Treating the heart through the head

PGR-P-439

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Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Tuesday 1 September 2020
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Source of funding: Other
Supervisors: Professor Jim Deuchars and Dr Susan Deuchars
Schools: School of Biomedical Sciences
Research groups/institutes: Neuroscience

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

For many years our lab has investigated how the nervous system can be involved in controlling the cardiovascular system, including the heart. More recently, we have begun to apply our knowledge to potential treatments of cardiovascular disease in humans. This project will work in this area, investigating how non-invasive neuromodulation techniques can influence the cardiovascular system in health and disease. Methods applied will include transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, microneurography to measure sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate variability analysis.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>For many years our lab has investigated how the nervous system can be involved in controlling the cardiovascular system, including the heart. More recently, we have begun  to apply our knowledge to potential treatments of cardiovascular disease in humans. This project will work in this area, investigating how non-invasive neuromodulation techniques can influence the cardiovascular system in health and disease. Methods applied will include transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, microneurography to measure sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate variability analysis.</p> <p>Examples of this work can be found in a recent open access publication:</p> <p><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/31358702">https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/31358702</a> </p> <p> </p>

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

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is “Treating the heart through the head” as well as <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/school-biomedical-sciences/staff/55/professor-jim-deuchars">Prof. Jim Deuchars</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>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</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 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, 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>This project is suitable for applicants already funded.</p>

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

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a> t: +44 (0)113 343 8186</p> <p>Or contact the supervisor for direct discussion:</p> <p><a href="mailto:J.Deuchars@leeds.ac.uk">J.Deuchars@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p> <p> </p>

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