Connallon Honours Projects

Topics in theoretical biology

Part time by negotiation

Background:  Most biological disciplines make use of simple mathematical models to gain insight into the processes that have shaped patterns observed in data. For example, genome sequences provide massive amounts of information about genetic differences between species and genetic variability within species. This information provides clues about processes that have shaped the evolution of genome sequences. We can use mathematical models to explain how different evolutionary processes are likely to have influenced patterns of genetic diversity and divergence across genomes.

Project Aims:  A mathematical modelling project will be developed in consultation between the honours student and supervisor. The project will address a biological problem of mutual interest to student and supervisor. Examples of recent honours projects include:
*Maintenance of genetic variation in the mitochondrial genome
*Population and evolutionary dynamics of species with separate sexes
*Evolution in species with complex life cycles
*Evolution of chromosomal inversions
*Population genetic models of adaptation and extinction

Techniques:  The project involves:
*Mathematical modelling of dynamical systems, including the development of recursion or differential equations describing change, analysis of equilibria, and evaluation of the dynamical behaviour of each model.
*Computer simulations to complement and test limiting assumptions of mathematical analyses of the models.
*Using results of the models to explain existing empirical observations, or make new predictions that can be tested by analysing existing data or carrying out new experiments.