Computational modelling of memory processing in sleep at Cardiff University on FindAPhD.com

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Prof Penny Lewis No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

How does the brain store memories? Various computational models exist to explain this, but none of these incorporate sleep. Our experimental work has indicated that processing is quite different in the various stages of sleep, and that this is critical for creating richly complex networks of learned information that are characteristic of human knowledge.

This PhD will aim to create a computational model which incorporates not only a learning phase (in wake) but also ‘offline’ processing of memories in the various stages of sleep. The student will use computational modelling (likely PDP and or Deep nets) to gain a better understanding of how memories are consolidated in sleep, and how memory replay in sleep underpins integration of new memories with old and the recombination of ideas which is involved in creativity. A background in computational modelling or related areas of computer science would be ideal.

The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sleep (Naps) lab is a thriving community of computer scientists and sleep researchers studying all aspects of how sleep impacts on cognition (see our nascent web pages: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cubric/research-2-2/neuroscience-and-psychology-lab-naps/ )

Funding Notes

The studentship will commence in October 2018 (there is potential for an earlier start date) and will cover your tuition fees (at UK/EU level) as well as a maintenance grant. In 2017-18 the maintenance grant for full-time students was £14,553 per annum. As well as tuition fees and a maintenance grant, all School of Psychology students receive conference and participant money (approx. £2250 for the duration of the studentship).They also receive a computer and office space, additional funding for their research, and access to courses offered by the University’s Doctoral Academy and become members of the University Doctoral Academy.

References

Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals, and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education.

As only one studentship is available and a very high standard of applications is typically received, the successful applicant is likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and/or be distinguished by having relevant research experience.

The School of Psychology is one of the largest and most successful in the UK (http://www.cf.ac.uk/psych/). The School’s excellent standard of research and teaching has been recognised in every Research Assessment Exercise. It has its own brain-imaging centre (http://www.cf.ac.uk/psych/cubric/), enhancing the international-leading research in behavioural neuroscience, cognitive ergonomics, forensic, social and developmental psychology.

The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sleep (Naps) lab is a thriving community of computer scientists and sleep researchers studying all aspects of how sleep impacts on cognition (see our nascent web pages: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cubric/research-2-2/neuroscience-and-psychology-lab-naps/)

Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) opened in Spring 2016, housing a unique combination of facilities and expertise that will further its world-leading research in Neuroimaging, Cognitive Neuroscience and Biological Psychiatry. Further details of CUBRIC can be found on our web-page: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cubric

Where will I study?

Cardiff University

At the heart of our vibrant research culture is a welcoming community of students and staff, who share a single ambition: to tackle the grand challenges of our time and make a positive impact around the world.

Computational modelling of memory processing in sleep

Cardiff University Cardiff School of Psychology