GCU
GCU PhD Programme
Descriptions
Re. 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Professor Mike Mannion
5 February 2009
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
PhD Topics at Glasgow Caledonian University
School of Engineering & Computing
PhD Energy Engineering
Development of Low-Cost High-Efficiency Electrodes Materials for Fuel Cell
Applications
1. Project Description and Rationale
It is generally accepted that the global demand for energy will dramatically rise in the
future. Fuel cells offer the possibility of zero-emissions electricity generation and
increased energy security. Among various types of fuel cells, Proton Exchange
Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) have shown a great promise as an alternative power
generation for transportation applications due to their low operating temperature, fast
start-up, high power density, and low emission of pollutants. However, some technical
and economical challenges, such as the poor kinetics of the cathodic reaction and the
high cost of electrode materials (made of platinum) have to be overcome in order to
make PEMFC commercially viable.
The main aims of this project are to produce PME fuel cells with high thermodynamic
efficiencies and power densities of the order of 0.5 W/cm2 as well as significantly
reduced manufacturing cost of the electrode materials.
The objectives of the project are:
 To employ economically viable and environmentally acceptable process such as
electroplating to produce more active and cost effective electrode materials based
on Pd-M alloys (M = Co, Ni, Sn and Fe). The plating process will be compatible
with current practice and thus poses a minimum number of technological barriers
in transferring the techniques from the laboratory to the existing electroplating
and electroforming industries (Innovative use of existing technologies).
 To optimise the properties of deposited alloys (binary and tertiary). This will be
achieved through optimisation of plating systems parameters and the
electrocatalytic performance of the electrode/electrolyte interface of the fuel cell
system.
Rational:
The development of fuel-cell technologies is set to play a central role in addressing
growing concerns over carbon emissions and climate change as well as the future
availability and security of energy supply. Fuel cells lie at the heart of energy research
agenda. Fuel cell systems are inherently interdisciplinary, providing an ideal research
focus for our research staff and hence binding the expertise of materials, energy
production, storage and distribution.
2. Supervisory Team
2
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
The student will be jointly supervised by Professor M. El-Sharif, Professor Chengke
Zhou (School of Engineering and Computing) and Professor Erno Kuzzman**.
** This research project will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of
Nuclear Chemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary (twelve Nobel Prize
winners). Their role will be characterisation of alloy at the subatomic level. This will
provide access to state of the art characterisation techniques such as X-Ray
Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), Mössbauer
Spectroscopy (MS), Positron Annihilation Technique (PAT) and Small-Angle X-Ray
Diffraction.
3. Candidate Requirements
Qualifications: Master in Materials Sciences (or equivalent)
Minimum level of English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5
Preferred start date: We are flexible regarding start dates and will accommodate any
reasonable request.
Those seeking further information should contact Prof. Mahmoud El-Sharif by email:
M.ElSharif@gcal.ac.uk
3
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Engineering & Computing
PhD Energy Engineering
Optimal Design and Operation of Home and Small Business Microgrid Systems
1. Project Description and Rationale
The programme of research to be carried out is targeted toward an industrially relevant
PhD qualification. The aim of the research project is to develop a methodology for
optimising the design of, and the development of a control system for, a microgrid
system for small business and domestic homes in order to help provide secure,
sustainable and affordable energy supplies. A successful outcome, through increased
energy conversion efficiencies and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, will contribute to
the achievement of global energy and climate change goals.
The objectives of the research include: (a) investigate possible renewable energy
resources available to small businesses and domestic homes and develop a methodology
for optimising the size and type of micro-generation, size and configuration of converter
and design of system interfaces; (b) based on developed methodology, design and
evaluate a small scale Microgrid power system including generation, interface and load
controls; and (c) investigate the impact of such small Microgrid systems on the future
operation of national power systems through simulation and on meeting global energy
and climate change goals.
2. Supervisory Team
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. C. Zhou and Prof. M. Allan
of the Power and Process Systems Research Group at Glasgow Caledonian University.
