Physics | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 26

University of Lund, PhD studentship in Experimental Medical Science 2011 in Sweden

Monitoring neurodegenerative disease progression using high–field MR imaging and spectroscopy.Parkinson’s disease is characterized by neurodegeneration of specific cell populations in the brain. The pathology is known to involve a process leading to accumulation of abnormal proteins in the cells. In particular, aggregates containing alpha–synuclein is thought to be in the core of the pathology. While in some cases the aggregates and neuropathology is restricted to nigral dopamine neurons in others there is a more widespread pathology that involves also forebrain areas and leads to a behavioral phenotype characterized with not only a motor but also a cognitive deficit.

Basic entry requirements for PhD studies are: a degree at advanced level, courses to an extent of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 at advanced level, or corresponding proficiencies aquired in Sweden or elsewhere.Specific qualifications for the project are as follows:
1. Documented knowledge in high field MR physics obtained through documented training in this area.
2. Documented experience in methods needed for the project obtained via practical project work in the laboratory.
3. Advanced level knowledge in written and spoken English. Successful applicant must be able to document ability to write scientific reports in a relevant field.

The student will take part in teaching activities in line with recommendations and requirements to complete a PhD program at the Medical Faculty at Lund University.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 2011-02-11

Further Scholarship Information and Application

2011 PhD Studentship in Theoretical Chemistry, University of Lund, Sweden

PhD studies in theoretical chemistry directed at calculations of photoinduced chemical reactions. The work is aimed at development and use of quantum chemistry software for the understanding of the photochemistry of melanin and other pigments. The theoretical work is conducted in close collaboration with experimentalists using ultrafast laser spectroscopy.Basic entry requirements for PhD studies are: a degree at advanced level, courses to an extent of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 at advanced level, or corresponding proficiencies.Special requirements for this position: MSc in chemistry or physics or corresponding education. Knowledge of theoretical chemistry, chemical physics and scientific programming is meritorious.

Regulations for employment as a postgraduate student can be found in the Swedish Statute Book (SFS 1998:80). Only those admitted to postgraduate studies can be appointed to such a position. When appointing applicants to such a position, first and foremost their ability to benefit from postgraduate studies must be taken into consideration. In addition to pursuing postgraduate studies, the doctoral student may also perform other duties, including research, teaching and administration, according to the specific regulations.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 2011-02-22

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, UK

A three year PhD project (funded by an EPSRC research grant) is available, to be held in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) of the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will play an integral role in a wider project considering the prediction of noise generation by large aeroengines for passenger aircraft. The wider project involves researchers at the Cambridge University Whittle Laboratory and Cranfield University. The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Nigel Peake in DAMTP.

The PhD project will involve the application of a wide range of analytical, asymptotic and numerical techniques to study the generation of sound inside the aeroengine and its propagation to the environment. Particular aspects of the project will focus on turbomachinery noise and its scattering downstream by the jet. Peake leads an active research group in DAMTP working in this area, and together with colleagues in Cambridge has strong industrial links with Rolls Royce plc.

Applicants should have (by the start of the project) a 4-year honours degree (at least II.I or equivalent) or Masters in Mathematics, or in a cognate discipline with high mathematical content. Although a background in fluid mechanics and wave theory would undoubtedly be helpful, it is more important for the student to have an enthusiasm for using sophisticated mathematical techniques to understand real-world problems. The studentship offers tuition fees, (at the home/EU level) a stipend for three years equivalent to the standard EPSRC funding level, and support for travel. The studentship is not available to citizens of non-EU countries. However, the stipend is payable to any EU candidate, even those not eligible for conventional departmental studentship maintenance awards from the EPSRC.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 14 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application