PhD Study : Computational modelling of ecological networks

Apply and key information  

Summary

Ecological systems are made up of complex networks of interacting species, consisting of various predators, prey and base level environmental resources. In this project existing and new mathematical models of such systems will be investigated computationally to investigate the dynamical behaviour, including the stability of various ecological networks. Such models allow ‘virtual experimentation’ with models resulting in rich data sets. A key aspect of the project will be investigating appropriate ways to analyse and interpret the data sets obtained.

The objectives of the project are as follows:
(i) Identify and extend predator-prey models of complex ecological networks which allow for mutation and natural selection.
(ii) Study the resulting models via computational simulation along with data analysis and, if appropriate, mathematical analysis.
(iii) Investigate the behaviour of these models by exploring how network properties vary with changes in model parameters and how large-scale extinctions, for example, can occur.

References:
G Abernethy, M McCartney and D H Glass (2017) The Interaction between Predator Strategy and Prey Competition in a pair of Multi-Predator Multi-Prey Lattices. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 56, 9-33.

G Abernethy, R Mullan, D H Glass and M McCartney (2016) A multiple phenotype predator–prey model with mutation. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 465, 762-774.

R Mullan, G Abernethy, D H Glass and M McCartney (2016) A single predator multiple prey model with prey mutation. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 40, 51-70.

R Mullan, D H Glass and M McCartney (2015) Species Diversity and Predation Strategies in a Multiple Species Predator-Prey model. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 25, 118-135.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 23 March 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr David Glass

Other supervisors