POSTGRADUATE (INCLUDING DOCTORAL) RESEARCH
BROAD RESEARCH AREAS
SPECIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS
Research in Landscape Ecology
and Conservation
Research in Landscape Ecology for biodiversity conservation,
primarily in areas of corridor ecology (connectivity and
linkages – source and sink dynamics – for wildlife and
ecosystem management, and, conservation biology),
biotope/habitat fragmentation (understanding the influence
of edge-to-area ratio and appraising risk in relation to this
phenomenon) and, restoration ecology.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life and/or Environmental
sciences essential.
Valuation of ecological resources at landscape scale.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Participatory methods for stakeholder involvement in
conservation.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Environmental Science and/or
Human Geography essential.
Coupling of wildlife and cultural corridors for conservation.
This project will focus on the southern group of San
Bushmen of the central Kalahari and the conflicts that arise
from the use of spatial resources within this hyper-arid
region of the planet, where important but critically
vulnerable desert populations of elephants, lions and Black
Rhino also co-exist. [research project subject to appropriate funding].
– restricted to doctoral research only. (Refer to Institute’s PhD guidelines)
Research in Entomology
Orthoptera of the circum-Sicilian island complex and the
Maghreb. A study in taxonomy and distribution.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Butterfly conservation. A study to assess the potential of
Prime Butterfly Areas (PBAs).
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life sciences essential.
Floral seasonal coloration. Investigating possible correlations
between bio-indictor pollinator species (essentially, but not
exclusively Hymenoptera and Diptera) with seasonal colour
variation of indigenous flora.
– restricted to doctoral research only. (Refer to Institute’s PhD guidelines)
Geomorphology and
Conservation
Coastal dune conservation. This research will focus on
coastal dune formations, and may cover a range of areas,
comprising profiling field-techniques to ‘measure’ dunal
mass and other processes associated with coastal dynamics,
including accelerated erosion; conservation of ecological
assets, notably the stenoecious flora that occurs within such
assemblage; and, appraisal of impacts and mitigating
measures to ensure a favourable conservation status.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Life and/or Environmental
sciences, and/or physical geography essential.
Natura 2000 and landform. A critique of the restrictiveness
of N2K and the potential benefit of considering
geomorphological assets and associated dynamics (landform
and function), in addition to biotopes, for conservation
management and practices.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in at least one of the following,
relevant, domains: Earth sciences, Life sciences, environmental
science, and physical geography essential.
Arid-zone geomorphology. A study of landforms and
associated dynamics (allied to past and present climateinduced processes), as well as the conservation and
management of such resources.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in Environmental science and/or
physical geography essential.
Contingency Planning
Risk preparedness and mitigation – an exercise in
contingency planning with respect to natural phenomena
and man-induced disasters.
– prerequisite: first cycle degree in at least one of the following,
relevant, domains: Earth sciences, environmental science, Spatial
and/or Environmental Planning, and/or Geography essential.
guidance:
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ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
A graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Earth Systems (Melit.) course qualifies for all the above (please also refer to
the IES Ph.D., guidelines, if relevant), since s/he is deemed to have the necessary grounding to undertake
research in the above-listed topics.
Good command of the English language is crucial.
Full-time students will be given preference.
Other, related, projects may be considered following the submission and subsequent evaluation of a
proposal.
Applicants need to be conversant with the guidelines and rules governing supervision.