PhD Study : Modelling of Human Behaviour on Resource Constrained Devices

Apply and key information  

Summary

Understanding human behaviour in an automatic and non-intrusive manner, is an important and emerging area of research. With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), combined with advances in machine/deep learning, technology-based solutions to automatically detect and model human behaviours are now becoming possible. This technology can support services such as physiological monitoring, activity recognition, fall detection, behaviour modelling and risk determination.

Recently, there has been a move toward edge computing as a way of reducing communication latency and network communication whilst preserving privacy. Various solutions have been developed to support modelling of human behaviour. In particular, deep learning algorithms have shown high performance for applications such as human activity recognition, speech and image recognition.

These algorithms, however, typically require large amounts of computation for training and inference, making them unsuitable for deployment on resource constrained edge devices. Devices in a resource-constrained environment become even more challenging when they are battery powered, such is the case with wearable applications, making them computationally intensive and power demanding.

This project will investigate research challenges around modelling of human behaviour on computationally constrained devices. The project will develop architectures, techniques, tools, and approaches for on device modelling of human behaviours. This will include investigating new and novel sensing modalities (audio, vision, environment, and health), sensor fusion, computational constraints reduction and model optimization, through federated and distributed learning. As well as examining the performance of these solutions in real-world settings with diverse populations.

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.

  • For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage

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
Friday 5 February 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
Week Beginning 22nd March 2021

Preferred student start date
Mid-September 2021

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Ian Cleland

Other supervisors