Organisms and Environment PhD/MPhil – (Ph.D.)

Organisms and Environment Biology investigates the genetics, structure, physiology, behaviour and distribution of plants and animals in different taxa and levels of biological organisation, from the molecule to the ecosystem and biome. Organisms and Environment adopts an integrative approach to investigate the complexity of environmentally-related whole-organism biology using a wide range of investigative technologies, including ‘novel-omics’, to understand how organisms function as individuals and populations in ecosystems.

Research is focused in four broad areas of study:

* Behavioural Ecology and Physiology
* Plant and Insect Ecophysiology
* Plants, Genes and the Environment
* Marine Bioadhesion and Biofouling

Behavioural Ecology and Physiology

Research in this area seeks a comprehensive understanding of animal biology and complex natural behaviour through studies of biological timing mechanisms, reproductive physiology, biomechanics and field energetics, as well as sensory and cognitive capabilities in a variety of species in different vertebrate classes.
The main areas of interest include:

* Integration of techniques for the study of the circadian system of birds
* Behaviour and physiology of bird foraging strategies
* Nutritional ecology and conservation of birds
* Cognitive adaptations of birds and mammals
* Biomechanics and locomotor ecology of animals

Plant and Insect Ecophysiology

A primary objective of research in this area is to ‘bridge the gap’ between physiology and ecology. The emphasis is on the relationship between organisms and their environment: between plants and animals, and between organisms and their physical environment, and at all levels of biological organisation from genes to ecosystems.
The main areas of interest include:

* Mechanistic understanding of plant adaptation to stress
* Interrelationships between plants and insects
* Risks associated with non-native biological control agents
* Stress physiology of invertebrates

Plants, Genes and the Environment

Research focuses on both cultivated and wild species of plants, their genetic diversity, methods of conservation and how they interact with biotic and abiotic components of their environment..
The main areas of interest include:

* Conservation methods for plant genetic resources
* Population, conservation and landscape genetics
* Identification of adaptive genes using genomics and transcriptomics
* Biological recording and conservation

Marine bioadhesion and biofouling

Research in this area uses molecular cell biology, microbiology, surface science, hydrodynamics and advanced microscopy to understand how marine algal spores adhere to surfaces and respond to surface-associated cues: this information is then applied to collaborative, interdisciplinary investigations with materials scientists to develop novel approaches to the engineering of biocide-free, foul-resistant coatings.
The areas of interest include:

* Physical relationship between algal adhesives and surface properties
* Influence of surface microtopography and chemistry on spore settlement