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A PhD project in masticatory biomechanics is available with Dr Phil Cox and Dr Laura Fitton at the Hull York Medical School, starting October 2014.
PROJECT DETAILS
The interaction between skull and muscular morphology and the biomechanics of feeding is a topic of great significance in both medicine and biology, and something that is studied extensively at the Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences at HYMS. This project will investigate the variation in masticatory musculature and feeding performance in a highly specialised group of rodents – the dormice. Dormice are of particular interest to biomechanical studies because, uniquely among rodent families, they show a wide variation in the configuration of their jaw-closing musculature, with some species having evolved an arrangement resembling that of guinea pigs and other South American rodents, and others displaying a morphology similar to that of mice and rats. Thus dormice provide a rare opportunity to study the impact of varying muscle and bony morphology on the mechanical performance of the masticatory system relatively free from the confounding influence of phylogenetic history – they are, in effect, a natural experimental cohort. The successful candidate will analyse the variation and covariation in dormouse cranial and muscular morphology using sophisticated shape analysis techniques such as geometric morphometrics. The biomechanics of feeding will be simulated using finite element analysis (FEA), a computer modelling technique that can be used to predict bite force capabilities in an individual, and subsequent stress and strain distributions within the skull. The use of computer simulation will enable many biomechanical hypotheses to be tested without recourse to numerous invasive in vivo experiments. The results of this project will give vital insights into the relationship between cranial form and function and the influence of cranial and muscular morphology on feeding behaviour and performance.
This project would be particularly suited to a student with interests and experience in the fields of evolutionary biology and functional morphology. Prior experience of the methods and techniques to be used in this study is not essential. For further information on the project and the studentship please contact Dr Phil Cox via email (philip.cox@hyms.ac.uk).
The Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences (CAHS) brings together research and teaching in the anatomical sciences. We engage in cutting edge research in musculoskeletal biomechanics and the evolution of form in humans, mammals and other vertebrates. The scholarship will be based in the CAHS offices in the HYMS building on the University of York campus. For more information on the research carried out in the centre, visit http://research.hyms.ac.uk/researchcentres/cahs
PhD students at HYMS have access to PGTS modules at the Universities of Hull and York for research modules and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
FUNDING
A full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£13,726 in 2014/15, subject to final confirmation) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependant on satisfactory progress, but no living expenses.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require a 2.1 in a relevant subject.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications MUST BE submitted to the HYMS Postgraduate Centre via the online application method:
The deadline for applications is the 3rd February 2014.
Please quote PG201308 with the scholarship title when applying. In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk
Please note that this is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by HYMS (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of HYMS staff. You should contact Victoria Hill in Postgraduate Admissions if you still wish to apply to discuss different options.
PROJECT DETAILS
The interaction between skull and muscular morphology and the biomechanics of feeding is a topic of great significance in both medicine and biology, and something that is studied extensively at the Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences at HYMS. This project will investigate the variation in masticatory musculature and feeding performance in a highly specialised group of rodents – the dormice. Dormice are of particular interest to biomechanical studies because, uniquely among rodent families, they show a wide variation in the configuration of their jaw-closing musculature, with some species having evolved an arrangement resembling that of guinea pigs and other South American rodents, and others displaying a morphology similar to that of mice and rats. Thus dormice provide a rare opportunity to study the impact of varying muscle and bony morphology on the mechanical performance of the masticatory system relatively free from the confounding influence of phylogenetic history – they are, in effect, a natural experimental cohort. The successful candidate will analyse the variation and covariation in dormouse cranial and muscular morphology using sophisticated shape analysis techniques such as geometric morphometrics. The biomechanics of feeding will be simulated using finite element analysis (FEA), a computer modelling technique that can be used to predict bite force capabilities in an individual, and subsequent stress and strain distributions within the skull. The use of computer simulation will enable many biomechanical hypotheses to be tested without recourse to numerous invasive in vivo experiments. The results of this project will give vital insights into the relationship between cranial form and function and the influence of cranial and muscular morphology on feeding behaviour and performance.
This project would be particularly suited to a student with interests and experience in the fields of evolutionary biology and functional morphology. Prior experience of the methods and techniques to be used in this study is not essential. For further information on the project and the studentship please contact Dr Phil Cox via email (philip.cox@hyms.ac.uk).
The Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences (CAHS) brings together research and teaching in the anatomical sciences. We engage in cutting edge research in musculoskeletal biomechanics and the evolution of form in humans, mammals and other vertebrates. The scholarship will be based in the CAHS offices in the HYMS building on the University of York campus. For more information on the research carried out in the centre, visit http://research.hyms.ac.uk/researchcentres/cahs
PhD students at HYMS have access to PGTS modules at the Universities of Hull and York for research modules and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
FUNDING
A full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship will include fees at the ‘home/EU' student rate and maintenance (£13,726 in 2014/15, subject to final confirmation) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Full-time International Fee PhD Studentships will include full fees at the International student rate for three years, dependant on satisfactory progress, but no living expenses.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
In order to qualify for this scholarship you will require a 2.1 in a relevant subject.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications MUST BE submitted to the HYMS Postgraduate Centre via the online application method:
The deadline for applications is the 3rd February 2014.
Please quote PG201308 with the scholarship title when applying. In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk
Please note that this is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by HYMS (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of HYMS staff. You should contact Victoria Hill in Postgraduate Admissions if you still wish to apply to discuss different options.