PhD Studentship Physics-Mathematics-Statistics of Networks in Mythology in 2010 in Coventry University

PhD Studentship Physics-Mathematics-Statistics of Networks in Mythology in 2010 in Coventry University


About The University:
Coventry is an evolving and innovative university with a growing reputation for excellence in education. Independent surveys show that we provide a caring and supportive environment, enriched by a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience. Three words set us apart – employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship. Coventry University was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Entrepreneurial University of the Year category at the Times Higher Awards 2008.

Detail:
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in unique interdisciplinary research involving statistical physics and mythology, leading to a PhD degree. The work is fully funded by a prestigious Leverhulme research grant. The research will involve analysing the structure of various mythologies from a mathematical/physical/statistical point of view. Network theory is a recently emergent and popular branch of statistical mechanics and graph theory with very broad applicability. It is an exceptionally useful mathematical tool to describe all sorts of real-world networks. This theory has been applied to the study of particle physics, polymers, economics, transport, computer science, sociology, epidemiology, linguistics and more. In this research the theory will be used to study networks of characters appearing in different mythologies. The historicity of many mythological characters is disputed and in the absence of firm archaeological evidence for their existence or otherwise, we turn to mathematics/statistics. We use network theory to analyse the relationships between characters appearing in a variety of world mythologies, starting with Celtic mythology as this is amongst the most extensive. The research will take place at Coventry University’s small but growing statistical physics group, within the Applied Mathematics Research Centre. The study may involve trips to collaborating institutions in Europe. It will involve significant literature research as well as training in complexity science in general and network theory in particular.

Eligibility:
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable numerate background (preferably a good degree in physics, applied mathematics, statistics or computing) and be highly motivated to work in mythology. Previous amateur interests in mythology are desirable and familiarity with Celtic mythology would be an advantage.

Application Procedure:
Please submit an application form a detailed CV, two references (at least one of which must be academic) and a covering letter to research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk . In the application form, please ignore Section 7. You must complete Section 8 and describe why you wish to work on this theme, but please ignore the word limit in this section.

Length and qualification: 3 year PhD

Fees: Home/EU fees

Maintenance grant: £13,290 maintenance per annum (tax free)

Contact:
Coventry University,
Priory Street, Coventry,
CV1 5FB, UK
Telephone:+44 (0)24 7688 7688

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