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BSci NEWS

Hi there,

Welcome to Week 10! We hope you enjoyed the not-so mid semester non-teaching week last week.

First up, in world science news - the 2016 Nobel Prize winners have been announced!

  • Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Fearing won the Chemistry Prize "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines".
  •  Yoshinori Ohusumi won the Physiology or Medicine Prize "for his discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy".
  • J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz won the Physics Prize "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter"

To read all about the prize winning scientists and research, head along to the Nobel Prize website

Back on home turf, it’s getting to the peak period of semester, and we know you’ll be studying hard! Take advantage of all of the support services available to you on campus to help you succeed, like Academic Skills (they’re great help for polishing your lab report, and conquering breadth subject assessment), as well as the Students page. ​

We know it can be a stressful time of year, so next Wed 12 Oct is Wellbeing Day for Arts and Science students. As part of World Mental Health Week, students are invited to participate in a variety of free activities to promote health and wellbeing. These include dance, yoga, delicious healthy food, a screening of Spirited Away, and wellbeing talks. For details of venues, activities, and booking options, click here.

Finally, the Master of Data Science program is being launched next Wed 12 Oct, 6:00pm. Come along to hear about this new exciting program and speak with staff involved in the teaching. Register here.  

For more events and information specially picked out for Bachelor of Science students, read on!

 

IN THIS ISSUE

  • Top Job

  • Go on exchange!

  • Opportunities

  • Science in the Media

  • Featured Scientist

  • Next Steps

  • SciComm Tip

  • Events

  • Services

Top Jobs

Casual Role: Software Test Engineer

Axxin Pty Ltd

What: Seeking a Software Test Engineer. Role is Casual up to 24 hours per week.

Who: This is an entry level or early career position for a bright and enthusiastic candidate with good analytical and communication skills and would suit a commenced or completed engineering or computer science qualification.

Where: Fairfield, Melbourne. 

Remuneration: $25 per hour

Applications close: 16 October 2016

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

Intelligence Analyst (Scientific)

Department of Defence - General Recruitment

What: As a scientific intelligence assessment analyst, you will analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources relating to global chemical warfare, biological warfare or nuclear weapon efforts, and provide intelligence assessments to customers to reduce uncertainty in their decision making.

Who: Students with analytical expertise in chemical-, biological- or nuclear‑related sciences. Australian citizens only

Where: Canberra

Remuneration: $69,395 - $86,844 (plus super)

Applications close: 25 October 2016

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

Volunteer role: Melbourne Cup Carnival

Starlight Children's Foundation Australia (Charity)

What: Help this local charity to raise funds and awareness whilst building your interpersonal skills!

Who: All students including international students

Where: Various locations during the Melbourne Cup Carnival

Applications close: 1 November 2016

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

 

Go on exchange!

If you are interested in studying overseas, learn about subject information relating to science to help prepare you for your overseas experience. Tues 14 Oct, 10am-11am. Room 110/111 (Level 1), Stop 1. Register via Melbourne Global Mobility

 

Opportunities

Science Writing and Communication Summer Internship

Are you enrolled in an animal science or agricultural science major or equivalent, and will be completing your final year of your undergraduate or honours program in 2016? Apply now to spend 8-12 weeks in the USA (Illinois) working with professional staff in the American Society of Animal Science gaining hands-on skills in Science Writing, Communication and Media Skills. Travel costs and accommodation included. For more information and to apply visit the website.  Applications close Fri 28 Oct

Health Career Focus Group

The University is seeking the views of students interested in health careers to participate in paid focus groups. You will tell your story, and decision making process for choosing undergraduate and graduate study, as well as provide feedback on some new marketing collateral.

Groups take 1.5-2 hours and will be held in the week beginning Mon 17 Oct. All participants will receive a $100 Coles Myer gift voucher as a thank you plus light refreshments.

All students are encouraged to apply, but the university is particularly interested in hearing from those who come from a rural/regional background. To register your interest, go here. Any questions send an email.    

 

Science in the Media

 

Classroom Antarctica

In this article, read about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two University of Melbourne PhD students to fly over Antarctica and recreate classic physics experiments.

Research supporting Mildura’s ‘hidden farmers’

In this article, read about the Sunraysia Burundian Garden which evolved out of work by academics in the School of Geography who identified ‘hidden farmers’ in Australia; many newer migrants and refugees who were farmers in their countries of origin but do not have the capital to purchase land.

Science PhD students shine in thesis competition

The Grand Final of the University's ‘Three Minute Thesis’ (3MT) competition was held last month. Three Faculty of Science students took part - Ann Aulsebrook, Ella Kelly and Jarmon Lees – all from BioSciences. Watch their talks and find out how they did here

 

Featured Scientist 

Jess Stott, Master of Science (Genetics) 

"I study how cells transition from migratory to stationary (epithelial) forms, which occurs during the development of many organs and diseases, including cancer. In my research I am investigating the development of the fruit fly’s digestive system as a model for this transitional process, to identify the key genes and their equivalents in human disease. Outside of study, I also like reading (mostly fantasy), computer games, and singing.”  

 

Next Steps 

A series of events to help YOU decide what to do with your degree and your future. The university-wide program is available here.

