MSc by Research: Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and environmental stress

About the Project

Biofilms have a significant impact in many environments including medical and agricultural sectors. Bacillus subtilisis a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is widely used as a model organism to increase our understanding of biofilm formation.

In this research project, the student will make use of the genetic diversity encoded within the B. subtilis pangenome to increase our knowledge of the mechanisms by which B. subtilis forms a biofilm and define how biofilm formation is impacted by environmental change, such as increased temperature. The sutdent will use a collection of B. subtilisand closely related species, for which genome sequence data is available. The student will couple molecular biology with bioinformatics, imaging, and other physiological assays to further our understanding of this industrially and agriculturally important social behaviour.

Alongside developing your laboratory skills, you will be given training in data management and presentation skills and will be provided ample opportunities to develop other professional skills that you wish to enhance.

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.