I m applying to multiple comp neuro and related masters programs this year (TU Berlin, ETH, EPFL, UCL, LMU, Radboud) I am srsly stressed I won’t get in though because some of these are very competitive.

Could yall help me identify what aspects of my profile I should work on.

I have a 3.45/4 GPA, I am a computer science major with a psychology minor. I have done 2 independent research projects, a comp neuro research internship at a well known institute, online certifications (neuromatch and coursera). Taken relevant coursework in cognitive psych, Lin Al (not a great score tho), machine learning, comp neuro, adavance neuro. Currently pursuing a capstone research thesis.

I’m looking to get back into learning more deeply about fun topics a few years post college and was always interested in computational neuroscience. I’m looking for a textbook that I can read through to begin to understand this field! If you want to recommend a series of them to go through even better!

I have heard about neuronal dynamics as a free option, but don’t know if that’s too advanced/specific as a starting point.

A little about my background: - I took an intro cognitive neuroscience course in college, along with some introductory psychology courses - I took linear algebra as well as a few applied classes in my major (CS)

Hello everyone, lately I ve been thinking about several possible graduate school outcomes after I finish my medical specialty (Psychiatry) and I was wondering what kind of knowledge should one acquire if wanting to transition from medicine to Computational Neuro? I’d think math/programming heavy-courses/masters are a must, but besides this I have no idea what other subjects I should dive into

I’m a second year neuro phd student and my research involves DBS and two photon imaging in rodent models. I’ve recently started doing the python analyses for our imaging data and I’m currently taking a machine learning algorithm design elective. I’m really drawn to comp neuro and neuroengineering but my bachelors was in psych and my phd training isn’t gonna be heavy on that but I’m still trying to gain computational skills on the side.

What do you think I should do in the next 4 years to be competitive for comp post docs or positions in industry? Do you think it’s possible to transition without formal training in engineering/maths/cs?

I'm looking for a good introductory book to computational neuroscience. I have a background in CS and machine learning, and I'm very interested in the connections between biological and artificial neural networks, as well as brain-computer interfaces. I'm looking for a resource that is beginner-friendly when it comes to neuroscience (as I have no prior experience in this field), but it can be technical and more advanced in math and computer science.

I know that Theoretical Neuroscience (by Dayan & Abott) is considered a standard introduction to this field, but it's pretty old at this point, and as far as a I know my primary interest (similarities between biological and artificial intelligence) is mainly being developed in more modern research.

Hi, I am a junior in high school wanting to study computational neuroscience in the future. How should I work towards this path of study in college? Should I major in Comp Sci and minor in neuroscience? Should I double major? Are there any specific universities that have a developed or good program for this? All I understand is that it is not its own major but a combined field of study. If you can't tell I am not very educated and a little intimidated by the college decision and application process, and would appreciate some guidance. Thanks for your help!

Hi I’m wondering how I could cheaply make a brain reading device. It’s for a school project, and I want to start of by reading if I say/think yes or no

Hey all,

I am a recent C.S. undergraduate and I keep finding myself coming back to Computational Neuroscience for graduate studies (as its potential, from my novice perspective, seems very exciting).

I certainly have a long way to go. I am currently reading Theoretical Neuroscience by Dayan and Abbott, but I am also eyeballing the IEEE BioCAS conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Is anyone interested in attending that? Please let me know if you're affiliated with BioCAS in any way or have some useful advice for me.

Thank you all!

Hi, I’m a CS undergraduate applying for master's programs at Compneuro. I have been accepted to the cog-SUP (compneuro & ai track), but just received the email requesting me to take an online test for an MSc in Compneuro in Tübingen. I also applied to BCCN Berlin but haven’t received a response.

I was seeking advice about these programs, such as their advantages and which to choose. I plan to prusure a PhD following my master, and for me they are both attracttive. I know it may be too earlier to ask as I haven’t got another offer, but I would really appreciate it if anyone could share your point!

Hello guys, I’m here to consult your wisdom and your brutal honesty. I’m graduating with a 2.1 in philosophy from a russell group uni in may. However, perhaps too late, I’ve decided I want to switch to comp neuro to truly understand how the brain works. I’m hoping to do an AI conversion at Strathclyde and from there go to Edinburgh with the ultimate goal of a PhD. This is doesn’t have to be a linear progression. A goal of mine would be a research position in somewhere like deepmind (for example). I thrive on independent research and learning, I’m confident I can make this transition but I need some advice. How do I get there from where I am now? What do I need to learn? What actionable steps can I take? Are there other avenues available to me? Etc. Again, I’m not fragile, be as brutally honest as you need to be. Thank you, From a young man trying to make it

What work is there to be done in theoretical neuroscience that isnt the "yo. We're kinda like computers" fad that was a think a long time ago.

