https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/start-application/
The successful applicant will have at least a 2.i honours degree in Biology or related subject by the start of the MSc and must be UK-based. The closing date for applications is the 1st March 2024, but this will be extended should the position not be filled.
Impacts of a changing climate on livestock ectoparasites
Supervisors : Dr Lucy Alford & Prof Richard Wall
Arthropod parasites that live on the external bodies of their living hosts are known as ectoparasites (e.g. mites, lice, ticks and blowfly larvae). Infestation can result in compromised animal health and welfare, and for livestock, reduced economic value. As ectothermic organisms, these arthropod pests have limited ability to regulate their body temperature above and below ambient, with environmental temperature consequently impacting all aspects of their biology. For this reason, climate change will have profound implications for these economically important parasites, infestation rates, and ultimately livestock health. A better understanding of the impacts of cold and heat shock events on a range of ectoparasites will enable a better understanding of the likely impacts of climate change on populations of these arthropods. This project will consider the resilience of model ectoparasite species in the laboratory using controlled environment microcosms.
Ideal candidate: will have a strong interest in invertebrate thermal physiology, entomology and/or parasitology within the wider context of climate change and pest outbreaks.