Motility and self-organization of cyanobacteria colonies
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
This PhD program explores the motility and self-organization of cyanobacteria colonies, focusing on how active motility and confining geometry influence their morphology and structure. Students will develop and apply a simulation code to model cyanobacteria behavior, gaining expertise in active matter, physical and mathematical modelling, and collaborating closely with an experimental group.
Program Outline
Other
Keywords and Descriptions
- Cyanobacteria: Photosynthesizing bacteria living in aqueous environments, producing oxygen in our atmosphere.
- Motility: Movement of cyanobacteria species through liquids or across surfaces.
- Self-Organization: Spontaneous formation of patterns by filaments of cyanobacteria in confined spaces.
- Active Matter: Physics of self-propelled objects and their interactions.
- Simulation Code: Existing code developed in C, to be further improved and applied in the project.
- Mechanical Forces: Forces between particles and with a solid surface.
- Mathematics: Mathematical modelling of the mesoscopic behavior of cyanobacteria filaments.
- Physics: Physical principles underlying the behavior of cyanobacteria colonies.
- Loughborough University: University offering the PhD program.
- Dr. M. G. Mazza: Primary supervisor for the project.
- Mathematical Sciences: Subject area of the program.
- The program aims to identify how active motility and confining geometry affect the morphology and structure of cyanobacteria colonies.
- The student will be part of a research group studying the collective behavior of cyanobacteria.
- The project involves the development and application of a simulation code to model the behavior of cyanobacteria filaments.
- The project will provide the student with experience in active matter, its physical and mathematical modelling.
- Applicants should have a strong background in differential equations, applied mathematics, and physical modelling.
- Knowledge of statistical mechanics is desirable.
Loughborough University
Overview:
Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class facilities:
Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.Strong academic reputation:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Focus on research and innovation:
Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.Excellent career prospects:
Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.Academic Programs:
Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.Sport Science:
Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.Science and Technology:
Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.Other:
Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.
Entry Requirements:
United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent). Experience with differential equations, applied mathematics, and physical modelling is required; knowledge of statistical mechanics is desirable.
Afghanistan
First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Masters 95% 85% 70% Albania First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 5 5 8 Algeria First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12 Argentina First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 5 5 0 Armenia First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0
Australia
First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, 2B Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
Austria
First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% or B or 3.0 (or 2) 50% or C or 2.7 (or 3) Azerbaijan First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 5 or 90% 4 or 80% 5 or 70% Bahamas First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5) Bahrain First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) GPA 4.0 scale 5 0 8 Bangladesh First-class honors (70%) Upper second-class honors (60%) Lower second-class honors (50%) 4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75 Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
