Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-10-06 | - |
2024-01-15 | - |
Program Overview
Our PhD Bioinformatics research in the Department of Mathematical Sciences focuses on the analysis of large functional genomics datasets. It involves close collaborations between our students and academics with backgrounds in any of: bioinformatics, biological sciences, computer science, mathematics, physics and statistics. Our staff are strongly committed to research and teaching. They are world leaders in their individual specialisms, with their papers appearing in learned journals such as; Briefings in Bioinformatics, PLoS One, BMC Bioinformatics , and Briefings in Functional Genomics . Our Department of Mathematical Sciences is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples:
- Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.
- We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.
- We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.
- Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.
- Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled “The Calabi problem for smooth Fano threefolds” and “Stability of Brunn-Minkowski inequalities and Minkowski type problems for nonlinear capacity”.
- We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
- You will be able to access mathematical software packages on the University’s High-Performance Computing cluster.
- Our Department of Mathematical Sciences has an internationally excellent reputation in areas such as algebraic geometry, group theory, semigroup theory, differential equations, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology.
- Our department is ranked 31st for research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Our expert staff
If you are undertaking your research within our Department of Mathematical Sciences, then joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools (particularly with our School of Life Sciences, and with our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering) is possible. Some of our current students have a supervisor based in our Department and another in one of the departments or schools mentioned above. We encourage PhD students to meet with their supervisor regularly. While undertaking your research within Mathematical Sciences, joint supervision across other Essex departments and schools is possible. Joint supervision allows you to have a supervisor based in our Department and another in a relevant Department or School (such as Biological Sciences, or Computer Science and Electronic Engineering). At the end of your PhD you may be publishing your research in academic journals. Our PhD students have had papers accepted and published in journals such as: Ecology, Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena , and The North American Journal of Economics and Finance .Specialist facilities
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is based in the University’s state-of-the-art STEM Centre. Research students have a dedicated work space and PCs, with access to software such as MATLAB, Gap, SageMath, Python and R. All University of Essex research students have access to our innovative and unique scheme, Proficio . Postgraduate research students are automatically enrolled on Proficio, which provides a variety of training courses, and a fund of up to £2,500 per student for conference attendance and relevant external training courses.Your future
Many of our former PhD students have gone on to work as academics in prominent institutions across the world, such as the University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham and many other international universities. Some have also remained at the University of Essex, working as postdoctoral research fellows, research impact officers, or lecturers. Other graduates have joined organisations like the Met Office, the Ministry of Defence, and companies based in the City of London. There is a high demand for those with a numerate background in all sectors of the economy, so our graduates are sought after in the UK and abroad.Program Outline
Course structure
A research degree gives you the chance to investigate an area or topic in real depth, and develop transferable research skills. During your time in the Department you have opportunities to attend conferences, publish papers, and give talks at departmental research seminars. You may also attend some university modules, and will meet with your supervisor typically on a weekly basis. Within our Department, our PhD students are usually encouraged to take our taught module, Research Methods, in the first year of study, so you are well equipped with the necessary skills to undertake effective research. You may also attend some other modules on an informal basis. All our students wishing to study for a PhD enrol on a combined MPhil/PhD pathway. In your second year of study, depending on progress, a decision is made by our Department on whether to proceed with either an MPhil or a PhD. Our full-time research students have a supervisory board to review their progress every six months (or annually if studying part-time). Typically, the board involves your supervisor and one other academic. The recommendations of this are considered by our Departmental Research Students’ Progress Board, which will make decisions on your registration status. If you progress well, you should be confirmed as a PhD student in the first term of your second year of study. We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose. Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.Status | What this means |
Core | You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Core with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Compulsory | You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Compulsory with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Optional | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits. In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available. Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
---|---|---|---|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. | The module number. | The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
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Assessment
A PhD (taking at least three years) typically involves wide reading round the subject area in your first year, then gradually developing original results over your second and third years, before writing them up in a coherent fashion. The resulting thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to knowledge. Your PhD is awarded after your successful defence of your thesis in an oral examination (viva), in which you are interviewed about your research by two examiners, at least one of whom is from outside Essex.University of Essex
Overview:
The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.Student Support:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Careers and Employability:
The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.Essex Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.Faith:
The university provides support for students of all faiths.Cost of Living Support:
The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Excellent Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Excellent Student Support:
The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.Beautiful Campus:
The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.Academic Programs:
The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.Postgraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.Short Courses and CPD:
The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.Other:
The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.
UK entry requirements
You will need a good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant subject.A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You may be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.
Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.