BSc in Neuroscience
The BSc in Neuroscience takes you from single neurons to whole-brain systems and the computational models that connect them. It is the most quantitative of Zeit's undergraduate degrees: alongside cellular and systems neuroscience you build real programming and data-analysis skills, and every year includes hands-on work with Neurolab recordings and neuroimaging datasets.
What you will be able to do
- 01Describe neural function from ion channels through circuits to distributed brain systems
- 02Program in Python and analyse electrophysiological and neuroimaging data reproducibly
- 03Build and evaluate computational models of neural and cognitive processes
- 04Design neuroscience experiments and interpret their statistical results
- 05Communicate neuroscientific findings to specialist and public audiences
Year by year
Year 1
NSC-101Cellular Neuroscience
10 ECTSMembrane biophysics, action potentials and synaptic transmission.
NSC-110Neuroanatomy
10 ECTSStructural organisation of the nervous system and major pathways.
NSC-120Introduction to Psychological Science
10 ECTSBehaviour, cognition and the questions neuroscience is asked to answer.
CMP-130Programming for Neuroscience
10 ECTSPython from first principles: data structures, plotting and signal handling.
MET-140Statistics I
10 ECTSDescriptive statistics, probability and estimation using Python and R.
MET-150Research Methods I
10 ECTSExperimental design, measurement and research ethics.
Year 2
NSC-210Systems Neuroscience
10 ECTSSensory, motor and limbic systems; circuit-level computation.
NSC-220Neuropharmacology
10 ECTSNeurotransmitter systems, drug action and therapeutic targets.
NSC-230Neuroimaging Methods
10 ECTSMRI, EEG and MEG: physics, acquisition and preprocessing.
CMP-240Computational Neuroscience I
10 ECTSIntegrate-and-fire models, networks and encoding/decoding.
MET-250Statistics II
10 ECTSRegression, mixed models and multiple-comparison correction for brain data.
LAB-260Neurolab Rotation
10 ECTSSupervised analysis of a live Zeit Neurolab dataset.
Year 3
NSC-310Cognitive Neuroscience
10 ECTSAttention, memory and executive control in the human brain.
NSC-320Clinical Neuroscience
10 ECTSNeurological and psychiatric disorders and their biomarkers.
CMP-330Computational Neuroscience II
10 ECTSReinforcement learning, Bayesian models and neural networks.
NSC-340Elective Seminar
10 ECTSChoose from brain-computer interfaces, sleep, or computational psychiatry.
THE-390BSc Thesis
20 ECTSAn independent research project supervised by Neurolab faculty.
Entry requirements
- Secondary school diploma (Matura, A-levels, IB, high-school diploma or recognised equivalent)
- Secondary-level mathematics or biology strongly recommended
- No prior programming experience required — Python is taught from scratch
- Proficiency in English at B2 level or above
- A short statement of motivation (500 words)
Where graduates go
- MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience or computational neuroscience programs
- Neuroimaging and electrophysiology research technician
- Data analysis and scientific programming roles
- Neurotechnology and brain-computer interface industry
- Science communication, policy and publishing
Frequently asked
- Do I need a maths or coding background?
- No. Programming and statistics are taught from the ground up in Year 1, though comfort with secondary-level maths helps.
- How is lab work done online?
- Students work with real Neurolab recordings and open neuroimaging datasets through a browser-based analysis environment, with live supervision.
- Can I continue to the PhD?
- Most doctoral candidates first complete an MSc. Exceptional BSc graduates may apply directly with a strong thesis and faculty support.
Request information about the BSc in Neuroscience
Send your question and the Geneva admissions team will reply by email. For an immediate answer, open the admissions assistant in the corner of the page.