3. Candidate Requirements
Qualifications: The successful candidate is expected to have an MSc degree in a relevant
area with a strong background in electrical engineering and excellent skills in
developing related computer-based tools and models.
Minimum level of English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5
Preferred start date: We are flexible regarding start dates and will accommodate any
reasonable request.
Those seeking further information should contact Prof. Chengke Zhou by email:
c.zhou@gcal.ac.uk
4
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Engineering & Computing
PhD Wireless Communications
WiMax and LTE PAPR Reduction Methods
1. Project Description and Rationale
Peak-to-Average Power (PAPR) is a major problem within current OFDM systems,
including WiMax and LTE systems, particularly the down link from base stations where
multiple modulated subcarriers coherently add to produce large values of instantaneous
power. A number of solutions have been proposed to reduce the PAPR of these systems,
however there requires the need for improved and more efficient PAPR reduction
methods. This project will be involved in investigating and developing new methods of
reducing the PAPR at the Physical Layer such that the transmissions within WiMax and
LTE systems operate within the linear range levels of high power transmission
amplifiers.
More specifically the student research project will involve:
 A review and understanding of current PAPR reduction techniques for OFDM
systems;
 An appraisal and evaluation of the performance of current PAPR reduction
techniques;
 Development and construction of new methods/techniques for PAPR reduction;
 Performance evaluation and comparison of new PAPR reduction methods.
Skills required/to be developed in project
 Matlab/Simulink programming;
 Digital Signal Processing;
 Embedded Systems;
 Simulation modelling.
2. Supervisory Team
The project supervisor (Director of Studies) for this project is Dr Brian G Stewart, Senior
Lecturer, School of Engineering and Computing.
3. Candidate Requirements
Qualifications: It would be expected that the candidate should have a 1 st Class Honours
Bachelor’s degree, or a good Masters degree, in Electronic Engineering/Communications
Engineering/Network Engineering or equivalent disciplines.
Minimum level of English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5
Preferred start date: We are flexible regarding start dates and will accommodate any
reasonable request.
5
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Those seeking further information should contact Dr. Brian Stewart by email:
b.stewart@gcal.ac.uk
6
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Engineering & Computing
PhD Wireless Communications
Next Generation On-Chip Network Architectures and Routing Strategies for
Intelligent Multi-core Embedded Systems
1. Project Description and Rationale
There is increasing need and desire within society for (secure) ubiquitous access to
services of ever increasing quality. Underpinning the design of such products is the
need for Systems-on-Chips (SoCs) that can intelligently handle multiple applications
and their communication. Networks-on-chips (NoCs) support the interconnection of
processors to facilitate data movement within SoCs in minimal time. Since future
SoCs are likely to be more useful for heterogeneous structures composed of multiple
processors, reconfigurable hardware, and 3D structures [Ahmadinia et al IEEED&T05 and IEEE-TC07], this proposal aims at modelling and evaluating alternative
NoC topologies employing intelligent routing strategies for emerging SoCs.
Objectives:
 Design a hybrid interconnection paradigm that incorporates an appropriate mix
of different topologies (e.g. meshes, buses and point-to-point), in terms of area
and power efficiency, for different security applications.
 Develop intelligent routing algorithms to ensure efficient data communication,
locally in each homogenous cluster of IP cores, and globally between all
clusters.
2. Supervisory Team
The project supervisor (Director of Studies) for this project is Prof Tom Buggy, Head
of Division, School of Engineering and Computing.
3. Candidate Requirements
Qualifications: It would be expected that the candidate should have a 1 st Class
Honours Bachelor’s degree, or a good Masters degree, in Electronic
Engineering/Communications Engineering/Network Engineering or equivalent
disciplines.
Minimum level of English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5
Preferred start date: We are flexible regarding start dates and will accommodate any
reasonable request.