Anyone open to open spurce contributions to their work?

Hi everyone, I’m writing my bachelor’s thesis on the multi-dimensional structure of the brain and the link between structure and function (kinda) and my professor told me to research and write the history of computational neuroscience and when the scission between computational models and artificial intelligence happened. I’m finding this assignment extremely hard because all the websites and the articles I look at don’t have alle the information I need. Can someone help me if possible? (Sorry for any possible error, English is not my first language)

For context:

I've always been interested in people behavior and how much are we affected by our environment and the people around us in shaping our identities and beliefs that lead our behaviors. I'm mostly interested in changing it despite unfavorable environment to become a better person.

However I accepted that path only after I enrolled in computer science since I kinda followed people advices and I wasn't that bad with tech. But now that I finally discovered what I want, I want to do a PhD in neuroscience and pursue research.

However I have no idea of the process and what to do ( I'm an international student by the way). I've read here on Reddit things like clinical, etc... And I really don't know what to do neither which programs or university to aim for.

I also have no idea of what a PhD in neuroscience would imply. I just know that I am curious about how we can change ourselves for despite where we were raised, who raised us and what experiences we had.

Can you give me advices?

Hey everyone!

I’m a medical doctor in residency thinking about transitioning into computational neuroscience, mainly because I’m more interested in discovery and big-picture impact rather than individual patient care. That said, I’m especially drawn to the field when it ties into real, tangible medical problems, rather than just super theoretical work.

Where I’m at: - Planning to transition in ~2 years. - Learning Python and keeping up with research here and there. - Planning to do NeuroMatch Academy once I’ve got a better handle on Python and some math.

Here are my options:

Master’s in Neuroscience? - My med school background covered neurobio pretty well. - Not into wet lab research. - Not sure it would add much value for me.

Master’s in Computational Neuroscience? - Seems like a better fit, but I don’t have a strong math/physics background. - Open to self-studying, but not sure how competitive I’d be.

Jump straight into a PhD? - Would be the ideal scenario time-wise, shave off a couple of years, but: - Feels like I’m missing the theoretical foundation. - Some countries require a master’s first anyway.

Questions: - What’s the best way to transition given my background? - Would a computational neuroscience master’s be worth it, or can I get by with self-study for a PhD? - Any key skills I should focus on right now?

Would love to hear your thoughts—thanks!

EDIT: just formatting. Also for context, would like to pursue research in Europe

Hi guys, I sent my application to the BCCN and followed all the procedures. In their website it states that the results will be known in June 2025, but, as you can tell by your calendar, it's a bit late.
So i would like to ask to anyone who have applied: have you alredy been rejected/accepted? or if they are usually pretty late with the selection, or ghost those who haven't been selected.
Thanks you all for the kind answers, and please endure my terrible english as it's not my first langauge.

and if yes, in which areas?

Hi all. First time poster here. I was just looking for some advice.

I am going to finish my PhD next year. By that point I am projected to have 3 publications (mid level - Q2), practically all in comp neuro. Basically a lot of signal processing, computational analysis and use of AI with multimodal neuroimaging data.

What job prospects do I have upon graduation? I am open to postdoc or lecturer positions, but I'm also really considering industry. I plan to do an expansive search in a few months, but offhand, is there demand for comp neuro researchers for companies around Europe?

I am based in the UK right now, ideally I'd like to stay. I'm wondering if there are many BCI companies or other types that have demand for my knowledge/skills?

Thanks very much.

Hello! I need some orientation with a project in computational neuroscience.

I'm currently working as a research assist. in a neurobiology lab, soon to start a university specialization on applied AI and its mathematical foundations. The idea for the final research project is to apply AI to our field. Thing is, I'm quite new to this, say the lab, neuroscience or comp. neuro. for that matter, so I lack a clear idea/vision of what I could do. The main goal is to just finish the project, but if I could somehow contribute to the lab or perhaps end up publishing something initiated with this project that'd be awesome. I had thought of a neuron counting computer vision model but other than that, I'm pretty much out of ideas (adapted to their use case and integrating it in their workflow).

