Mathematical models to understand large-scale brain dynamics. EMPS College Home fees Studentship, PhD in Mathematics. Ref: 4335

About the award

Supervisors

Lead Supervisor: Dr. Marc Goodfellow, Department of Mathematics, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter

Co-supervisor:  Dr. Alex Shaw, Department of Psychology, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter

Location: Department of Mathematics, Streatham Campus, Devon, University of Exeter

The University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences  is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence as soon as possible. The studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £15,609 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. 

This College studentship is open to UK and Irish nationals, who if successful in their application will receive a full studentship including payment of university tuition fees at the home fees rate.

Project Description:

The dynamics of the brain emerge and fluctuate in a complex system comprised of many interacting, dynamic components. In order to better understand these dynamics it is crucial to use mathematical models to assimilate information and to make sense of data. For experimental data at the very small scale, we have very well developed and experimentally validated models and theories (e.g. for single neurons). However, data from humans typically exist at a larger, or macroscopic scale, since they are measured using techniques such as magneto-/electro-encephalography or functional MRI. Models for this kind of data do exist, and are often used to interpret neuroimaging data, but questions remain regarding exactly what mechanisms they encode, and how best to calibrate them.

The aim of this project is to develop our models of macroscopic brain dynamics and the tools we have to calibrate them. You will work in an interdisciplinary team, based across mathematics, living systems and psychology within Exeter, and an international network of clinical and experimental collaborators. To develop methods, the project will draw upon diverse data sets: in resting and task conditions in humans, in healthy individuals and people with conditions including epilepsy and dementia, and in experimental systems. You will use and develop methods in ordinary and stochastic differential equations, statistical emulation and global optimisation.

Entry requirements

This studentship is open to UK and Irish nationals, who if successful in their application will receive a full studentship including payment of university tuition fees at the home fees rate.

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.

You should hold relevant qualifications in a quantitative discipline such as (but not exclusive to) mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science.

If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.0 in IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project. 

Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/).

How to apply

In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.  Please note our preferred format is PDF, each file named with your surname and the name of the document, eg. “Smith – CV.pdf”, “Smith – Cover Letter.pdf”, “Smith – Transcript.pdf”.

• CV
  • Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior project work experience and reasons for
  wishing to undertake the project).
  • Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an
  interim transcript if you are still studying)
  • Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email
     the reference direct to pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.
  • If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.  Please see the entry requirements information above.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 3rd May 2022  Interviews will be held online on the week commencing 16th May 2022

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk. 

Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor at m.goodfellow@exeter.ac.uk

Summary

Application deadline:                   3rd May 2022

Value:                                                 Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £15,609 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.

Duration of award:                        per year

Contact: PGR Admissions Office pgrenquiries@exeter.ac.uk

Please click here to apply.