Those seeking further information should contact Prof. Tom Buggy by email:
t.buggy@gcal.ac.uk
7
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Basel II Regulation and the Changing Perception of Risk in Banks
1. Project Description and Rationale
The development of Basel II criteria and the overall perception of risk management in
the banks has changed. Traditionally, banks stability has been ensured through the
classical adequacy ratio (so-called the Cook-ratio) and very little has been done to
move from classical risks faced in banking (FOREX, country risk, credit risk, default
risk, etc.), where good collateral was regarded as acceptable safeguard against most
risks. However, with the implementation of Basel II banks have been pushed towards
more comprehensive risk management, which will certainly have major impact on the
way they are run and what might be the pricing policies in the future.
2. Supervisory Team
Professor Zeljko Sevic, Head of Division
Dr Patrick Ring, Senior Lecturer
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
8
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Operational Risk Management in European Financial Institutions:
Measurement or Management?
1. Project Description and Rationale
The three Pillars of Basel II introduce new capital ratios (Pillar 1), new supervisory
procedures (Pillar 2) and demand better disclosure to ensure effective market
discipline and transparency with the aim of supporting better risk management
practices driven by market and competitive pressures (Pillar 3). However, European
banks have encountered difficulties in translating these requirements into a cohesive
risk management approach.
The aims of the research to be undertaken by the successful candidate would be to
focus upon Pillars 1 and 2 and investigate why European banks have struggled with
implementation. European banks have clearly been challenged by modelling
operational risk in an immature environment and applying a metric for risk capital.
They have been torn between a focus on Pillar 1, which is focussed upon the
quantitative and Pillar 2, which is more qualitatively focussed. Whichever strategic
decision on how implementation is achieved and where and how the mix between a
quantitative or qualitative focus will lie, will have considerable impacts for the
regulatory objectives of banks and the discipline of operational risk.
The successful candidate will therefore be expected to undertake the following, within
the context of European banking:
 to review the requirements of Pillar 1 and determine whether operational risk
modelling capability is robust and mature enough to meet those expectations and
to be able to support informed decision making by Boards, Executives and Risk
Managers;
 to critically analyse the requirements of Pillar 2 and the challenges in
implementing a good operational risk framework in support of sound judgement,
decision making and good risk management practice;
 to identify how key stakeholders believe the Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 challenges are
being addressed and to determine their expectations and perceived benefits;
 to critically analyse the findings of the research and determine where the balance
of a banks investment in AMA Pillar 1 or Pillar 2 requirements should be targeted.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Rob Webb, Senior Lecturer
Professor Zeljko Sevic, Head of Division
3. Candidate Requirements
9
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
10
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Performance Efficiency in the Banking Sector: Modelling Risk
1. Project Description and Rationale
The methodologies utilised for analysing efficiency have tended to concentrate around
the parametric method of stochastic frontier estimation, which usually utilises the
translog cost function and the non-parametric method known as Data Envelopment
Analysis (DEA). The aims of the proposed research would be to investigate how
levels of relative efficiency utilising these methods can be affected by risk. Banks
have been in the business of bringing risk within their institutions and measuring and
managing risk for profit since the first Goldsmiths. Recent events have shown how
quickly the banking sector can be affected by mismanagement of the risk function.
