SELF-FUNDING MSc BY RESEARCH PROJECT: What coordination mechanisms are used by neural networks to generate fundamental components of flexible behaviour?

The basal ganglia play a critical role in shaping behaviour. Obsessive compulsive disorder is an extreme example of how imbalanced cortico-basal ganglia network activity can lead to inflexible behaviour. Our work aims to characterize the coordination mechanisms the cortico-basal ganglia network relies on for enabling flexible interactions with an ever-changing environment. More specifically, we study to which extent brief reorganization of neural activity into synchronous patterns (captured as oscillations) plays a key role in reacting quickly to sensory events.

Data collection in my lab is focussed on human behaviour using electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and behavioural tasks in healthy participants and patients with movement disorders. We are also testing hypotheses about neural coordination mechanisms in existing data from non-human primate and rodent data (single unit+LFPs) through collaborations.

You will be involved in designing experiments, collecting and analysing behavioural and electrophysiological data, and you will develop a thorough understanding of statistical analysis methods. You might also get involved in behavioural or electrophysiological recordings with patients.

You will get to choose whether you want to spend more time on task design/data acquisition or analysis, depending on your interests, and will be well-supported in improving your scientific writing and presentation skills.

Please get in touch with me [Email Address Removed] if you would like to discuss more details about possible projects.

When applying for this project please ensure you select the Faculty of Life Sciences and the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/