UK : PhD Studentship (England)

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.

Candidate specification: 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.

Further details: Candidates may contact Dr Ralph Kenna of the Applied mathematics Research Centre for informal discussions and further details. Dr Kenna’s e-mail address is r.kenna@coventry.ac.uk

How to apply: See this

Closing Date: 10 Sep 2010

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

Funded by: Leverhulme Trust

Duration: 3 years

Further Information

Application Deadline : 10 September 2010

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Posted on 2010-07-28 11:14:33

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