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 description

Financial 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

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $70,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

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 description

Financial 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

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$17,500 to $40,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* 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