This project will provide an opportunity for a student to work on modelling of agro-ecosystem services. This work will support on going work in Department of Geography and Environmental Science and the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. During the project, the student will work closely with the supervisors to develop the computer code to perform initial simulation studies of plant-soil interactions.
Department: Geography & Environmental Science
Supervised by: Shovonlal Roy
Multiple factors affect the quality and quantity of crop yield in agro-ecosystems - the combined effects of which are not well understood. An ongoing initiative in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science and the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development aims to determine the combined effects of multiple drivers on agro-ecosystem services through developing a process-based model. This placement will work towards strengthening this initiative by generating computer code, in MATLAB, for the model, the conceptual/mathematical structure of which has been developed. The model would be based on a system of ordinary-differential equations and these are available. Once coded, the model will be tested with experimental data. The specific numerical methods for model simulation and parameter estimation will be discussed and coded during the project. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with the supervisors (Shovonlal Roy and Andrew Wade) on developing the model and also work independently on building the code.
The student will work under the supervision of Roy and Wade to independently design and develop the code, run the model with sets of test parameter values, and produce a user document in the form of final report.
Basic knowledge of numerical analysis; some level of understanding of ODE systems is ideal though not essential; good computer programming knowledge; preferably experience in or interested to work with MATLAB environment.
Through engaging in an exploratory research, the student will be able to develop valuable skills on research design and implementation. The student will have the opportunity to improve numerical ability, learn computer-code verification and learn about mathematical modelling applied in an area of ecological and economic importance. The student will also have the opportunity to improve presentation skills through regularly presenting the updates on the development in a supportive environment, and from writing the project report.
Russell Building, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading.
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Wednesday 01 June 2016 - Monday 08 August 2016
CV and covering letter should be submitted by 25st March to shovonlal.roy@reading.ac.uk. Interview of the shortlisted candidates will follow shortly after the deadline.