PhD in Psychology: Computational modelling of memory processing in sleep

This PhD will aim to create a computational model which incorporates not only a learning phase (in wake) but also ‘offline’ processing of memories in the various stages of sleep.

How does the brain store memories? Various computational models exist to explain this, but none of these incorporate sleep. Our experimental work has indicated that processing is quite different in the various stages of sleep, and that this is critical for creating richly complex networks of learned information that are characteristic of human knowledge.

You will use computational modelling (likely PDP and or Deep nets) to gain a better understanding of how memories are consolidated in sleep, and how memory replay in sleep underpins integration of new memories with old and the recombination of ideas which is involved in creativity. A background in computational modelling or related areas of computer science would be ideal. The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sleep (Naps) lab is a thriving community of computer scientists and sleep researchers studying all aspects of how sleep impacts on cognition.

Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) opened in Spring 2016, housing a unique combination of facilities and expertise that will further its world-leading research in neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience and biological psychiatry.

This 3-year PhD studentship is generously funded by the European Research Council.

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.

This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/funding/view/phd-in-psychology-sleep,-memory,-psychology,-computational-modelling