As a result the aims of the research would be to:
 model relative efficiency in a (to be decided) banking sector and analyse the
effect of methodological approach upon results;
 make different choices regarding the inputs and outputs and analyse the effects
on efficiency levels;
 develop a number of risk proxy’s in accordance with bank production and
implement these in the appropriate models;
 evaluate the effect of risk on relative performance of banks.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Rob Webb, Senior Lecturer
Professor Zeljko Sevic, Head of Division
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
11
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
A Cross-Comparison of Operational Risk Reporting Behavior and Policy
Dissemination in The Selling of Insurance Products in Financial Institutions
1. Project Description and Rationale
The aim of this research is to investigate the operational risk reporting behaviour of
call centre managers in the selling of insurance products, using the Theory of Planned
Behaviour as the underpinning psychological framework. A secondary aim of this
study is to critically analyse and compare operational risk policy dissemination within
the financial services industry. The objectives of the research would be:
 To analyse the development and dissemination of operational risk in the financial
services industry;
 To determine the main drivers and catalysts of operational risk reporting
behaviour in insurance call centres;
 To determine whether antecedent factors have a role in the dissemination and
application of operational risk policy – for example staff turnover;
 To determine whether or not the Theory of Planned Behaviour can be applied in
this situational context;
 To explore if further contributions of causality can be made to the Theory of
Planned Behaviour (anticipated effort, uncertainty, planning)
 To cross-compare insurance companies and banks selling insurance products
within the call centre environment for all of the above objectives.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Rob Webb, Senior Lecturer
Dr Bill Stein, Senior Lecturer
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
12
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
13
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Participation in Local Authority and Housing Association Home Contents
Insurance Schemes
1. Project Description and Rationale
To analyse the current situation in the UK in relation to financial exclusion, focusing
specifically on access to home contents insurance products for disadvantaged
households in the local authority and housing association sectors. To critically
evaluate the reasons for non-participation in home contents insurance schemes by
local authority and housing association households and identify ways in which
participation can be increased across this sector. This study will contribute to the
future development of financial inclusion. Methods envisaged are: a survey of UK
local authorities and housing associations; elite interviews with key risk and housing
management teams in sample organisations; and tenant focus groups.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Bill Stein, Senior Lecturer
Dr Darinka Asenova, Senior Lecturer
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
14
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Regulating Risk Management in The UK Insurance Market
1. Project Description and Rationale
The cumulative effect of the following key developments makes this an appropriate
time to critically analyse the positive and negative implications of regulation for the
UK insurance industry as a whole: eight years have elapsed since the creation of the
Financial Services Authority; it is four years since the introduction of risk-based
capital requirements for insurers; the non-life intermediary sector has been added to
the FSA portfolio; the credit crunch has arrived and the once favoured bancassurance
model is discredited. The method envisaged will be interviews with key practitioners
in insurance organisations, the FSA, analysts, rating agencies, ABI, Geneva
Association, CII, the ifs School of Finance, academics, and insurance buyers’
organisations such as AIRMIC.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Bill Stein, Senior Lecturer
Dr Robert Webb, Senior Lecturer
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
15
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Caledonian Business School – Division of Accounting, Finance & Risk
PhD Accounting, Finance & Risk
Care homes for Older People in Scotland: How Regulatory and Quality
Assessment Processes Account for Risk
1. Project Description and Rationale
Previous research relevant to care homes for older people has focused predominantly
on: financing problems associated with increasing private sector service provision;
health-related risks such as infection; quality of life; abuse; rights and autonomy; and
needs assessments. This study will assess standards of care through a specific focus
upon the extent to which risk and quality issues are addressed within current
regulation and inspection regimes developed by the Care Commission in Scotland.
Methods envisaged are: deriving a theoretical framework from the international
literature in order to conduct content analysis of a sample of completed regulation
assessment tools and their corresponding published inspection reports, and augmented
by interviews with care home inspectors and managers.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Bill Stein, Senior Lecturer
Dr John Hood, Senior Lecturer
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Usual MPhil/PhD candidates are required to
have as a minimum a very good undergraduate degree equivalent to the British 2.1.
degree. However, the Division would give significant preferences to candidates with
a good, relevant Masters degree.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division usually requires the
PhD candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5, but would consider, if necessary,
candidates with IELTS score of 6.0 (or TOEFL equivalent), if they are ready to
undertake a pre-session course in English delivered by our partner INTO Scotland.
Also, the division would accept the candidates who have Chinese Government
English proficiency at the level of Band 6 or Higher.
Preferred starting dates: We would prefer to have candidates starting in
September/October and January/February, although if required we will accommodate
any reasonable request for other start dates.
16
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Life Sciences
Microrna Sequences As Therapeutic Agents: Studies On Mirna Regulation Of
Macrophage ‘Foam Cell’ Formation’
1. Project Description and Rationale
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding, small single-stranded RNAs
(19-22 nucleotides) that regulate about 30% of the encoding genes of the human
genome. Notably, the role(s) of miRNAs in vascular disease are almost entirely
uncharacterised at present, despite the fact that miRNAs have emerged as key
regulators of cell growth, glucose and lipid metabolism, differentiation and apoptosis.
