Daily or circadian rhythms pervade all aspects of our physiology and behaviour (Hastings et al., 2018). By convention, these rhythms are attributed to the activity of the brain’s suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Cells of the SCN contain a molecular clock and the daily cycle in clock genes/protein expression drives 24h variation in SCN neuronal activity. However, clock gene expression is not limited to the SCN and several findings indicate that brain circuits controlling thirst and appetite also contain intrinsic circadian oscillators (Guilding et al., 2009; Northeast et al., 2019).
How these oscillators are organised, how they respond to SCN signals, and how they drive rhythms in neuronal activity and behaviour remains unresolved. In this project, live neuronal circuit imaging together with multi-electrode array recordings as well as optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations will be used to determine how thirst and appetite circuits are organised to initiate, maintain, and terminate ingestive behaviour.
How to apply:
MSc by Research (MScR) is a 1-year research degree that provides an intensive lab-based training and a preparation for PhD study. You will carry out your studies as part of your research group – like a PhD student does. Towards the end of the year, you write up a thesis on your research and are examined on this. This degree suits students wanting to gain maximum research experience in preparation for PhD applications.
We are keen to recruit a diverse range of students and to ensure our research is open to all. We particularly welcome applications from groups traditionally under-represented in life sciences research. Please check the University webpages for the current tuition fee information. Most MScR projects also require a bench fee. This varies depending on the research and your project supervisor can tell you the bench fee for the project.
Please follow the link below and apply to the Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, selecting the programme "Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (MSc by Research)".
PhD Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
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