Master's Degree Programme in Brain and Data Science

The education programme (120 ECTS credits) consists of content in neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience, brain research methods, and courses in computational and clinical neuroscience. During the first year, students complete a compulsory computational neuroscience module, as well as either a 'Cognitive Module' or a 'Biological Module'. Additionally, they choose either the 'MSc in Brain Science' or 'MSc in Data Science' module, which defines the core of their studies. Students select their second-year study location from among the participating universities. After the first year, a preparatory summer school is held at the University of Zagreb, with common content for all students. The second year focuses on completing the master's thesis and on advanced and complementary studies. Each university has its own focus areas in its course offerings.

Degree Structure and Content:

The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with the consortium participating universities. The first year, which all students complete at Bar Ilan University (60-80 ECTS credits), includes computational, biological, and cognitive modules as well as elective courses. The second year, which each student completes at one of the four partner universities (with 5-6 students in Jyväskylä) (40-60 ECTS credits), consists of advanced and complementary studies as well as the master's thesis. After the first year, a summer school is organised, with the study content tailored to the objectives of the master's programme.

PSYS2100: Master's Thesis - Guided Research Work (30 ECTS)

PSYS2101: Master's Thesis Research Project Work (5 ECTS)

PSYS2102: Master's Thesis Supervision Meetings and Final Seminar (5 ECTS)

The programme educates experts who can meet the growing demand from both science and society to integrate computational expertise and methods to solve complex neuroscience questions. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of key neuroscience content and methods. They understand the requirements for data processing in cognitive neuroscience research and can select and apply computational methods best suited to various neuroscience questions. Students have professional readiness to work internationally, either in academia or in various application areas of computational neuroscience. The expertise provided by the programme is suitable for use, for example, in designing and using new technological solutions, in the field of clinical neuroscience, or in the development of well-being applications based on nervous system measurements. Additionally, the programme provides readiness to work in various expert positions across different sectors of society where expertise in brain and nervous system function, measurement, and interpretation of measurement results is needed. In Jyväskylä, the focus areas are neuroimaging, cognitive and developmental neuroscience as well as computational sciences.

The degree is completed as part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Programme in Brain and Data Science. The programme is applied for through the Erasmus Mundus organization. The master's programme is implemented by an international consortium consisting of six different European universities. The first year of the master's programme is completed at Bar Ilan University, and in the second year students choose one of the universities in the consortium to pursue advanced studies and their master's thesis. The programme accepts students who have completed a bachelor's degree in various fields of study.

For students coming to the University of Jyväskylä, a Master of Arts degree is awarded from the Faculty of Education and Psychology, as well as either an MSc in Brain Science or MSc in Data Science from Bar Ilan University (double degree). The fields of study at the universities in the consortium mainly include neuroscience, cognitive and clinical neuroscience, and computational sciences.

At the University of Jyväskylä, the responsibility for implementing and coordinating the master's programme lies with the Faculty of Education and Psychology, particularly at the Department of Psychology and the Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research (CIBR). The Faculty of Information Technology also participates in the implementation of the master's programme. The courses offered at the University of Jyväskylä for the master's programme consist of courses from the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. The master's programme prepares students for careers and further studies in the fields of neuroscience and computational sciences, both in Finland and abroad.