School of Engineering and Built Environment

Self-Funded PhD Research Project

Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the
successful candidate will be required to source external funding for tuition fees
and expenses while studying at the university.

Project Title:
Big Data Streaming Analytics
Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_YZ1
Key words: Big Data, Internet of Things, Data Analytics
Background
Big data features 4 Vs, namely, Volume, Velocity, Variety and Veracity. Data Stream is generated continuously
by tens and thousands of data sources including embedded sensors, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, web
clicks, transactions, or mobile apps. Data streams are intrinsic of the real-world problems such as sensory data
driven healthcare monitoring, smart sustainable environments, network security monitoring, etc. For data
stream real-world problems, the most prominent big data challenge amongst all lies with the capability of
handling the velocity of the data stream. Because of the streaming nature of the real-world data, if the
processing and analysis fail to capture timely the changing patterns in the data stream, then, as the data has
moved on, the knowledge crucial for deep analysis and decision would not be seized. The primary motivation
of this project is to investigate a common methodological framework that is underpinning a class of sensory
data driven domains, such as home care/tele-monitoring for patients with chronic illness, energy and
condition monitoring of smart built environments, and network security monitoring.
Aim and Objectives
The aim of the project is to conduct a systematic investigation of data stream processing and streaming
analytics that are well suited for a class of sensory data driven real-world problems. This is mapped to the
following inter-linked objectives:
To investigate an efficient architecture that incorporates both stream and batch processing of data
stream. The project will adapt the Lambda architecture to best fit the sensory data driven real-world
problems in healthcare monitoring, smart built environments and network security monitoring. The
stream processing should capture the one-pass nature of the data while the batch processing is
supported as well to accumulate long-term a priori knowledge.
To develop a novel framework of streaming analytics to best fit the sensory data driven real-world
problems in healthcare monitoring, smart built environments and network security monitoring. The
project will critically evaluate stream mining algorithms, including clustering learning, predictive
learning (e.g., deep learning), novelty detection, frequent pattern mining, against their technical
suitability for the sensory data driven real-world problems.
To prototype the stream processing and streaming analytics platform for applications in sensory data
driven real-world problems. The project will be based on technical evaluation of open-source stream
processing platforms, especially Apache Flink, Storm, Spark Streaming, Samza, Kafka, against their
technical suitability for sensory data driven real-world problems, e.g., home care/tele-monitoring for
patients, energy and condition monitoring of smart built environments and network security
monitoring.
Research Supervisor(s)
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details:
Dr Yan Zhang (yan.zhang@gcu.ac.uk )
Professor Huaglory Tianfield (h.tianfield@gcu.ac.uk )
Mode(s) of Study
This project is available as a:
PhD: 3 years full-time
PhD: 4-6 years part-time (provided UK Visa eligibility criteria are satisfied)
1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time] + PhD as above

APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject
relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research
experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no
element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
Specific requirements of the project:
The successful applicant will have good mathematical background. Previous experience with real time
implementations and programming is desirable.
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor(s) for the project before applying. Applicants
should download and complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/study/postgrad/GCU-Postgrad-Research-App-Form-Oct%2014.pdf
stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above). Or they may attach an alternative research
proposal (see Guidance on writing a research proposal) that is related to the themes and expertise of the
School (http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchopportunities/ebe/). The completed GCU
Research Application form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2
references and any other relevant documentation to: researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk. Applicants shortlisted
for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application
deadlines are as follows:

Start Date Application Deadline

May 2017 1 March 2017
October 2017 1 July 2017
February 2018 1 December 2017
May 2018 1 March 2018
October 2018 1 July 2018

Research Degree Fees

Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesandfunding/tuitionfees/