory courses, but for skill training, track courses and elective courses you've got many options to choose from. And the research internship for your Master's thesis make up 45 EC which you can also initiate and choose yourself. Since neuroscience is a super broad field, the freedom to create your own path in this Master's and try out a lot of domains within neuroscience is really a great strength of this programme.
My Bachelor's was in Psychology so for me a major challenge was, and still is, mathematics and programming. Although the amount of math/programming you encounter in the programme is also very much up to you.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
In my experience the teachers/researchers have a very open attitude towards students whenever there is more interest in a topic that was discussed in the lecture or workgroup. Teachers are very approachable and eager to help when something does not click right away, also after lecture hours. I get the feeling that teachers really want you to understand whatever they are discussing. So the atmosphere is in general very welcoming, open and ambitious.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s ? Have you encountered any obstacles?
One of the most challenging things for me is constraining myself in terms of being concerned with details, be it when working on a research proposal, studying for an exam, etc. In my view, keeping in mind the big picture/common thread is very important in order to give all the cool knowledge you gain in the courses its place.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Not yet, but I will start my internship at the sensorimotor lab in September. Broadly, it will be about making it easier for neurological paediatric patients to rehabilitate at home, instead of in a clinic.