The following projects are available for consideration by interested students who wish to take the 1 unit Botany Project option in their final year. All students studying biology related subjects have the opportunity to undertake a 1 unit research project in their final year. This can provide you with a unique opportunity to participate in scientific discoveries in the research laboratory of a member of staff. Doing a project will involve experimental work in the laboratory or field which should be completed by Christmas. The results must then be written up as a dissertation (50 to 80 sides) on the basis of which you will be assessed. Taking a project is a valuable experience for anyone with an interest in learning how science really works and should be considered by everyone. Of course taking a project does require a higher degree of commitment than other courses and for this reason it is necessary to restrict this option to those students who obtain good grades in their second year exams.

Control of food stability at low-temperature

Foods stored at low-temperature are protected from microbial degradation but may undergo other physical changes that render them less palatable. One major problem is the growth of ice crystals by recrystallisation. Control of ice crystal formation can be achieved by the use of polysaccharide additives to modify the water state. In this project you would examine the influence of different polysaccharides on food structure and texture at low-temperature using the instrumental techniques of modulated differential scanning calorimetry and controlled stress rheometry.

Structure and functionality of Yam Mannans in food

There is a constant demand for new texture modifying additives to support the modern food industry. Our research has shown the occurrence of an interesting new polymer in  the tubers of Yams (Dioscorea spp.) which has potential application as a food hydrocolloid. In this project you will further determine the struture of these polymers and explore their suitability for food applications through an investigation of their functional properties, rheology, emulsifying and stabilising action.

Root carbohydrate bioactivity in traditional medicine

A notable feature of many traditional pharmocopias is the frequent occurrence of root derived extracts or preparations in treatments. Chinese traditional medicine is no exception and many of the most powerful ingredients are derived from roots or tubers. Many of these activities are relate to and dependent on the carbohydrates present. In this project you would be examining the structure and composition of carbohydrates present in root preparations used in TCM.

Tree growth and stress responses

What factors determine the growth and resistance of a tree to environmental stress? Trees show different growth rates in different locations and different climates. Until the growth rates for a species have been examined under known conditions it is difficult to assess any effects from envrionmental stress. One part of this project is to develop a growth rate chronology for Bauhinia species. In the second part you can develop a predictive to model to assess the susceptibility of different tree habits to wind stress taking into account such factors as growth rate, wood strength, branching frequency, leaf area, crown spread and other parameters. Will require field work  to collect data to fit the model and some computing ability. the model will be developed with reference to different Bauhinia species.

Seed germination and recruitment in tropical trees

Where are the fig tree seedlings? Fig trees produce enormous quantities of fruit several times a year. It is common to see the ground beneath a fig tree in fruit covered with squashed figs. Each fruit contains hundreds of tiny seeds so the annual seed production by the tree is huge. Despite this investment in seed production, very few seedlings are observed near fig trees. Why are there not more? In this project you would seek to answer this question by establishing which step is limiting in seedling recruitment. Is it seed fertility, dispersal, germination, or seedling stress resistance? You will need to undertake both field surveys and seed collection from fig trees near the campus and conduct laboratory investigations on the seeds to determine the factors controlling seed germination and survival.

If you are interested in any of the above projects you are welcome to contact me for informal queries by Email.

Dr. L. Ramsden, Botany.