CAS in Sleep, Consciousness and Related Disorders

The CAS SCD contains four modules and offers a variety of efficient learning methods, such as classroom lectures, seminars and online distance learning in order to support the  knowledge transfer and to ensure a stimulating learning environment. The participant’s professional knowledge and experience will constitute part of the teaching and learning process.

English is the official language of tuition.

CAS Module 1

Sleep Medicine Summer School

Deepens the basic clinical knowledge on the main sleep disorders and provides further in-depths expertise in managing the diagnosis and treatment of disorders. The Summer School 2021 is the 6th edition of a well consolidated course with great success in the past, formerly known as the Alpine Sleep Summer School and will be held in Europe for one entire week in Summer 2021.

The module will combine theoretical lessons in the mornings, case discussions, and practical exercises in the afternoons.

Courses / Key Topics

• Physiology and chronobiology
• Insomnia and circadian disorders
• Hypersomnia and neurological sleep disorders
• Movement disorders and parasomnia and epilepsy
• Respiratory disorder

Duration: 75-90 hours

Credits: 3 ECTS

Location: Europe

Exams: Multiple-choice

CAS Module 2

Lecture series / e-learning

Provides basic insight into sleep and consciousness in a self-study mode. It analyzes and explains the definition of sleep, sleep regulation, as well as how sleep, vigilance and circadian rhythms can be assessed.

This first module will be accessible online.

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study

Credits: 2 ECTS

Location: Self-Study

Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

CAS Module 3

Sleep Science Winter School

Deepens the understanding of the basic scientific know-how and addresses more advanced scientific topics such as regulation and function of sleep, circadian rhythms of sleep, and methods of sleep/consciousness research.

The lectures seminar will be held in Europe over the course of 4 days.

Courses / Key lectures

• The regulation of sleep
• The function of sleep
• Circadian rhythms
• Sleep and consciousness
• Methods in sleep research - basic
• Methods in sleep research - human

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study

Credits: 2 ECTS

Location: Europe

Exams: Multiple choice

CAS Module 4

CAS Thesis

Consists in 75–90 hours (3 ECTS) dedicated to research and writing a CAS thesis. It provides therefore the know-how of systematical literature research (systematic reviews) and the quantative and qualitative summarising of existing studies. The student will also learn how to read scientific literature and will be capable to understand and summarize it. A pool of topics and mentors will be provided to the students; nevertheless, every student is free to choose a topic and a specialist in the field of sleep medicine, subject to approval by the CAS program lead.

It is highly recommended to choose a comparative thesis.

Duration: 75-90 hours

Credits: 3 ECTS

Location: Self-Study

Exams: CAS Thesis

Organising Institutions

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern,

Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Università della Svizzera italiana

Faculty and Scientific Board

The faculty members have extensive experience in academic teaching and knowledge of best practices in the fields of sleep medicine/research, consciousness and related disorders.

Their diverse international backgrounds are a key ingredient of the program’s dynamic environment.

Local Faculty

• Prof. Antoine Adamantidis
• Dr. med. Panagiotis Bargiotas
• Prof. Claudio Bassetti
• Dr. med. Anna Castelnovo
• Dr. med. Corrado Garbazza
• Prof. Mauro Manconi
• Prof. Kaspar Schindler
• Dr. med. Frédéric Zubler

1.  In addition to professional experience, following requirements shall be met for the admission 
   • a higher degree at Master’s level in medicine or psychology,
   • b higher degree at Bachelor’s level or higher in the field of health sciences,
   • c higher degree at Master’s level in the field of sciences or engineering   
2. For above items b and c the Academic Program Committee may decide on further conditions for the admission in order to make sure that the program will be completed successfully.  
3. The Academic Program Committee may grant exceptions “sur dossier” in the admission. For candidates without higher degree or practical experience the Academic Program Committee may decide on further admission requirements in order to make sure that the program will be completed successfully.   
4. It is possible to participate in individual modules, provided that there are still places available.   
5. Upon request of the Program coordinators, the Academic Program Committee decides on the admission to the programs. No claim can be made on the admission.

To register for the program in Sleep, Consciousness and Related Disorders, please fill in the online application form. 

The application deadline for the CAS in Sleep, Consciousness and Related Disorders program is 30 April 2021.

Tuition fee: CHF 7’000