Individual Course Advice Appointments: Maths and Stats

Mathematics & Statistics staff are available for individual course advice appointments with students. Wed 12-Fri 28 Oct. Register for an appointment with a staff member here

Maths and Stats: Course Planning talk

Tues 11 Oct, 1:00pm-2:15pm. Lyle Theatre, Redmond Barry, Building 115. No need to register, but please arrive early to ensure your seat.

Master of Environment coffee information session

Join us for a coffee and chat with our academics about how your undergraduate degree could lead you into exciting environmentally-focussed areas such as Climate Change, Sustainable Cities or Conservation. Wed 12 Oct, 12pm-1pm, Meeting Room 1.04, OEP Walter Boas, Building 163. Register here.

 

Urban Horticulture Careers Session @ Burnley

Have you always dreamt of a career working with plants, nature and people in the great outdoors? Discuss your study and career options in a relaxed and friendly environment at the Burnley campus information session. Tues 11 Oct, 5pm-6pm.  MB26 and staffroom, Burnley campus, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond. Register online

Interested in Landscape Ecosystem Management?

Come and join staff from the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences to find out about the subjects in the field of Landscape Ecosystem Management. These subjects are available as either Science electives or as breadth. Wed 12 Oct, 1:15pm – 2:15pm. Room E561 John Medley Building. Complementary pizza and softdrinks provided. 

Master of Applied Econometrics 1on1 Student Information Appointments

How can we increase the use of green energy? Econometrics will give you the knowledge and skills required to answer important questions for a career in economic data modelling, forecasting and policy analysis in big business, government or academia. 

If you want more information, individual appointments with academics and staff are running Wed 19 Oct, 3:00pm-6:00pmRegistrations essential.

 

Sci-Comm Tip

Each newsletter we feature tips from our very own science communication extraordinaire in the School of BioSciences, Dr Jen Martin. Follow Jen on Twitter @scidocmartin or check out her blog, Espresso Science.

SciComm Tip #11 Check your writing with the ‘Writer’s Diet’

Professor Helen Sword wrote a fantastic book called Stylish Academic Writing, all about how to write more clearly and engagingly. She also has an online test called The Writer’s Diet. Paste in your writing and get immediate feedback, for example on your choices of verbs and how often you write ‘that’ and ‘there’. The Writer’s Diet is a great tool to give you an indication of bad writing habits you may have and whether your writing needs more drafting and polishing. Try out the Writer’s Diet now. 

Events

Master of Data Science Launch Event 

The Faculty of Science in conjunction with the School of Engineering and IT invite you to attend the launch of the new Master of Data Science program. Come along to hear about the new program and speak with staff involved in the teaching of Data Science. Wedn 12 October, 6pm-8pm, Laby Theatre, David Caro Building. Register here. For more info contact Stephanie Mollica.

Career Wise: Making Direct Approaches to Employers

Research shows that up to 80% of jobs are never advertised - these jobs form part of the "hidden job market" where jobs are accessed via networking. This session will enable you to identify “useful and relevant” employers to connect with, implement optimum connection approach(s) and develop your "elevator pitch" or "sales talk" to potential employers. Tues 11 Oct, 11:00am- 12:30pm in the Harold White Theatre. Register here

MAP Demo Day

Demo Day marks the official conclusion of the MAP16 Startup Accelerator. Head along to the Melbourne Town Hall on Thurs 27 Oct, 6pm, to see the MAP16 start ups pitch their ideas, as well as mingle with entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and the extended Melbourne startup community. Register here

 
 

Inside Careers: Maths and Statistics

At this event, a former BSc student now working at leading trading company Optiver will share experiences and discuss:

  • What are the roles within this career field? And where do people work? 
  • What do people actually do? 
  • What does it take to be effective/comfortable in this fields of work? 
  • How does one get a start?

Tues 18 Oct 12:00pm-1:00pm. Kwong Lee Dow Building. Register via Careers Online

Energy Hack 2016

The University is partnering with Powershop to bring together a community of hackers, hustlers and hipsters – determined to harness the consumer and technology revolution in energy. For two dynamic days, discover and engineer opportunities in the brave new world of connected energy. Fri 21 Oct-Sun 23 Oct. More info and registrations here

Faculty of Arts and Science Wellness Day

Need a wellbeing boost?Come along to the Arts and Science Faculties Wellbeing Day on Wed 12 Oct 10:30am-4:30pm.  Enjoy a host of free wellbeing activities including Yoga, dance, and a free delicious lunch. For more info, go here.

 

Services

Safer Community Program

All students are encouraged to download the Safer Community Program’s free UniSafe app. UniSafe provides connection with the University’s support services and a direct link to Campus Security for emergency situations. The app also provides access to a range 24/7 emergency services, security escorts on campus, and personal safety advice. It can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play, from links on the Safer Community Program website.

Introducing myUniApps

myUniApps is a new service for students that provides online access to software packages – including general productivity applications and applications that may be relevant to your courses. myUniApps is accessed via any web browser and from any web-enabled device. You can access and save files as normal and print to your own printer or a University print queue. myUniApps will go live Mon Oct 17. For more info see the myUniApps FAQ page here

Health Service

The University of Melbourne Health Service provides health care for both local and international students. Visit the website for more information on how to book appointments, receive advice on travel health and immunisations, and learn about the other services offered here. They’re located at 138 Cardigan Street.

 

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Until next time we are truly yours,

Science News

 
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