Specialisation in Science
DOCSCI-2024-01: Behavioural Physiology and Neuroscience
Adjusting behaviour to context is needed for survival, resource acquisition, and reproduction, which has critical implications for fitness. This area of research focuses on understanding the proximate mechanisms (hormones, genes, nervous system) and evolutionary consequences of behaviour. How experience and genetic background interact to shape behaviour, what causes Intra and inter-individual variation in behaviour, which factors explain the emergence of behavioural profiles, and how anthropogenic disruptors and climate change interfere with the expression of normal behaviour are some of the topics researched under this line at the Institute of Science and Environment. We investigate these questions by applying various ethological, physiological, and genomic methods, using fish as model species. For more information about our research, please check on: www.ise.usj.edu.mo.
Principal Supervisor: David Manuel Flores Gonçalves(david.goncalves@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
DOCSCI-2024-02: Marine Geology
Oceans cover approximately 70% of Earth’s surface, hiding part of the Earth's oceanic crust. Its knowledge remains very limited, representing an exciting and important area of research. One of the most fascinating scientific discoveries made under the sea at the end of the 20th century was the seafloor hydrothermal fields (HF) and their associated unique ecosystems. HF mainly occur in the dependence of mid-ocean ridges and results from convective fluids exhaled through seafloor vents (frequently hot and loading high concentrations of metals) and can accumulate metals (seafloor massive sulphide deposits - SMS) in the discharged zone. At the Institute of Science and Environment, we focus on studying the mineralogy and geochemistry of these vent structures and deposits to understand the complex physicochemical processes operating along the hydrothermal systems. We apply several analyses, such as petrographic microscopy, EMPA, XRD, SEM-EDS, ICPMS, in-situ trace and isotopic analyses, etc. Doctoral projects developed in this topic may be framed in broader externally funded projects with the possibility of scholarships.
Principal Supervisor: Agata Dias(agata.dias@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
DOCSCI-2024-03: Petrology and Geochemistry
The Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) has been advancing, in the last years, our knowledge of the petrology and geochemistry of the geology of Macau. Some relevant results include the production of a new cartographic map of Macau and the determination of the age of the different granitic bodies of the territory, which contributed to the understanding of the crustal evolution of SE China. Projects in this area can include a more extensive study of the petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of the igneous rocks of SE China. ISE has a complete collection of rock samples from Macau (including from some sites no longer accessible in the field), which can be complemented with samples collected in neighbouring regions in mainland China. Overall, this research area aims to understand the geo-tectonics evolution of SE China better. Collaboration with geological teams in SE China (e.g., Guangdong) is also possible.
Principal Supervisor: Agata Dias(agata.dias@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
DOCSCI-2024-04: Sensory Biology and Adaptation
Understanding how environmental changes affect organisms' responses and adaptive potential is paramount in the current global change scenario. Fish are key examples of species increasingly being challenged by changes in their sensory environments due to anthropogenic activities and climate change. We rely on these animals to investigate how these changes affect vertebrate sensory systems, social communication, and the ultimate consequences for fitness and evolution. At the Institute of Science and Environment (USJ), we use an integrative approach, including behavioural, electrophysiological and molecular (genomic) approaches to answer these questions. More information about our research can be found at: www.ise.usj.edu.mo.
Principal Supervisor: Raquel Vasconcelos(raquel.vasconcelos@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
DOCSCI-2024-05: Air Quality Modelling and Monitoring
Air Quality Modelling and Monitoring are fundamental for air quality research. Air Quality Modelling is a research topic that studies various methods to predict air quality for the next couple of days, including deterministic models, statistical models, and machine learning models. On the other hand, Air Quality Monitoring is a research topic that can be performed using various equipment, such as EPA equivalent reference machines, portable handheld devices, passive samplers, and low-cost sensors. At USJ, we would utilise both modelling and monitoring methods as important tools to manage the air quality in Macao, which are essential for the well-being of our community.
Principal Supervisor: Thomas Lei(thomas.lei@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
DOCSCI-2024-06: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics are the application and development of computational methods to solve important problems in biology and biotechnology. At USJ, we develop novel machine-learning models to learn the hidden patterns from biological data (DNA and proteins) and correlate them with these molecules' observed physiochemical properties and biological activities. These models help us predict and design molecules with improved functions for drug development. In addition, our research involves modelling and simulating three-dimensional structures of proteins, ligands, membranes, and their assembly to gain insights into their interactions and functions.
Principal Supervisor: Shirley Siu(shirley.siu@usj.edu.mo)
Academic Unit: Institute of Science and Environment
