Research interests of the research team offering the project
To understand the neurobiological underpinnings of the onset and persistence of mental disorders in young people for the purpose of uncovering and validating neurobiological markers that can predict illness onset, helping develop new treatments, and targeting the treatments we already have to those they are most likely to help. In this work we use brain imaging (structure, function, and chemistry), cognitive ability assessments (memory, attention, etc), as well as semi-structured interviews to gauge symptom severity.
Details of the project
The objective of the current research project is to determine how in vivo brain glutamate concentration impacts on the underlying microcircuitry of electroencephalogram (EEG) derived measures of gamma power and mismatch negativity amplitude, as well as cognition and mental health (particularly psychotic experiences). The current research project will aim to recruit 30 young people aged 15–25 years. The research site is the Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne and Orygen. The research team will conduct a number of assessments at different timepoints. At baseline, interview, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and EEG assessments will be conducted, and at 8-week follow-up assessments will be repeated.
Project references
- Thomas, E. H., Bozaoglu, K., Rossell, S. L., & Gurvich, C. (2017). The influence of the glutamatergic system on cognition in schizophrenia: a systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 77, 369-387.
- Rowland LM, Summerfelt A, Wijtenburg SA, et al. Frontal Glutamate and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels and Their Associations With Mismatch Negativity and Digit Sequencing Task Performance in Schizophrenia. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016;73(2):166–174. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2680
- Rosch RE, Auksztulewicz R, Leung PD, Friston KJ, Baldeweg T. Selective Prefrontal Disinhibition in a Roving Auditory Oddball Paradigm Under N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Blockade. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2019 Feb;4(2):140-150. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.07.003. Epub 2018 Aug 13. PMID: 30115499; PMCID: PMC6374982.
Scholarships and fees
A stipend is not available for this project.
To complete this project as a MPhil:
Scholarships are available through the University of Melbourne. More information here.
Other scholarship opportunities may also be available but are highly competitive. Please speak to the contact person below for more information.
Domestic Master of Philosophy students do not incur fees. Information on University of Melbourne fees for international students is available here.
To complete this project as a PhD:
Scholarships are available through the University of Melbourne – find out more here.
Other scholarship opportunities may also be available but are highly competitive, so please speak to the contact person below for further details.
Information on fees for domestic and international students is available here.
How to apply
To complete this project as a MPhil:
- Read information for future students here, and check your eligibility here.
- Read our frequently asked questions here.
- Liaise with, and gain the support of, the supervisor/s. Please contact them using the details below and attach a copy of your CV and university transcript(s).
- Once you’ve gained supervisor support, submit your application here.
To complete this project as a PhD:
- Read information for future students here and check your eligibility here.
- Read our frequently asked questions here.
- Liaise with, and gain the support of, the supervisor/s. Please contact them using the details below and attach a copy of your CV and university transcript(s).
- Once you’ve gained supervisor support, follow the steps outlined by the University of Melbourne here. You can go straight to Step 3.
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Contact
Dr Ilvana Dzafic
[email protected]