StudyQA — PhD: Distributed and Scientific Computing

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Description

Studying for a PhD or MPhil in distributed and scientific computing you will apply advanced computing techniques to real world problems. Recent projects have involved healthcare (building and validating prototype distributed servers to demonstrate healthcare benefits), dynamic network configuration (using human social interaction to adapt pervasive networks) and problems in logistics (multi-objective optimization for problems in green logistics)

Staff working in this field use a number of dedicated laboratories, including an augmented reality laboratory and a regional GRID node.

Several of the academic research staff contribute their knowledge and expertise to the University's large-scale High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities. These computing resources are used to further develop and support School research.

Research students are at the core of the School's academic enterprise. While you study, we will expect you to contribute fully to the advancement of knowledge not just at Cardiff but more widely, participating in the international environment of your chosen academic field.

As a School we offer you the opportunity to work alongside our research staff who publish widely, edit and review for international journals, act as external examiners both within the UK and internationally, provide consultancy and secure research funding. The Schools research staff work on many interdisciplinary projects, and include members of influential government and professional advisory bodies. Each of our three research areas have strong international collaborations in Europe (including many EU projects) the Americas, Australia and the Far East.

Every research student works under the expert guidance of supervisors with interests and expertise relevant to the research topic. It is their role to advise and instruct you as you work towards your masters or doctorate.

A key element to supporting you while you pursue a research degree with us is our commitment to maintain significant investment in the research environment. The last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) noted the quality of this laboratory and infrastructure investment.

Available Research Areas

We offer a full range of expertise, but the following areas are of particular strength:

* Augmented and mixed reality
* Cell planning and spectrum assignment for 3 and 4G mobile systems
* Computational spectral theory and inverse problems
* Computational steering
* Grid-based, parallel & distributed computing and pervasive computing
* Heuristic, meta-heuristic and evolutionary search for combinatorial optimisation
* Mesh networks
* Naturally viewed 3D displays
* Data analysis and signal processing
* Problem-solving and immersive visualization environments
* Remote rendering
* Stochastic modelling of information propagation in opportunistic communication networks
* Wireless LAN systems, eg WiMax

Current or recent major research projects undertaken by this group include:

* Adaptive computer architectures to harness the behaviour of human social structures
* Automatic management of high-quality collaborative networks for medical data
* Data analysis and signal processing
* Developing a resource-aware visualization environment
* Optimisation of cellular network resource (including site selection, configuration and spectrum sharing)
* Optimising solutions to problems in logistics
* Scheduling problems in wireless mesh networks
* Scientific and medical visualization
* Self-organising ICT resource management.
* Supporting e-Science at the desktop using GRID computing
* Verifying conformal radiotherapy treatment using GRID computing

Requirements

Either a 2.1 Honours degree or a Masters degree with a distinction in the research dissertation, in computing or a related subject.

Degree-level Mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas.

Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS, with at least 6.0 in each area).

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa.

The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.