Found 5 matching student topics
Displaying 1–5 of 5 results
Understanding and exploiting the phenomenal properties of collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and, as one of its principal building blocks, plays a dominant role in the function of many tissues. As such, the structure-property-function relationships in collagen are central to understanding health and disease, and developing materials-based strategies for regenerative medicine. A better understanding of these relationships further provides a biomimetic target for high-performance, multifunctional fibre-based materials in applications outside of biomedicine. The defining feature of collagen is an elegant structural motif …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours, Vacation research experience scheme
- Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- Lead unit
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering
Plasma medicine
Plasma medicine is a rapidly emerging multidisciplinary research topic focusing on various treatments of diseases using low-temperature plasmas generated in gases using electric fields.
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- Lead unit
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering
Hearing colour and seeing sound – switchable optoacoustic imaging agents
Optoacoustic imaging is a relatively new medical imaging technique. It utilises laser light to excite an imaging agent, which in turn converts this light energy into heat. This heat is dissipated as a sound wave, which can be detected with an ultrasound receiver. This technique aims to overcome the minimal penetration depth of fluorescence imaging, and the lack of molecular specificity of ultrasound.In this project we are aiming to develop and synthesize intelligent imaging agents for optoacoustics, which are able …
- Study level
- Master of Philosophy, Honours, Vacation research experience scheme
- Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- Lead unit
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering
Understanding equine PPID - a hormonal disease in horses
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a disease found in horses that is similar to Parkinson's disease in humans. It occurs where a a gradual failure of the pituitary gland leads to an imbalance of hormones in the body, including cortisol, insulin and dopamine.This project aims to develop a better diagnostic test for the disease and to better understand the way in which this hormone imbalance impacts on the animal's health. In doing so, new treatment opportunities may be …
- Study level
- PhD
- Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- Lead unit
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences
Modelling biological cells and related phenomena
We research a variety of phenomena, including infectious diseases and cancer, which can broadly be considered through the modelling of biological cells, their interactions, and interactions with their surroundings.Methodologies employed regularly include differential equations (ordinary, partial and stochastic), individual based models and cellular automata models. Specific applications include the interactions of tumours with the human immune system, sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, and the delivery of drugs to chronic wounds.
- Study level
- Honours
- Faculty
- Science and Engineering Faculty
- Lead unit
- School of Mathematical Sciences