Learning how we learn

Learning how we learn: linking inhibitory brain circuits to motor learning

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

Scholarship

$32,192pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

This PhD project is aligned to a recently awarded Australian Research Council DECRA fellowship, awardee Dr Raphael Hamel, mentored by A/Prof Mark Hinder.  Excerpts from that project are provided below for overall context and specific aims.

Understanding the relationship between brain activity and human behaviour is a fundamental question in neuroscience. This project aims to contribute to this question by using cutting-edge brain stimulation techniques to demonstrate causal relationships between inhibitory brain circuit activity and motor learning. This project expects to generate fundamental knowledge about the relationship between the brain and behaviours. Eventually, this may contribute to the development of optimised training protocols in healthy populations such as school children, recreational and elite athletes, medical and military personnel, and ageing adults, as well as the development of brain stimulation interventions to improve motor learning.

The project will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to address three main aims related to the learning of motor sequences.

AIM #1: Assessing the functional changes of intracortical inhibitory circuits as motor learning progresses.  We will test the hypothesis that intracortical inhibitory circuits of the primary motor cortex (M1) increasingly release GABAergic inhibition as participants prepare their movement sequence responses whilst learning progresses. these results will define the association between intracortical inhibitory circuits and motor learning.

AIM #2: Activating inhibitory circuits to causally facilitate the processes of movement preparation.  We will test the novel hypothesis that – in the absence of learning – using TMS to selectively activate inhibitory circuits within M1 as participants prepare their sequence responses will quicken reaction times in a time- and stimulation intensity-dependent manner. Additional control experiments will investigate if these results are M1-specific. For the first time, this will ascertain a key causal contribution of M1’s intracortical inhibitory circuits to movement preparation.

AIM #3: Activating inhibitory circuits during preparation to causally enhance motor learning and retention.  Directly building on Aims #1 and #2, we will test the hypothesis that using TMS to activate M1’s intracortical inhibitory circuits during movement preparation will enhance motor learning and retention. For the first time, this will establish that M1’s intracortical inhibitory circuits causally contribute to the learning and retention of motor skills.

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Mark Hinder

Funding

The successful applicant will recieve a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Undergraduate/Hons degree in a related discipline e.g. Neuroscience, Psychological Sciences, Human Movement, Biological Science

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Research experience in lab-based settings
  • Aptitude for programming of experimental designs
  • Statistical knowledge in research/applied settings
  • Strong aptitude for lab-based behavioural neuroscience/cognitive neuroscience
  • Evidence of scientific writing ability

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact A/Prof Mark Hinder to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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