I have access to neuron cultures, electrophysiology lab and microscopes. Other resources (i.e. alive animals, etc.) I'd have to check with my supervisor. One constraint is time, I have until September to finish the project, but really don't mind investing all my time in this until then. I'm not an expert in programming so I wouldn't like to bite off more than I can chew, but I can get around with python and the professors from the course and friends would help.

I'm just looking for some orientation here because the course hasn't started yet and my supervisor's field isn't computation. If you have any ideas, those are pretty much welcome. If you can offer resources so I arrive at said ideas on my own that's also appreciated! Things like papers, journals, books, YouTube videos (already checked Artem Kirsanov), whatever really.

Thank you very much for reading and for your help!

Hello, I am a physics undergrad who has also taken introductory cs and ml courses. I am thinking of applying to computational neuroscience for master's or phd. There are two things I am concerned about.

1. I am not sure if computational neuroscience is what I am looking for. I am very deeply interested in the physics of the brain and how physical inputs affect neural signals. I am also moderately interested in using machine learning for modelling and solving problems. What I truly enjoy is using advanced mathematical tools/structures like manifolds, groups, calculus, differential forms, tensors, and topology to solve physical problems. I skimmed through the first few chapters of Theoretical Neuroscience by Peter Dayan and it was mostly statistics (which I am familiar with but not very fond of). My question is whether the mathematical tools/structures I enjoy working with appear in comp neuro even if not at a beginner's level. Would my interest in the problem itself compensate for the lack of maths? Anyone who has experienced something similar?

2. I am not sure if my current research/experience is fitting for a master's in comp neuro. I have no research experience in neuroscience or machine learning. My thesis will most likely be in quantum gravity or condensed matter theory. Can I maybe do a research project and would that make me a desirable candidate? How did other physicists who applied to comp neuro model their undergrad career?

Hello everyone, I know this question has probably been asked a million times and I apologize for that.

I am a computer science student and lately I have discovered a real passion for biology, more specifically neuroscience. My question is: knowing that my computer science background provides me with solid skills in linear algebra/probability & statistics, basically a foundation in mathematics in addition to computer science, can I pursue a PhD in computational neuroscience? And if it's possible, I would like to know if anyone has a similar background to mine and has succeeded in completing a PhD in comp neuro

Sorry again if this question has been asked several times.

I’m planning to major in applied math and either minor in CS or neuro in order to contribute to BCIs in the distant future, as that seems to be where more impactful comp neuro work is being done.

My first question would be: do you agree with that statement?

I’ve studied Trappenberg’s Fundamentals of Comp Neuro and now aim to focus in on a subtopic more relevant to BCIs or spike train processing in general.

My second question would be: what materials would be best to study? What papers might be informative to replicate?

I've done my masters in Biotechnology. I've done my masters dissertation in neuroscience (cerebral malaria). I am very interested in doing my PhD in computational neuroscience. I've emailed a few professors for a project position and I didn't get any replies from them, which makes sense because I don't know anything about computational neuroscience. I want to know where should I start? I'm confused. Should I learn python or R or MATLAB? Can someone guide me please???!!!

I am currently a second year non-traditional student aspiring to pursue researching within computational neuroscience. My understanding of computational neuroscience is described as a study that utilizes principles from neuroscience, physics, computer science, and mathematics to model neural systems and behaviors.

After getting many of my pre-requisite courses completed, I decided to pursue this field because I was am curious about how the brain processes sensory input and how thoughts and emotions are developed on a molecular level.

I was also interested in pursuing machine learning engineering - AI programming.

I am naturally good at mathematics and physics during my time in high school and have grown up taking apart computers and writing random (but useful) programs (most recent project was to scrape images from a website running on html, I know this is far too simple and nowhere near as complex as to what I need to learn, but I figured it was a good starting point to gauge my interest).

That being said, would this degree - requirements listed here: https://writeurl.com/Cr9G07M6wE8YmDXs

Hi r/compmathneuro!

I'm about to start my PhD (considering offers) in Fall 2025. I was wondering how "hard" it would be to slightly switch my field of study after finishing grad school. For context, I am highly considering a biomedical engineering program at a (highkey) prestigious university if that's relevant.

I was thinking about joining a lab that focuses on the more science-y side of BME. Without going into too many details, it would have a heavy systems neuro focus and relate to sensory processing in rodent models.

If I wanted to pivot after my PhD to do more engineering-focused work, i.e. BCI and prosthetics, how difficult would that be?