In this study, we will identify the miRNA ‘signature’ of macrophage ‘foam cells’,
laden with lipoprotein-derived cholesterol, which characterise early ‘fatty streak’
atheromatous lesions.
MiRNA expression signatures in human monocytemacrophages are determined by microarray, and proof of concept provided by genetic
silencing of Dicer and Drosher to inhibit global miRNA biogenesis. Analysis of
miRNA expression in cholesterol-laden macrophages is confirmed by quantitative
real-time PCR (Q-PCR); three key miRNA sequences induced during this process
have already been identified: miR-150, miR-320a and let-7d. The functional role(s)
of selected miRNAs will be probed by their direct delivery and by administration of
anti-sense oligonucleotide antagomirs to achieve miRNA depletion, and by
monitoring their impact on macrophage lipid phenotype. Putative targets of
mammalian miRNA sequences will be identified using the MiRanda algorithm to
search for conserved 8-mer and 7-mer sites matching the ‘seed’ region of each
miRNA, and expression of (clusters) of potential target genes confirmed directly by
Q-PCR and immunoblotting.
This project will identify novel miRNA molecules involved in macrophage ‘foam
cell’ formation, providing a ground-breaking approach to therapeutics aimed at
limiting arterial lipid accumulation.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Ann Graham in the Division of Biological/Biomedical
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Good Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in relevant
discipline.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
17
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
PhD Topics School of Life Sciences
Exploring The Epidermal Junction Nexus As A New Target For Treatment Of
Psoriasis.
1. Project Description and Rationale
Background: Psoriasis is characterised by disordered epidermal cell growth, probably
triggered by T-cell ingress as a result of an activated immune response. Many
effective treatments for psoriasis have anti-proliferative or pro-differentiative effects.
None of these offer a perfect cure but alleviate the patients’ symptoms and a search
for novel new therapies is highly attractive. Central to maintenance of healthy skin is
a tight and highly ordered cell to cell adhesion and communication network – the
epidermal junctional nexus - that plays crucial roles in the formation of the epidermal
barrier. A major consequence of psoriasis is the remodelling of this junctional nexus.
Recently we have found that exposure of keratinocytes, grown in cell culture, to
AAP10, a gap junction enhancing peptide, results in a profound relocalisation of
Connexin43 and, unexpectedly E-cadherin to the plasma membrane, both key
components of the epidermal junctional nexus. These results are suggestive of
stabilisation of cell to cell adhesion, associated with reduced cell division and
migration. We hypothesise that AAP10 provides a novel tool to dissect the molecular
mechanisms underlying aberrant cell adhesion processes that could ultimately
translate to novel therapeutic strategies.
Training: The Project will offer the student training in a range of cell and molecular
biology approaches with therapeutic implications focussed on aspects of skin biology.
Our industrial partners Zealand Pharma have a vested interest in the outcome of the
project. The facilities and expertise to fully supervise the student and links with our
industrial partners are all in place.
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Patricia Martin in the Division of Biological/Biomedical
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Good Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in relevant
discipline.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
18
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
PhD Topics School of Life Sciences
Visual Development
1. Project Description and Rationale
At birth the visual system is immature. Development of the eyes, the visual pathways
and cortical visual processing is dependent upon complex interactions between
growth and visual experience, which are vulnerable to disruption during the early
developmental period. Current research topics are:
 Visual development in premature infants
 Impact of maternal lipid nutrition on visual development
 Electrophysiological assessment in children with neurological impairment
 Visual function in children with optic nerve hypoplasia and phenylketonuria
 Maturation of magnocellular and parvocellular pathways
 Physiological correlates of face perception in children
 Spatial and temporal visual processing in the infant visual system.
 Cognitive visual dysfunction in children
2. Supervisory Team
Dr Uma Shahani and Dr Lyle Gray of the Division of Vision Sciences
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Good Bachelor’s or Masters Degree in vision
sciences/neuroscience or other relevant discipline.
