Models of pathological influences of neurodegeneratives diseases Computational Neurology

Description

We invite applications for students' projects and bachelor/master theses for contributing to developing models of pathological influences of neurodegeneratives diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s Disease) on brain activity. The project touches topics of whole-brain dynamics, biomarkers, and effective connectivity (i.e., directional influences of brain regions onto each other). Co-supervision of students from other fields (e.g., computer science, psychology) can be arranged via our research network.

Following tasks will be performed:
•    Development of model extensions (e.g., dynamical whole-brain models and effective connectivity)
•    Analyses of models’ parameters and properties in relation to measurements of brain pathologies (e.g., amyloid)

Prerequisites: Python programming, experience in computational neuroscience or bioinformatics

Starting date: to be discussed, between September and November 2024

Recommended literature:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6711459/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10696890/

The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a interdisciplinary research unit of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. We aim to understand fundamental principles that characterize how organisms generate behavior and cognition while linked to their environments through sensory and effector systems. Inspired by insights into natural cognitive systems, we seek new solutions to problems of information processing in artificial cognitive systems. We draw from a variety of disciplines that include experimental approaches from psychology and neurophysiology, theoretical approaches from physics, mathematics, and computer science, including, in particular, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, and computer vision.

Universitätsstr. 150, Building NB, Room 3/32
D-44801 Bochum, Germany

Tel: (+49) 234 32-28967
Fax: (+49) 234 32-14210