Frog in silico: Understanding hand-eye coordination
Profs Ingo Bojak & William Harwin
Systems Neuroscience Research Group, School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, UK
Hand-eye coordination has been extensively studied as paradigm for the neural control of movement. We wish to elucidate how movement patterns emerge from neural models coupled with biomechanics. In particular, spinal stimulation in bullfrogs leads to “force
fields” at the limb, but it is unknown how the kinematics of the limb link with the spinal reflexes to generate these forces. Furthermore, higher centres must control these force fields to allow ballistic and repetitive motor plans. This project will combine
neural models of cognitive control with models of the muscular-skeletal system to explain how brain and body dynamically interact to produce coordinated movement.
Once we can reverse-engineer actual motion into the observed force fields, our research will turn to the neural control that assembles these building blocks. In particular, we will establish likely mechanisms for the required signal to arise and be maintained
from visual stimuli. Different delays after a visual stimulus should result either in a singular motor pattern, such as a jump reflex, or in tracking motor patterns, such as the frog’s pursuit of a mate.
We will build classical robotic models of the frog using the biomechanics library Opensim and populate them with simplified actuators. Neural dynamics will be considered in terms of interconnecting patches of neural fields separated by fixed time delays. A simplified
eye and retinal structure will be used to inject visual stimuli into the model and track possible pathways determining motor actions.
This project will be a combination of theoretical studies and computer simulations based on biological models and experimental data. The ideal candidate has a good working knowledge of dynamical systems and numerical analysis, as well as consummate programming
abilities. Prior understanding of the neural control of movement is highly desirable, but may be acquired during the project.
Eligibility: Applicants should have a Bachelors (at least 2.1) or Masters degree in neuroscience, physics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline. Good analytical and programming skills are necessary; experience in neuroscience and/or
movement studies is desirable.
Funding Details: The studentship will cover UK/EU/International fees and pay the Research Council maintenance (2013-14 at £13,726 p.a. tax free) for up to 3 years. It will begin in October 2014, though a delayed start is negotiable.
How to apply: Please submit an application for a PhD in Cybernetics (full time) to the University at http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/apply/pg-applicationform.aspx. Please
quote the reference GS14-099 for funding and identify Prof Ingo Bojak as potential supervisor. Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email to confirm receipt. Please forward this email, along with a covering letter,
to Prof Ingo Bojak (i.bojak@reading.ac.uk) by the application deadline.
Application Deadline: 01 September 2014, or until position filled.
Further Enquiries: Please contact Prof Ingo Bojak (i.bojak@reading.ac.uk).