Research Studentship
MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
Applications are invited for a studentship at the Babraham Institute, starting
in October 1997 and leading to a University of Cambridge Ph.D., to work
on mathematical models of visual development, based upon layered,
interacting neural networks. The intriguing nature of the patterns of
connections from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus (on- or
off-center), and to the visual cortex (oriented dominance or ocular dominance)
have attracted much attention from theoretical neurobiologists, physicists and
mathematicians during the last two decades. It has turned out, in fact, that
remarkably simple models, based on Hebbian synaptic plasticity, intracortical
interactions and competitive interactions between cells and growing axons,
have been able to explain many of these phenomena. The student would further
develop the models to describe newly acquired biological data on dynamically
changing spatial patterns of activity and connection strength, using more
realistic model neurones.
The main work of the student would be first to develop and
secondly to analyze the properties of models involving systems of
differential equations, largely by simulation possibly using NEURON and/or
software developed at Babraham, but also using analytical methods where
appropriate. The object would be to provide a theoretical framework within
which
experimental results can be interpreted, and new hypotheses generated for
further experimental testing.
Applicants should have an interest in mathematical biology, and some experience
of computing. Knowledge of one or more of the following areas would be
advantageous: dynamical system models, probability, statistics, neurobiology.
This studentship topic is one of a number which are on offer to potential
students starting in 1997. An Open Day will be held at the Institute on 22th
January, 1997, to which selected students interested in any of the studentship
topics will be invited to discuss their research interests and to view the
Institute facilities. Most studentships will be awarded after the Open Day.
Applicants should submit a full curriculum vitae with a covering letter
stating that they are interested in this particular project, and the names
and addresses of two referees to Dr. Jenny Pell (the Graduate Students Tutor,
e-mail: jenny.pell@bbsrc.ac.uk) by 20 December.
Initial enquiries should be made to
Jianfeng Feng,
Laboratory of Biomathematics Tel: 0223 832312 ext 511
Babraham Institute, Fax: 0223 836614
Cambridge, CB2 4AT. e-mail: jf218@cam.ac.uk