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This is a project which would suit someone with excellent programming, mathematics and statistics skills, who is seeking a project where they can put these skills to use in a worthwhile area offering extensive interaction with patients and members of the public.
Background
When the brain is working normally, activity is kept tightly focused as it is processed from one area to the next. This focus is maintained by groups of inhibitory neurons. In some people however, these cells malfunction, and then activity can rapidly escalate to become an epileptic seizure. Since these cells perform such an important protective role, it would be incredibly useful if we could assess how well they can do this job, before problems progress to the point of a seizure. The research question for this studentship will determine whether this may be assessed using simple visual tests.
Vision is about the best studied of all brain functions, and there are several well described visual phenomena which involve cortical inhibition. The project will use these visual assays to monitor cortical inhibition in people with various epilepsy phenotypes. We hope then to develop this into a tool that patients with epilepsy could use in their own home to help them predict when a seizure is likely to occur. By doing this we will help to empower patients with epilepsy, to take control of their own condition. The project will involve a range of tasks, from software programming to patient interaction, and extends from basic research ideas into clinical practice.
Funding Notes:
Sponsor: Epilepsy Action
Value of the Award and Eligibility: The award covers University fees at the Home/EU rate (currently £4,320 per annum) and a stipend of £13,590 (2011/12). Candidates from outside UK/EU may apply but tuition fees will only be paid at the UK/EU rate.
References:
Education and Training:
Essential: You must have, or be on course to obtain, a science or biomedical degree. Since this is a 3-year PhD programme, candidates should normally have a Masters degree, or equivalent.
Desirable: First-class undergraduate degree, distinction in Masters.
Skills, abilities and personal qualities:
Essential: Native or near-native level command of English. Excellent communicator. Highly self-motivated individual who enjoys problem-solving and has plenty of initiative and drive.
Desirable: Excellent programming skills, good knowledge of statistics and probability. Knowledge of Matlab and Android.
Experience and achievements:
Desirable: Experience programming apps on phones or tablets. Evidence of interest in research, experience in labs etc
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/ -inserting the reference number IN050 and selecting “Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) - Neuroscience' as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a covering letter and CV must be attached. If English is not your first language, please provide a copy of English language qualifications. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number IN050. and explain how your interests and experience relate to the project, and why this project in particular appeals to you.