PhD Scholarships: Visual Information Processing in Ants at Macquarie University
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sue_bertram
Apr 3, 2015, 6:09:44 AM4/3/15
to abs...@animalbehaviorsociety.org
We have two PhD scholarships (one domestic and one international) to study the 'Effects of miniaturisation on visual information processing capacities of ants’.
Project Description
Size is thought to dictate the performance of sensory systems and through this the lifestyle and the information processing capacities of animals. Ants exhibit dramatic differences in body size both within and between species. Irrespective of size, all individuals have to be competent navigators, pinpoint goals, detect polarised skylight, estimate distances, view landmarks, memorise and recall crucial information. This project will identify the behavioural costs and neural adaptations for navigating at the limits of size.
The project will involve state-of-art ant tracking techniques (Differential GPS, high speed videography), video analysis and insect view reconstructions. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn histological, neuroanatomical and micro-CT techniques to measure, map and reconstruct the sensory and information processing structures in ants. This research addresses many fascinating areas of biology and offers tremendous scope for students to pursue their own interest in the field of insect navigation.
We are looking for students enthusiastic about experimental research, are self-driven, and fully dedicated to work on an exciting project in a vibrant and stimulating environment alongside a team of international researchers. Candidates with experience in video and image analysis and/or working with social insect behaviour are particularly encouraged to apply. Start date is negotiable, but must be before October 2015.
Important Information
Project will be suitable for candidates with a background and an interest in evolutionary biology, neurobiology, computational biology and myrmecology. Additional information: http://ecologicalneuroscience.com
Contact
Ajay Narendra
ajay.n...@mq.edu.au
02 6125 4799
The 2015 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $25,849 pa (2015 rate) tax exempt for 3 years.
Prospective PhD applicants should have completed the equivalent of Macquarie University's Master of Research (MRes) degree, MPhil or other 2 year Masters degree with a major research component with excellent results. Refer to the HDR Entry Criteria for more information about this.
To be eligible for a PhD scholarship applicants would be expected to have a record of excellent academic performance, especially in the research Masters degree, and additional relevant research experience and/or peer-reviewed research activity, awards and/or prizes in line with the University's scholarship rating guidelines. Refer to the HDR Scholarship Requirements for more information about this.
Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office. Refer to: http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/applicationsfor further application instructions. Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer. Please quote the allocation number 2015140 (domestic applicants) or 2015141 (international applicants) on your application
Project Description
Size is thought to dictate the performance of sensory systems and through this the lifestyle and the information processing capacities of animals. Ants exhibit dramatic differences in body size both within and between species. Irrespective of size, all individuals have to be competent navigators, pinpoint goals, detect polarised skylight, estimate distances, view landmarks, memorise and recall crucial information. This project will identify the behavioural costs and neural adaptations for navigating at the limits of size.
The project will involve state-of-art ant tracking techniques (Differential GPS, high speed videography), video analysis and insect view reconstructions. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn histological, neuroanatomical and micro-CT techniques to measure, map and reconstruct the sensory and information processing structures in ants. This research addresses many fascinating areas of biology and offers tremendous scope for students to pursue their own interest in the field of insect navigation.
We are looking for students enthusiastic about experimental research, are self-driven, and fully dedicated to work on an exciting project in a vibrant and stimulating environment alongside a team of international researchers. Candidates with experience in video and image analysis and/or working with social insect behaviour are particularly encouraged to apply. Start date is negotiable, but must be before October 2015.
Important Information
Project will be suitable for candidates with a background and an interest in evolutionary biology, neurobiology, computational biology and myrmecology. Additional information: http://ecologicalneuroscience.com
Contact
Ajay Narendra
ajay.n...@mq.edu.au
02 6125 4799
The 2015 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $25,849 pa (2015 rate) tax exempt for 3 years.
Prospective PhD applicants should have completed the equivalent of Macquarie University's Master of Research (MRes) degree, MPhil or other 2 year Masters degree with a major research component with excellent results. Refer to the HDR Entry Criteria for more information about this.
To be eligible for a PhD scholarship applicants would be expected to have a record of excellent academic performance, especially in the research Masters degree, and additional relevant research experience and/or peer-reviewed research activity, awards and/or prizes in line with the University's scholarship rating guidelines. Refer to the HDR Scholarship Requirements for more information about this.
Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office. Refer to: http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/applicationsfor further application instructions. Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer. Please quote the allocation number 2015140 (domestic applicants) or 2015141 (international applicants) on your application
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