M2 Systems Neuroscience: from cells to brain functions

At the end of this program, the students will be able to:

• Explain the core principles of neural plasticity, memory, sensory processing, motor control, and glial function. 
• Explain how structures and functions are linked within the central nervous system.
• Compare normal and pathological processes in the central nervous system across multiple scales.
• Describe and apply state-of-the-art experimental techniques to record and manipulate neural activity in animal models.
• Assess the strengths and limitations of different methodological approaches in systems neuroscience.
• Adopt a multidisciplinary perspective of the neuroscience research.
• Design and implement experimental protocols in neuroscience.
• Conduct an independent long-term research project, integrating theory and practice.
• Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate neuroscientific data, using appropriate statistical tools
• Critically read scientific literature and contextualize new findings.
• Communicate scientific results effectively in written, oral, and visual formats.

This M2 program offers comprehensive training in neuroscience, covering levels of analysis from cellular mechanisms to neural circuits and behavior. 

The theoretical part of the program highlights how the cellular components of the central nervous system interact to form functional networks that govern behavior and mediate interactions with the environment. Students gain an in-depth understanding of normal and pathological processes, which involve plasticity, sensory processing, motor control, neuroethology, and glial functions. They also acquire a solid knowledge in methodological approaches for recording and manipulating neural activity. Moreover, the program is flexible and can be tailored to individual student interests: In addition to the core courses, students can choose four elective units from M2 Cognition, Behavior and Mental Disorders, M2 Computational Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, or from open units focused on neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases.

The practical part of the program provides students with a full immersion into research. During their 6-month internship, they will manage their own scientific project under the guidance of an expert researcher. This involves situating their project within a scientific context through critical reading and discussion, producing experimental data, analyzing and interpreting results, and communicating their findings to peers and experts in their field.

In addition to scientific and methodological expertise, students will develop essential research competences: critical thinking, the ability to evaluate hypotheses and experimental data, scientific communication skills through oral presentations, written reports and discussions, teamwork, autonomy in project management, and awareness of good practices in animal research and data integrity.
Upon completion of this M2, students will be equipped with the theoretical and methodological tools to embark on a career in neuroscience research.