[alife] PhD Scholarship

[Eduardo Miranda]

PhD Scholarship - Project on Modelling Evolution of Song with A–life

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY, UK

Start date: 01 April 2014

Plymouth University’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) invite applications for doctoral scholarship to develop a cross-disciplinary project in collaboration with Plymouth University’s Marine Institute, University of St. Andrews’ School of Biology and the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory (CEAL) at the University of Queensland, Australia.

The scholarship covers full-time UK/EU tuition fees rates and a bursary at current research-council rates for full-time study (£13,726 per year in 2013/2014) for 3 years.

This scholarship is part of an unprecedented project funded by The Leverhulme Trust to study the cultural evolution of humpback whale song using agent-based modelling and computer music technology. This is an innovative cross-disciplinary project, aimed at new insights in our understanding of marine mammal cultures. On winter breeding grounds, male humpbacks produce hierarchically structured songs with repeated complex themes. The song evolves structurally over time. Males sing virtually identical songs on breeding grounds thousands of kilometres apart, and the songs on these different grounds evolve in a coordinated way. Currently, we have little understanding of this. In this project we will utilise computer modelling to study this phenomenon.

Eligibility: The successful candidate is expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) in Computing or Music Technology with a strong programming syllabus, or other relevant discipline.  They will also hold a Masters qualification in a relevant subject. Knowledge of implementing machine learning, Artificial Life simulations and signal processing techniques are also highly desirable.  Non-native speakers of English are required to have IELTS 6.5 or above.

Note: This scholarship is available only for applicants who are UK or EU citizens. Those requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK are not eligible for this funding. The successful candidate will be required to be resident in/near Plymouth for the duration of the scholarship.

For more information about research at ICCMR please refer to:
http://cmr.soc.plymouth.ac.uk/

More about this post:
http://cmr.soc.plymouth.ac.uk/PhD_Scholarship_Dec_2013.pdf

For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit the website below and follow the link ‘how to apply’ to the application form:

http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=32190

Applications should be sent direct to Susan Matheron by email:

susan.matheron at plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:susan.matheron at plymouth.ac.uk>

Note:

a) Please ensure the application is clearly marked ICCMR PhD Scholarship.

b) DO NOT send the application to Central Admissions.

The closing date for applications is 12 NOON on Friday 31st January 2014.

________________________________
[http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass>

This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.