Course description
Staff research areas
Key areas of biological research expertise are: insect science – neuroendocrine control of intermediary metabolism; insect–microbial interactions, and neurohormones and the insect immune system; neuropeptide degradation and signalling pathways; roles of nitric oxide in the nervous and immune systems of insects; feedback mechanisms in neural and neuroendocrine reflex loops; microbiology (the inter-relationships between micro-organisms in soil, plants and water, particularly at the molecular level); cellular mechanisms of host–parasite interactions, with special reference to protozoan parasites; biochemical and taxonomic aspects of fungi; molecular markers in fungal population variability; fungi in control of insects, pests and pathogens; use of bacteria at the interface of chemistry and biology; biomedical analysis of proteins and natural products and their interactions; avian developmental biology (physiology of the avian embryo; natural incubation in birds, including microbiology and the eggshell); plant science (plant taxonomy and molecular systematics); physiological mechanisms underlying diverse patterns of plant distribution; plants as biomonitors of global warming; and physiological adaptation and mineral nutrition in salt marsh species.
Study resources
The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences provides research training in all areas of its expertise, including a range of courses catering specifically for the training needs of research students. As a research student, you will plan an annual programme of research training with a supervisor, subject to agreement and monitoring by a training subcommittee. You will also have the opportunity to attend appropriate taught courses, often from the School’s MSc programmes, participate in poster sessions, and submit annual written reports on your research progress.
