Computational modelling of the development of spinal cord neural circuit activity

PGR-P-285

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders

We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Additional supervisors: Dr Marc de Kamps
Schools: School of Computing

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Understanding changes in the spinal cord sensori-motor apparatus is highly relevant in our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases that affect motor control in humans, and IS essential for well working prostheses with a neural interface. This project focuses on the role of interneuron populations in spinal cord during development. The developmental change in these populations clearly affects behaviour, but the local neural interactions between these populations resulting in behaviour changes are unclear. Chakrabarty lab in the Faculty of Biological Sciences has obtained accurate population level data on these changing interneuron populations, while Marc de Kamps of the School of Computing has developed innovative methods for modelling neural populations. You will model the neural circuits that control motor behaviour at THE population level in order to gain an understanding of the role of different populations of interneurons in different stages of development. Good mathematical and analytical skills are required, as well as programming experience. A background in computational neuroscience is desirable, but not essential.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Computational modelling of the development of spinal cord neural circuit activity’ as well as <a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/staff/390/Dr_Marc_de_Kamps">Dr Marc de Kamps</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

<p><strong>Self-Funding Students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK students</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2021-january-deadline">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship (January deadline)</a> and the <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/53-school-of-computing-scholarship">School of Computing Scholarship </a>are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK students</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/53-school-of-computing-scholarship">School of Computing Scholarship </a> is available to support the additional academic fees of international applicants. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information regarding your application,  please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p</a><a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">hd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk,</a> or by telephone: +44 (0)113 343 5057</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Marc de Kamps by email:  <a href="mailto:M.deKamps@leeds.ac.uk">M.deKamps@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h3>