Evolutionary Analysis PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)

Program Overview

The Evolutionary Analysis PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research) program at the University of Glasgow provides a comprehensive education in evolutionary biology and ecology. Students gain expertise in various approaches, including ecology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. The program offers a wide range of research projects tailored to the expertise of principal investigators and access to excellent facilities for lab, field, and farm-based research. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, academia, and industries related to evolutionary biology and ecology.

Program Outline

Careers:

This program prepares students for careers in research, academia, and various industries related to evolutionary biology and ecology. Graduates may pursue positions such as:

• Researcher: Conduct research in academic institutions, government agencies, or private companies.
• Academic: Teach and conduct research at universities or other educational institutions.
• Conservationist: Work to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
• Environmental consultant: Advise businesses and organizations on environmental issues.
• Biotechnologist: Apply evolutionary principles to develop new technologies.
• Science communicator: Communicate scientific findings to the public.

Other:

• Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within the institute.
• A variety of approaches are used, including ecology, epidemiology, mathematical, computational and statistical modelling, bioinformatics, parasitology, immunology and polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Basic and applied science projects are available for study, as are field-based projects with research programs underway in both the UK and overseas.
• Specific areas of interest include:
• host/parasite interactions and coevolution
• evolutionary arms races between parasitic trypanosomes and their hosts
• molecular ecology and evolution in infectious diseases of wild and domestic animals
• behavioural ecology of fish
• influence of genomic, ecological and environmental factors on emergence of new species
• viral and bacterial population genomics
• antimicrobial and anthelminthic resistance
• evolution of viviparity in animals
• physiology and behavioural ecology of marine and freshwater fishes
• physiology and behavioural ecology of birds in urban and rural environments
• evolutionary implications of daily rhythms, life-cycle timing and seasonal movements
• phylodynamics of multi-host pathogens
• life-history evolution, resource allocation, sexual selection and community ecology
• evolution of resistance
• evolutionary and conservation genetics
• evolutionary developmental biology
• gene family evolution, polyploidy, and mating systems
• interaction between parasites, African trypanosomes and their hosts
• organism response to their environment, both natural and captivity
• attack and Escape Strategies in Aquatic Predator-Prey Interactions
• phyloinformatics, biodiversity informatics, biological data visualisation
• genetic and developmental basis of craniofacial shape in fish
• role of divergent natural selection for determining phenotypes
• phenotypic plasticity
• mathematical, computational and statistical analysis of biological datasets, particularly those of pathogens and vaccines
• ecological genomics and adaptive divergence in animals and plants
• The program has excellent facilities for lab, field and farm-based research.
• The program offers a vibrant and supportive community of researchers and access to additional specialist facilities through a wide network of collaborators.
• The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Graduate School provides dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.

Summary

The Evolutionary Analysis PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research) program at the University of Glasgow offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of evolutionary biology and ecology.