PhD Studentship in Oscillatory Activity in the Motor Cortex in Vitro, School of Life & Health Sciences – Aston University

January 30, 2008

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PhD Studentship in Oscillatory Activity in the Motor Cortex in Vitro
School of Life & Health Sciences – Aston University
Ref No. ST07/278/98

The School is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to pursue cutting-edge research in Life & Health Sciences. The School of Life and Health Sciences was awarded a grade 5 in Subjects Allied to Medicine in the 2001 RAE. The School currently has a research income of about £8m, with approximately 80 research students, (part time and full-time), registered in the School each year.

PhD Studentship is offered in Cellular Neurophysiology within the School of Life & Health Sciences. The basic stipend is £10,000 per annum and, in addition, the offer will cover the Home/EU student tuition fees which are £3,240 per annum through each successful year of study over three years and will be awarded on the basis of merit.

Research training includes that which is tailored to the research projects and a general taught research programme that is taken by all postgraduate students in Life & Health Sciences during their first year.

Highlights of current research activities are available through our website, http://www.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/ and further project details are available at

http://www.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/pg_res_opportunities/index.jsp

Oscillatory Activity in the Motor Cortex In Vitro

Supervisors: Dr Ian Stanford (i.m.stanford@aston.ac.uk)

Dr G Woodhall (g.l.woodhall@aston.ac.uk)

We have been using local field potential recordings and sharp microelectrode intracellular recording of activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) in brain slices obtained from the rat. These techniques provide information on network activity and allow the assessment of synchronous oscillatory activity across populations of neurons as well as individual neurons. Our studies have indicated that oscillatory activity in the primary motor cortex is principally driven by layer 5 cortical neurons. This activity idles at beta frequency although electrical stimulation of superficial layers is able to promote further activity. Thus, high frequency stimulation at 125Hz, designed to mimic transdural / transcranial stimulation, generated gamma oscillations with very fast oscillatory components (VFO; 200-300Hz) whilst stimulation at 4Hz preferentially promoted beta and gamma activity that was modulated at theta frequency (see Yamawaki et al 2007). In addition, we have preliminary evidence that these stimulation protocols promoted plastic changes in the network activity. These data suggest that within M1, evoked theta, gamma and fast oscillations may coexist with the pharmacologically induced beta oscillation in a non-destructive manner indicating either that they are generated by different interneuron populations or that one type of interneuron may contribute to multiple brain rhythms. Our aims are to characterise these neuronal populations and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the different oscillatory frequencies. In addition we will assess the dynamic regulation of synaptic activity which underlies the plastic changes observed. The candidate can therefore expect to develop expertise in field, sharp microelectrode and whole-cell patch clamp recordings as well as immunocytochemical techniques.
Application Requirements

* Applicants should have or expect a good honours degree (either first class or upper second class) or hold an MSc in a relevant discipline.
* If you are an EU/Overseas Applicant, the English Language Requirements are a minimum score of 600 (250 minimum in computer test) in TOEFL OR IELTS with minimum marks of 6.0 in each section and an overall band of 6.5.
* The PhD Studentship is for 3 years, subject to a satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year, and is available from October 2008.
* For an application form please visit : http://www1.lhs.aston.ac.uk/pabs/pgprojects/application%20form.pdf
* Applicants should provide a clear indication on the application form (or in an attached letter or CV) of their specific research interests and the name of the research project for which the application is being made. Applicants should also include contact details of at least two (and preferably three) referees who can be contacted in the event of being short listed for interview.
* Please send completed applications to: Ms Julie Taylor, Research Office Administrator, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom. (Telephone: 0121 204 4019 Or E-mail: j.a.taylor@aston.ac.uk). Informal enquiries can also be made to the proposed Supervisors.

Closing Date: Friday 27th February 2008

* The short list for interview and subsequent allocation of studentships will be made on a competitive basis, although early application is strongly recommended. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application as soon as it is known.

Scholarship Tags: Aston University, in Vitro, Motor Cortex, Oscillatory Activity, PhD studentship, School of Life Sciences, UK Scholarships