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
19
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Potential carbon savings from the application of renewable energy technologies in
the building sector
1. Project Description and Rationale
The UK government’s White Paper on Energy, Meeting the Energy Challenge, which
was published in May 2007, has proposed a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions by 2050, and a 26-32% reduction by 2020, against a 1990 baseline. Based on
A Lead Market Initiative for Europe (European Commission, 2007), buildings accounts
for the largest share of the total EU final energy consumption (42%) and produce
approximately 35% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Despite much have been done
recently to reduce the carbon emissions in building sector, continuous efforts are still
very much needed to reduce the carbon emissions in the building sectors in the UK,
particularly for the new and existing buildings with the integration of various types of
renewable energy technologies.
In the proposed PhD studentships, the different types of buildings (office, school,
hospital, dwelling, retail) will be selected. The energy consumption levels of the selected
buildings with original/ conventional construction designs will be investigated using
relevant computer simulation package (ESP-r or other alternative). Based on the existing
knowledge, suitable types of renewable energy technologies will be identified and
selected as measures to reduce the heating and cooling energy consumption levels in the
buildings. The simulations will then be repeated with individual measure or a basket of
different measures installed in the buildings to investigate the potential implications on
building energy consumptions.
The research will focus on the estimation of the potential lifetime/ life cycle carbon
savings, which can be achieved if the measures are installed in buildings. The presence
or not of the renewable energy technologies has on the building energy consumptions
and life cycle carbon savings will be investigated. The life cycle costs of the measures
proposed will be calculated and net cost/ benefit per tonne of carbon saved due to the
measure(s) installed will be determined.
The aim of the research is to find out the potential carbon savings and net cost/ benefit to
the different types of buildings in the UK, which can be achieved with the applications of
selected measures (with renewable energy technologies).
2. Supervisory Team
1st supervisor: Dr. S. Wong
2nd supervisor: Dr. S. Burek
20
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master of Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
21
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Optimised Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) and whole life
cycle management in construction.
1. Project Description and Rationale
To determine the operating dynamics of robust EDMS's within the construction
industry at project and enterprise levels and develop an optimised system:
 Develop a robust review of the literature surrounding the use of EDMS at project
and enterprise levels and within supply chains.
 Integrate their operation within the composite supply chain and industry
frameworks and costs associated with managing EDMS and data.
 Construct a model of the underlying dynamics of EDMS operation and whole life
cycle management approaches.
 Establish a robust methodological approach to the research.
 Develop a robust set of findings from the fieldwork.
 Conclude the optimisation of an EDMS system that accommodates whole life
cycle management.
2. Supervisory Team
1st supervisor: Professor J. Sommerville
2nd supervisor: Dr. N. Craig
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master in Materials Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
22
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Effect of air movement in cavities on the thermal and moisture performance of
walls
1. Project Description and Rationale
Narrow, inaccessible cavities are found in both masonry and timber framed walls.
The amount of air movement through these cavities has an important effect on the
thermal performance and can dominate the moisture performance of the structure.
Even when, as is common practice in masonry walls, the cavity is filled with mineral
wool, there is evidence that air movement within the insulation is raising heat transfer
significantly, lowering the expected energy efficiency of the building.
This issue has become particularly important in recent years with the increased use of
timber cladding on all types of building. Theoretical studies suggest that, to minimise
the risk of moisture problems, in wet climates typical of the west of Scotland the
cavity should be ventilated, while in the drier east it should not be. There is also
increasing interest in the use of low emissivity membranes and multifoils to improve
the effective thermal resistance of cavities; the performance of these depends crucially
on the degree of air movement in the cavity.
While some work has been done in test rigs in North America and Scandinavia,
almost no information is available on either the actual air flows in real cavities or the
factors that affect flow rates. Standard methods for calculating thermal performance
and condensation risk in structures make broad brush assumptions about cavity
airflows, with little evidence that these are justified.
