Opportunities for study and research in geophysical fluid dynamics
at the University of Leeds

Taught modules as part of degree programmes at Leeds

Within the School of Mathematics, the main offerings are:

• Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, MATH3457, which is running during semester 2 in 2010/11.
• Advanced Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, MATH5457M, which is running during semester 2 in 2010/11.
• Project in Applied Mathematics: MATH3422, MATH5003M, or MATH5004M. Further details of projects which I will be supervising can be found here.

Note that the School of Earth and Environment also offer many modules in related areas, e.g., Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (SOEE 2210), which would be good preparation for the above modules in maths.

Summer research bursaries for undergraduates

There are various sources of funding for undergraduates wishing to undertake short research projects over the summer.

• Nuffield Foundation undergraduate research bursaries in science. The deadline was February.
• EPSRC vacation bursaries. The deadline was mid March. This scheme is competitive, but it is worth applying if you have good grades (perhaps averaging above 70%) thus far.

Within the School of Mathematics, you should contact me if you are interested in applying for such a project on some aspect of atmosphere-ocean fluid dynamics.

MSc in Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics

We are running an M.Sc. in Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics, which is taught in association with our colleagues in the School of Earth and Environment.

Unfortunately, there is no funding to support students on this programme, so you need to be able to pay your own tuition fees and maintenance. Some bursaries are available: see here. If you are French, then take a look at the Entente Cordiale scholarships (deadline 8th April 2011).

PhD in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

There are opportunities for talented and motivated students to undertake PhD research in geophysical fluid dynamics. If you might be interested in this, then please send me an e-mail, perhaps to arrange an informal discussion.

Such study falls under the general remit of PhD study in Applied Mathematics, the procedures for which are described on the postgraduate study pages of the School of Mathematics.

Postdoctoral research in geophysical fluid dynamics

I am always keen to hear from young scientists who wish to undertake postdoctoral research in geophysical fluid dynamics. Although I have no dedicated funding for such study at present, it is possible to apply for a dedicated research fellowship, which can be matched to your research interests and those of the group here in Leeds. Such opportunities include:

• European Commission Intra-European Fellowships, which provide generous support for up to two years. There are complex eligibility requirements, but note that you need not be European or presently living in Europe to be eligible. The application deadline is 11th August 2011. Full details are here.
• NERC postdoctoral research fellowships, which provide support for up to three years. Last year, the application deadline was 2nd November.

For each of these schemes, it would be necessary to write a dedicated research proposal, which takes some time. Thus, if you are interested in applying for such a fellowship, you would need to contact me at least two months before the application deadline.