Cognitive Neurobiology

The programme comprises a system of compulsory and elective courses, enabling students to build their individual study pathway choosing relevant courses and lectures during senior years.

The curriculum consists of several blocks:

- General disciplines.

- Basic major section, including four fields of study: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Neurobiology.

- Elective part through which students have the opportunity to choose preferred disciplines according to their individual study pathway. These disciplines are expected to play a determining role in the development of alumni's professional skills. The elective courses focus on: cognitive processes, genetics, psycho- and neurophysiology, neuroimaging, IT.

- Minor (available to second and third year students): an academic cycle offering an additional academic pathway in addition to the main academic field of study.

- Practical, project and research work, which forms a significant part of education from the first year of study. Students attend laboratories and conduct their own and group research projects. Equipment for both biological and cognitive research (including neuroimaging equipment) is provided for practical activities.

- English: the block contains compulsory examinations and a project proposal defence of the BCs thesis in English, and optional supplementary training and academic writing in English.

- Data Culture module: focuses both on the basic understanding of programming and modern technologies in data science and on developing skills in the professional application of these methods. 

Graduates of the Cognitive Neurobiology programme will have the interdisciplinary knowledge and competencies essential for professionals in fields related to brain functioning, specifically in cognitive science, neurobiology, biotechnology, psychophysiology, psycholinguistics, neurocognitive science and others.

The combination of basic fundamental, general professional and practical skills developed by graduates will provide them with a unique specialisation demanded in a wide range of research and practice areas.

Specialists in cognitive neurobiology will have opportunities to work in:

- leading research institutes in Russia and foreign research centres;

- business structures implementing projects in the field of neurocognitive and biotechnological developments;

- Research & Development technology companies and start-ups in the field of neuro- and biotechnology;

- brain-computer interface projects;

- clinical area (preoperative mapping, rehabilitation of patients with brain damage);

- manufacturing, pharmacological and other fields that require specialised knowledge and skills for applied tasks in cognitive neurobiology.

After graduation, alumni can continue their studies in Master's programmes at the HSE University or other Russian and foreign universities.

The bachelor's programme «Cognitive Neurobiology» is implemented at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology of the HSE University. 

The results of the Unified State Examination in the following subjects are required for admission:

1. Biology (minimum 70 points)
2. Mathematics (proficiency test) or Chemistry (minimum 70 points)
3. Russian language (minimum 60 points)

Entrance tests and minimum points for applicants in a separate competition (foreigners):

1. Biology: minimum 70 points (priority 1)
2. Russian language: minimum 60 points (priority 2), a written test of 120 minutes

In addition to the Unified State Examination, applicants can get extra points for a combination of individual achievements. A complete list is available on the Admissions Committee page. 

More information about admission conditions, admission based on Olympiad results, rules for international applicants as well as admissions preferences and discounts can be found on the page For Prospective Students.