Evolution Education Trust PhD project: The use of Augmented Reality (AR) for the teaching of evolution

The University of Bath is inviting applications for this PhD opportunity based at the Milner Centre for Evolution, a unique, cross-faculty research centre bridging biology, health and education. The Centre is dedicated to a broad range of fundamental research questions relating to evolutionary biology; from in deep time, to the micro-evolutionary dynamics of a disease outbreak. We have a strong focus on public engagement and outreach. We are located in a dedicated multi-million-pound building that opened on the University campus in September 2018. For further information about the centre see https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/milner-centre-for-evolution/

Supervisory Team:

Lead Supervisor: Prof Edward Feil (Department of Biology & Biochemistry)
Co-Supervisors: Prof Danae Stanton Fraser (Department of Psychology) and Prof Eamonn O’Neill (Department of Computer Science)

Project Overview:

In addition to the early applications of augmented reality (AR) to gaming, medical, and engineering applications, there have also been some promising educational applications exploring the potential of AR. However, more research is required to evaluate how AR can enhance learning, and how to ensure teachers and students can regularly use the technology without extensive hands-on support from researchers. Evolutionary science has recently been introduced in to the National Curriculum at primary school level, and in this project we propose to develop affordable prototype AR platforms designed to aid in the teaching of the broad principals of evolution at primary level. The multidisciplinary supervisory team includes expertise in evolutionary biology, computer science and educational psychology. The project will aim to: Evaluate current AR platforms used in primary education; Identify those key evolutionary concepts which students or teachers find the most problematic; Trial and evaluate AR platforms at outreach events held in the Milner Centre; Trial the technologies in the classroom through our established contacts with local schools.

Candidate:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Applications:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Edward Feil, [Email Address Removed]

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUBB-FP02&code2=0013

On the application form, please ensure that you quote ‘Evolution Education Trust’ in the Finance section and the supervisor’s name and project title in the ‘Your research interests’ section. Should you wish to be considered for more than project, quote the projects in order of preference and upload a separate personal statement relevant to each one.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Interviews will take place in Bath on 14 June 2019.

Anticipated start date: 30 September 2019.