Liz Weerdmeester, class of 2017, is now in Berlin for the prestigious MSc program Computational Neuroscience at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience which is a joint program of four universities in Berlin.
Liz chose to apply for the University College Twente (UCT) because she was interested in many different studies: “I thought it would be a good way to explore all fields.” Throughout the three years she spent at UCT, Liz tried out many different courses: “ATLAS helped me to discover what I am truly interested in, because there are so many opportunities for electives. Especially in my semester abroad I had the opportunity to try many ‘random’ subjects like architecture and computational physics and this helped me in understanding what I like. However, I still did not know what I wanted to specialize in, until my last semester in ATLAS.”
Eventually, Liz chose to apply for the Computational Neuroscience master program, because she liked computer science, but was also interested in human biology. “I like that the brain works in a way that no human would choose when designing it from scratch. This study program aims to understand the brain using computer models, which hopefully leads to advances in, for example, machine learning but also practical applications in the medical care.”
It was not easy to get into the program as only fifteen places were available. Liz had to go through a selection process including a motivation letter, recommendation letters, her resume and her transcript. It was also required to take at least 28 credits in mathematics, for example in statistics and linear algebra. Despite this specific requirement, the program is very interdisciplinary and aims to educate students to communicate across many different disciplines such as neurobiology, medical research, mathematics and engineering. Therefore, it attracts students from many different backgrounds ranging from psychology to computer science, so a bachelor in Technology Liberal Arts & Sciences fits right in.
“Right now, I am doing a neuroscience preparation course, which is pretty intense as we are in class from 9 till 5 every day. It is very interesting though, as we will also get to see a real human brain! On the weekends, I try to explore Berlin by going out and experience the nightlife as much as possible.” The program takes two years after which Liz will graduate with a Master of Science degree of the TU and HU Berlin.
University College Twente offers a unique bachelor’s programme, Technology, Liberal, Arts and Sciences, to top students. Visit the University College Twente website for more information about the college and Technology, Liberal, Arts and Sciences website for more information about the bachelor program. Or visit us during the open day, a student-for-a-day or an insight-day.
