[Neuroinfo] Master program in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics at Newcastle University

[Marcus Kaiser]

Dear all,

our one-year master degree program in Computational Neuroscience
and Neuroinformatics at Newcastle University is now accepting student
applications. The course focuses on handling brain connectivity datasets,
analyzing electrophysiological recordings, and simulating neural activity
and development. Neuroinformatics is one of the strategic areas of
neuroscience research within Newcastle University (see overview at
http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/ ).

Close interactions with experimental and clinical researchers are a key
component of the course and the dissertation research project. Ongoing
research areas in Newcastle include neuroimaging, psychophysics, systems
neuroscience (visual, auditory, and motor system), aging,
neurorehabilitation, brain rhythms, brain-machine interfaces, neurochips,
and connectomics (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion ). Newcastle University hosts
around 100 principal investigators in the neurosciences.

You can find out more about the program and how to apply at
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/



*COURSE OUTLINE*

The MSc in Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics is a full-time,
one-year advanced masters course designed for students who have a good
degree in the biological sciences or the physical sciences (computer
science, mathematics, physics, engineering). It provides the specialist
skills in core Neuroinformatics courses (such as computing and biology)
with a significant focus on the development of research skills. The program
aims to equip its graduates with the necessary skills to contribute to
biologically realistic simulations of neural activity and development that
are rapidly becoming the key focus of Neuroinformatics research. Prior
experience with computers or computer programming is not required. The
program is ideal for students aiming for careers in industry or academia.

The course is based in the School of Computing Science and taught jointly
by the Schools of Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Biology,
Cell and Molecular Biosciences and The Institute of Human Genetics. In
addition, there are strong links with the Institute of Neuroscience and
graduates of this master program might either apply for PhD studies at the
School of Computing Science or for the Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD program in
Systems Neuroscience (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/study/wellcome/ ).



*WHY STUDY AT NEWCASTLE?*

The MSc in Neuroinformatics is a truly interdisciplinary degree and
provides the dual skills necessary to establish a rewarding career in this
research area. The Newcastle program has a research focus on data
management, network analysis (e.g. Kaiser, Neuroimage, 2011), and
simulation, whilst delivering sound training and an introduction to
research in computation and statistics, including exciting new areas such
as e-science and cloud computing.

Newcastle is among the pioneers of the field in the UK and hosted the £4m
EPSRC-funded CARMEN project for managing and processing electrophysiology
data. It also leads the development of simulations of optogenetic
stimulation effects on human brain tissue as part of the £10m
EPSRC/Wellcome Trust-funded CANDO project (http://www.cando.ac.uk/).
Newcastle has strong links with the International Neuroinformatics
Coordinating Facility (INCF). Currently, members of the faculty lead the
data-sharing special interest group and the UK special interest groups in
image-based Neuroinformatics and brain connectivity as well as in
neurally-inspired engineering.



*COURSE CONTENT*

Semester 1 contains modules to build the basic grounding in, and
understanding of, Neuroinformatics theory and applications, together with
necessary computational and numeric understanding to undertake more
specialist modules next semester. Training in mathematics and statistics is
also provided. Semester 2 introduces modules that focus heavily on
introducing subject-specific research skills and includes three option
slots for choosing modules. A major part of the Newcastle MSc in
Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics is a research project that
will occupy approximately six months. This project may be associated with
staff in any of the Schools mentioned above, thus providing a wide range of
exciting areas in which the newly learnt Neuroinformatics skills can be
deployed.



*HOW TO APPLY*

 Applications for this program are now being accepted. You can apply online
using the electronic application system with the degree identifier 5199F.
Please check http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/study/postgrad/taught/5199/ for
more information.



Best,
  Marcus



--

Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D.
Associate Professor (Reader) in Neuroinformatics
Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group
School of Computing Science
Newcastle University
Claremont Tower
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

Lab website:
http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/

Neuroinformatics at Newcastle:
http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/
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