Teaching Philosophy

The Research master Brain and Cognitive Sciences adheres to a specific educational philosophy. The programme carefully selects students with a genuine interest in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and a clear motivation for the study of neuroscience and cognitive science from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students are trained to think beyond the paradigms and to gain an in-depth understanding of the key ideas in Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

We therefore maintain certain specific notions with regard to the practice of teaching. Hereby enabling a challenging and inspiring atmosphere for the students, which allows fulfillment of potential and intellectual growth. These notions can be defined as follows:

Active participation: active participation by students is a major focus of the master programme. Therefore we teach in small classes.
Interactive teaching: students work both individually as well as in groups. Their work will consist of group discussions, individual presentations as well as the usual work to be carried out on projects and papers. Students are expected to recognise their own responsibility in coming prepared for class, course material will not be repeated during lecture time.
Attendance: it is presupposed that all students will be present in class. More than 20% absence will automatically result in the loss of credit for that particular part of the course.
Punctuality: for the benefit of everyone in the classroom, all classes will start punctually at the scheduled time. Students who are late may only enter the lecture at the appropriate break time. Being late twice will be noted as missing one lecture.
Continuous assessment: the varying class activities are considered to be an essential part of the development of the student. Assessment will be based on various skills in every course. This can take shape in the form of essays, assignments, tests, exams, presentations, discussions or portfolios. All assignments have to be handed in on time.
Academic attitude: during class time students are expected to adhere to rules of respect and good manners (e.g. no mobile phones, no i-pods, no eating etc.).
Mentor system: the intensive teaching format demands a lot of the students. To assist and support them, students have the possibility to have an academic mentor who in turn can help them with questions concerning their academic curriculum and interests. This can especially be helpful with regard to the research projects and thesis. In addition, a student mentor is assigned to support the students and help them find their way in the academic and non-academic landscape. Read more...