PhD opportunity in Mathematical Biology
The University of Auckland
Department of Mathematics
Closing date: 1st July 2013A PhD studentship is available in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Auckland to work on a project in mathematical modelling and behavioural ecology.
How migrating animals find their way over extremely long distances is still an unsolved problem even after many years of research. In particular, there is no convincing explanation of the mechanisms animals use for determining their position relative to a target location, an essential feature for successful navigation.
Homing pigeons have long been the experimental model for the study of animal navigation, due to their ease of handling and willingness to home. There is experimental evidence that pigeons are able to detect both magnetic fields and olfactory signals, and it is likely that environmental variables such as these act as ‘coordinates’ in an animal’s cognitive map of its surroundings. The aim of this project will be to develop mathematical models of animal navigation, addressing the question, how do pigeons use such environmental variables to determine their position? Initial design of the mathematical model will be of a geometric nature, and later developments will use techniques in bifurcation theory.
As well as model development, the project will include analysis of previously collected tracking data of homing pigeons to test the hypothesis that pigeons use variables derived from the magnetic field as coordinates in their cognitive map.
This work is part of a larger interdisciplinary project between the Mathematics and Biology departments, focused on using mathematical models to understand animal behaviour. The project will be supervised by Dr Claire Postlethwaite (Mathematics) and Prof Michael Walker (Biology).
A good background in mathematical modelling and scientific programming is desirable. Previous knowledge of biological systems is not required but may be an advantage.
Stipend is NZ$25,000 pa (tax free) for three years plus tuition fees. Start date is flexible but would preferably be between October 2013 and March 2014. Interested candidates should send an email expressing their interest, along with a CV and academic record, to Dr Claire Postlethwaite at c.postlethwaite@auckland.ac.nz
**Mention you saw it on the AustMS website**