Mathematical modelling of the synapse
Description
We wish to construct a mathematical model of synapses which describes de opening of presynaptic vesicle, the diffusion of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, the opening of postsynaptic channels as well as the extracellular space surrounding the synapse. From a mathematical standpoint, the geometry of the synapse will be described by a finite volume approach and the stochastic nature of synaptic signalisation will be accounted for by a Monte Carlo approach. The model will be calibrated with novel experimental data.
Research Field
- Tetrapartite synapse
- Finite volume method
- Markov chains
- Monte-Carlo simulations
- Brownian motion
Research Supervisor
Nicolas Doyon
Research Environment
Laval University
The project will take place in a multidisciplinary environment and there will be collaboration opportunities with researchers of the CERVO research center https://cervo.ulaval.ca/fr.
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Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Doctorate in Mathematics
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$21000 per year for 3 years.
The department of mathematics and statistics offers paid work opportunites as corrector, exam monitor or teaching assistant.
The candidate will be encouraged to apply to other funding sources.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Progression scholarship
|
7 x $500 |
Doctoral exam or seminar presentation
|
$750 |
Doctoral exam, seminar or conference
|
$1,000 |
Publication
|
$750 |
Communication
|
$1,000 |
First submission of dissertation
|
$1,000* |
| Total |
$8,500 |
*A $500 bonus will be added to the graduation scholarship if the initial submission is made before the semester preceding the final qualifying semester.
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Mathematics with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$17000 per year for 2 years.
The department of mathematics and statistics offers paid work opportunites as corrector, exam monitor or teaching assistant.
The candidate will be encouraged to apply to other funding sources.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Evaluated activity
|
$650 |
| Achievement scholarship |
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,650 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Statistic
Requirements and Conditions
- Interest for applied mathematics
- Interest for mathematical modelling
- Basic knowledge in biology/neuroscience
- Good coding ability in either Pyho or Matlab
- Autonomy
- Inititiative
- Good writing skills
Required Documentation
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
Find Out More
Nicolas Doyon
Professeur
Département de mathématiques et de statistique
nicolas.doyon@mat.ulaval.ca