PhD Study : Computational and Mathematical Modelling of Predator-Prey Systems

Summary

In recent decades a range of new areas of research have arisen at the interface between computer science, applied mathematics and biology. These include mathematical biology, bioinformatics, evolutionary computing and artificial life. On the one hand, the study of complex biological systems and analysis of large biological datasets require significant computational resources, while on the other hand, biological processes have inspired new approaches to computational problems. Of particular relevance to this project is the fact that the evolutionary dynamics of ecological systems are becoming increasingly amenable to computational modelling.

The focus of this project is on predator-prey models which allow for mutation amongst species and resultant natural selection. Such systems can be modelled via a set of coupled discrete time equations that are then solved computationally.

The aim of the project is to analyse the existence of chaotic behaviour within the system, the emergence of species diversity, and the conditions that allow a stable ecology to develop.

The project builds on work from  previous PhD projects, with a selection of previous publications being:

G. Abernethy and M. McCartney (2016) Analysis of a Class of Low-Dimensional Models of Mutation and Predation. International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 26 (11). 1630029-1-1630029-13.

G. Abernethy, M. McCartney and D.H. Glass. 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, 2017.

G. Abernethy, M. McCartney and DH Glass. The Robustness, Link-species Relationship and Network Properties of Model Food Webs, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 70, 20-47, 2019.

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.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

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.

• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.

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