Course summary

In our PhD programme on Neuroscience we aim to understand the function of the nervous system. Around 50 groups focus their research on different, but complimentary, aspects of nervous system function. We investigate how single neurons acquire electrical properties, how neural circuits are organised, how circuits process sensory information, store memories, plan motor actions and achieve cognitive function. We also investigate how these networks become dysfunctional in clinical disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, blindness, stroke, schizophrenia) giving rise to symptoms such as memory loss, speech problems, visual deficits and paranoid delusions. Through recent breakthroughs in techniques such as multi-channel electrophysiological recording, optogenetics, neuroimaging, neurogenetics and computational modelling, all of which are established in Manchester, we have powerful tools at our disposal. We also exploit and integrate a wide range of model systems: from neuronal cell culture, Drosophila , rodents and humans. Our major research themes include:

• Regulation of excitability in developing circuits

• Coding of sensory signals

• Memory and learning

• Higher order cognition

• Phototransduction & circadian biology

• Neuroimaging

• The neurobiological basis of brain diseases.