The proposed project would include (i) a review of the current information on cavity
air flows, (ii) the development of a CFD model of air movement through building
cavities, which would be used for sensitivity analysis of the relevant factors, (iii)
investigation of methods of measuring air movement, in free and filled cavities
including hot wire anemometers, tracer gases, ultrasound and particle image
velocimetry. Initial studies would be carried out in the RICH Centre test chamber to
develop a measurement system that could then be installed in actual buildings. The
results would be used to extend current models of heat and moisture movement
through structures including ventilated cavities.
2. Supervisory Team
Professor J. Sommerville
Mr. Chris Sanders,
Dr Paul Baker
23
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master of Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
24
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Mathematical models for high-efficiency solar water heaters and their
experimental validation
1. Project Description and Rationale
 Design and development of an innovative compact solar water heater
 Lab testing of the developed solar water heater
 Data analysis and mathematical modelling
 Comparative field testing of the developed solar water heater and two other types
of solar water heaters
 Life cycle assessment of solar water heaters
2. Supervisory Team
1st supervisor: Dr. S. Burek
2nd supervisor: Dr. A. Muhamad
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master of Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
25
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Low Carbon Vision for Cities to Adapt to Climate Change
1. Project Description and Rationale
The project seeks to identify scenarios that will provide a route map for UK cities to
meet the emission reduction targets set by the proposed Climate Change Bill, while
taking into account the institutional, behavioral and technological barriers to
achieving these targets. The aim is to enhance urban quality-of-life at the lowest
possible carbon expenditure. The project will seek ways to optimise urban form (three
dimensional attribute of the city), environment (especially air, water and climate
quality) and infrastructure (particularly urban transportation)
The project will contribute to our understanding of the technological challenges
associated with infrastructure and the environment, against a background of everincreasing pressure from human development and predictions of significant climate
change
Project gearing:
Proposed project will lead to application for external funding. The project will also
contribute to the forthcoming 1st Assessment Report (AR1) of the International Panel
on Cities and Climate Change (IPC3)
Knowledge exchange:
City of Glasgow will be the principal beneficiary of knowledge developed by the
project. A working relationship with respect to the Environmental services Division
already exists.
2. Supervisory Team
1st supervisor: Dr. R. Emmanuel
2nd supervisor: Dr. C. Gallagher
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master of Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
26
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
School of Built & Natural Environment
PhD Environmental Engineering
Innovation Capacity to Reduce Environmental Degradation
1. Project Description and Rationale
In rural areas the protection of the natural environment is dependent on the people and
communities who rely on the use of this environment for their livelihoods, in
particular to grow crops for food security. However, due to the constant use and
abuse of land e.g. via unsuitable land use practices, coupled with the changing climate
in India (more drought and increases in temperature) much of the existing land
available for food security is being degraded (e.g. Singh, 2000). It is becoming
increasingly difficult to manage the land sustainably. Land management and
agricultural practice are strongly knowledge driven activities and the decisions taken
by local land users are based on the knowledge and information they have to hand.
Good local knowledge based on sound scientific and practical information results in
more effective and more environmentally sensitive decisions being taken. Currently,
the decision making process within rural land use in India is dependent on a limited
number of sources, not all of which are scientific or tuned to ecosystem protection. In
addition the information sources (e.g. computers) are invariably accessed by a limited
set within the community, giving rise to equity and gender issues. This lack of access
to scientifically validated and environmentally focused information and knowledge
within the wider community has obvious and severe implications for degradation of
the natural environment.
The research to be carried out within this studentship will seek to identify a strategy
for the wider dissemination and adoption of environmentally sensitive land use
practices. It will investigate the essential key drivers required by communities to
encourage them adopt more sustainable practices and will identify the processes by
which the required knowledge and information can be generated, adapted, diffused
and used (applied) to bring about long term change and reduce the harmful impact on
the environment.
2. Supervisory Team
1st supervisor: Dr. T Jaffry
2nd supervisor: Dr. C. Gallagher
3. Candidate Requirements
Entry Qualification Requirements: Master of Science (or equivalent)
English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Division requires the PhD
candidates to have minimum IELTS of 6.5.
27
GCU Programme Descriptions in respect of 5 UJN PhD Scholarships
Preferred starting dates: We are flexible regarding start dates and will
accommodate any reasonable request.
28