Sensory and Motor Neuroscience – (Ph.D.)

Scientific focus: the research goals are to elucidate cellular mechanisms of normal and impaired peripheral and central sensory processing, to explore sensorimotor transformation, the modulation of sensory and motor function, and to study goal-directed behaviour. Peripheral sensory research combines cell-physiological and biophysical approaches with molecular strategies for the investigation of cellular signalling complexes in the sensory cells of ear, eye and nose. Projects deal with coding at ribbon synapses and transduction in olfactory receptor neurones. A combined cell-physiological and genetic approach to the calyx of the Held synapse is used to explore the mechanisms underlying temporal acuity, reliability and plasticity of information processing in the auditory brainstem. Systems physiology and computational approaches are used to elucidate processing principles and circuit plasticity in the auditory system of insects and in the primate visual cortex, where the modulation by attention is also studied. Research on sensorimotor transformations, complex perception-action loops, learning of adaptive and anticipatory behaviour, and the modulation of motor function by transcranial magnetic stimulation and direct current stimulation uses both experimental and theoretical approaches.
Training goals: exploring the principles of peripheral and central sensory processing, motor programming and response requires a combination of anatomical, physiological and computational skills. The programme provides training across the sensory modalities and applies cellular and systems approaches to motor function. Students acquire a broad neuroscience background and are trained in computational approaches for quantitative analysis and modelling of the sensory and motor mechanisms.