Research projects

IPhD self-funded projects (November-April)

Our Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format.
You can select from the below projects and indentify your chosen MSc from the options listed on the project.

Please note that you can apply for the below PhD projects outwith the IPhD route.

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Biomarkers of Severe Malaria: Genetics and biology of growth rate and pathogenicity in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum

Supervisor: Lisa Ranford-Cartwright

MSc choice: Infection Biology (with specialisms) [MSc]

Summary: Human malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children globally, but the outcome of the disease is largely unpredictable – many children will develop only a mild disease whereas a minority will progress rapidly to severe disease with a high mortality rate. Several host (human) factors decrease the likelihood of developing severe, life-threatening malaria, but parasite characteristics contributing to increased risk of morbidity and mortality are not well characterised.

The aim of this project is to discover parasite biomarkers that could be used clinically, to identify those children most at risk of developing severe disease. The project will focus on identifying parasite genes which confer faster growth rates in the blood, specifically (1) the duration of the intraerythrocytic development (cycle time), (2) the number of offspring generated within each RBC (merozoites per schizont), and (3) the invasion efficiency of the resulting merozoites into new RBC. All of these parameters are known to be under genetic control as a result of the extensive polymorphisms in the genomes of different P. falciparum parasites.

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Overview

The School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine has considerable strengths in epidemiology, particularly in the areas of quantitative modelling, genetic analysis, surveillance, immunology and vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance, vector ecology and one-health approaches to disease management. Much of our focus is on endemic and 'neglected' diseases, pathogens of veterinary importance, zoonoses, and studying the biology of these pathogens in their natural context, particularly in developing countries.

We take a highly interdisciplinary approach to the study of infectious diseases, recognising that epidemiology is very much the ecology of infectious diseases, and thereby benefiting greatly from overlap with strengths in spatial and quantitative ecology. Our modelling is developed in close proximity to data, and focused on estimation of parameters relevant to dynamics and control using innovative statistical methodologies. The advent of new sequencing technologies will revolutionise the way we study epidemiology, particularly regarding processes that influence disease transmission, which is usually a very 'hidden' process.

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within the Institutes. 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:

• infectious disease dynamics in wild and domestic animal populations
• wildlife diseases and conservation
• network analysis of disease spread
• phylodynamics
• model-based statistical inference using Bayesian approaches
• vector biology, ecology and control
• life-history trade-offs and the sustainable control of malaria
• vaccine development
• quantitative approaches to vaccine selection
• host-parasite interactions and immunogenetics
• wild immunology
• molecular ecology and evolution
• zoonoses and neglected tropical diseases and the science of intervention
• ecosystem and One Health
• social and ecological impacts of disease
• game theory and the design of disease control programs
• antibiotic and anthelminthic resistance
• design of vaccination programs
• within-host pathogen dynamics
• evolutionary game theory
• theory of diversity measurement and its application
• ecology and evolution of emerging infectious diseases
• ecology of multi-host pathogens
• ecology and evolution of vector-borne pathogens
• environmental drivers of pathogen spread
• micro and macro-parasitic infections

Study options

PhD

• Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)

Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. 

International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.

Year 1

Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.

Years 2, 3 and 4

PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.

Year 5

Thesis write up.

MSc (Research)

• Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time