英国伯明翰大学
英国伯明翰大学
Exercise as Medicine
studentships The College of Life and Environmental Sciences is expanding its research in the area of ‘Exercise as Medicine’ within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences in conjunction with collaborators from a range of disciplines in and beyond the University. ‘Exercise as Medicine’ is a multidisciplinary research area that seeks to understand, from basic to applied perspectives, how different forms of physical activity can inform and support health and wellbeing across the life-course and prevent disease.
We are seeking highly qualified applicants for five PhD studentships funded at RCUK rates in any of the sub/disciplines, that can contribute to developing new knowledge in the area of ‘Exercise as
Medicine’. Applicants are expected to have a 1st class or 2:1 degree in an appropriate subject area, and a Masters Degree (or near completion) will be an advantage in some areas. The deadline for applications is 7 April 2015 and the programme of study will begin on the 28 September 2015.
PhD project opportunities
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Conversely, engaging in physical activity can confer a broad range of physical and psychological health benefits. The evidence is clear that physical activity can be a valuable adjunctive therapy in disease prevention, and in the treatment of and rehabilitation from illness and injury. The research conducted through these studentships will contribute to our focus on assessing the effects of exercise on physical
and psychological health in a diverse range of populations across the lifespan, and informing the development of new physical activity interventions, strategies, and policies.
We are seeking outstanding applicants to conduct research into one of the College’s key areas of interest within three ‘Exercise as Medicine’ themes:
Understanding the mechanisms by which exercise affects the cells, tissues and systems of the human body across the lifespan Project title Supervisors
Identifying the optimal exercise for
Dr Sarah Aldred and Professor Stephen Wood
Exercise interventions in people with
multiple sclerosisDr Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Dr Michael Douglas
Does lifelong exercise training preserve
Dr Leigh Breen, Dr Warwick Dunn and Professor Stuart Phillips Dr Sam Lucas, Dr James Fisher and Professor Christopher Ring Exercise-based
rehabilitation in cardiopulmonary children with Dr James Fisher and Mr David
Baron
Can physical activity reset the
Dr Andrew Philp, Professor Janet
Lord and Professor Steve Harridge epigenetic clock in human skeletal Professor Janice Thompson, Dr
Gareth Wallis, Professor Luc van
Loon and Professor Janet Lord exercise or less sitting?
Investigating behaviour change techniques and the ways in which exercise interventions can be optimised or individualised in policy and practice Project title Supervisors
Dr Sarah Williams, Dr Michael
Using mental imagery to improve physical
activity in diverse populationsDouglas and Professor George Kitas
Dr
young peopleJennifer Cumming, Professor Janice Thompson, Dr Mark Holland and Dr Amanda Skeate
Evaluating effectiveness of a novel
Dr Alison Rushton, Professor
Joan Duda and Dr Carolyn
Greig physiotherapy and peer support behaviour limb osteoarthritis (OA)
Informing the development of effective education and training for practitioners who are responsible for delivering physical activity education to diverse populations Project title Supervisors
The Active for Life CPD intervention:
supporting early year practitioners to develop
Dr Kyriaki Makopoulou, Professor Kathleen Armour and Dr Alison Rushton The multi-disciplinary nature of these projects will be supported by shared supervision and collaboration across the University, including with colleagues in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences,
Psychology, Biosciences, and Medical and Dental Sciences. There will also be opportunities for engagement with clinical, industry and global academic partners.
PhD students will be based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham, which is a leading research institute of its kind in the UK. The School has a vibrant postgraduate community with over 50 full-time PhD students. Each student is provided with two supervisors, a mentor, and extensive opportunities for formal training in both generic and discipline specific skills. There is also formal monitoring of student progress through
annual training needs analysis and monthly meetings with supervisors, participation in annual postgraduate research days and progress reviews with the School’s postgraduate research committee. How to apply
Please visit the PhD programme page and click on the ‘apply to study here’ link on the
right of the page. You should select ‘PhD in School of Sport and Exercise Sciences’ year 2015/2016.
During the application procedure, you will be asked to give the title of the PhD project and the supervisor of the project you are applying to. The online submission should include a cover letter explaining your
motivation and suitability for this position, a CV, two recommendation letters and a transcript of your academic degrees (or evidence that a degree will soon be obtained). In the online application form, please enter in the ‘research details’ tab the following project description: ‘Exercise as Medicine’. Please note that you do not need to submit a research proposal with your application.
Deadline for applications is 7 April 2015.