SYSTEMS BIOLOGY PH.D STUDENTSHIP 2011 – UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Systems biology is an emerging field that combines mathematical analysis, engineering approaches and cutting-edge biological data generation to better understand biological systems. This system-level understanding ties closely to our ability in developing new medicines and biotechnologies. Biological systems are inherently complex and are a result of evolution. Understanding these systems requires us to draw on mathematical modelling, systems dynamics analysis and in silico simulations of agent-based model systems. In this project, we will utilise these approaches to understand the cellular metabolic networks of bacteria and to design them de novo. Nature has an immense capacity to produce useful metabolites from simple building blocks. Even “simple” single celled organisms can use a handful of basic molecules, available to them in the environment, to make an array of diverse compounds. These are then utilised as energy source, molecular signals or even as toxins. Humans ...