Understanding the human use of landscapes using agent-based models

This is one of the founding studentships of the new Institute for Studies in Landscape and Human Evolution (ISLHE) at BU [https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/centre/institute-for-studies-in-landscape-and-human-evolution/]

What kinds of strategies did our ancestors use to cope with landscape variability both in space and over time, and how did this shape human evolution? Understanding how humans use landscapes is fundamental to explaining patterns of human evolution, and ongoing adaptation of people to environmental changes. The complex topography hypothesis of human evolution suggests that speciation in hominins has been driven by landscape heterogeneity and environmental change; in particular, environmental factors are considered a significant driver of cognitive evolution and the expansion of the hominin brain. Significant cognitive skills are required to navigate and exploit heterogeneous and variable environments, while the social brain hypothesis argues that brain expansion is driven primarily by the size and complexity of the social group in which individuals live - which is in turn governed by the spatiotemporal structure of environments. Despite this, there is a lack of understanding regarding the most fundamental strategies that people employ to navigate and exploit different landscapes, and exactly how environmental variability impacts on social organization of groups and hence on cognition and brain size.

This research will employ agent-based modelling (ABM) to consider human society as a complex adaptive system composed of multiple agents who interact locally in time and space, in relation to the spatial distribution of resources and other landscape features. We will develop ABM for human-landscape interaction based on current theories and empirical evidence. Spatial data defining experimental landscapes will be constructed using the open-source modelling environment Netlogo. Simulation experiments will examine how varying the topographical and edaphic characteristics of virtual landscapes influences group size and structure (as a proxy for brain expansion), and on a macro scale population size, distribution and extinction. In this way, the research will examine interactions between hominin movement, social structure, population size and viability, and the spatiotemporal variability of landscapes.

You will receive training in: (1) planning and executing a programme of research; (2) geographical and environmental science research techniques, including experimental methods: (3) analytical modelling, including the use of agent-based modelling approaches; (4) the principles of sampling and experimental design; (5) data analysis and presentation, including methods of statistical analysis; (6) communication of scientific results, including scientific writing and the preparation of manuscripts for publication, as well as the PhD dissertation; (7) interpersonal skills, including verbal presentation of research results.

The research will provide novel insights into the processes of human movement and social structure in different landscapes which are relevant to theories of human evolution and to investigating the potential impacts of future environmental change.

How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.