Hi there,

We hope the past few weeks of semester have been treating you well!

You can now access your exam timetable online so study hard and try not to lose momentum! Don't forget to take breaks and use all of the support services available to you on campus, like Academic Skills, AIRPort and the Students page. For advice and suggestions from your classmates, check out the BSci Tips below.

Last B-Sci news we asked you to fill out a survey about our new my.science app, to go in the running to win a double movie voucher. The winner? It's Eileen Lee! Congrats Eileen, we'll be in touch.

Other than that, read on for the latest info from the Faculty. As well as the normal suspects, you'll also find our 'Next Steps' section, which includes graduate info sessions and recruitment events, all in the one spot!

IN THIS ISSUE

Events
New Video
Top Job
Next Steps
Scholarships
SciComm 101
Science in the Media
BSci Tips

Events

Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space

The discovery of gravitational waves was made possible by recording the ‘chirp’ sound of two black holes smashing together. Astrophysicist and writer Dr Janna Levin’s brand new book describes the quest to the discovery of gravitational waves. Come along to hear her speak about the discovery and the implications for understanding the universe. Register here. Tues 17 May 6:30-7:45pm, Copland Theatre, The Spot.

Citizens of the Anthropocene: Community and Polity in a Changing Climate

Join us for the next Miegunyah Lecture featuring Distinguished visiting fellow Professor Sheila Jasanoff. Using examples from contemporary environmental and legal controversies in the US, Australia, and Europe, this lecture will question the meaning of the mandate to ‘think globally and act locally’ in the face of planetary environmental problems. More info here. Wed 18 May 6-7pm

Creswick Seminar - Research and Monitoring in Victoria’s State forests

This seminar will present some of the research and monitoring projects that are currently underway by VicForests and collaborative partners on forest management, biodiversity conservation and new silviculture approaches being applied in Victoria’s state forests.

More info here. Fri 13 May 9.30-10.30am

New Video

People, Forests, Learning: A Journey Through Laos and Vietnam

If you haven't seen it already, a short film has been made about the field study subject 'Forests in the Asia Pacific.' It's a great production, featuring students and staff in Laos and Vietnam, and you can check it out here.

Top Job

Research Analyst/Data Assistants

Sustainable Investment Research Institute (SIRIS)

What: Initially a short-term casual role followed by an ongoing permanent role.

Who: The positions would suit an undergraduate with a strong interest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and corporate sustainability issues. Ideally, some understanding of, or exposure to, international corporate governance practices would be an advantage. However, the most critical skill is a thoughtful, logical and analytical approach to the information and the capacity to draw sound conclusions.

Where: Melbourne CBD

Remuneration: $25/hr – casual rate

Applications Close: 27 May

See Careers Online for this job and many others!

Next Steps

Graduate Study Expo

The Graduate Study Expo is an opportunity for you to speak with staff from the University’s 20 Graduate Schools about their graduate coursework and research programs. Even if you’re not finishing this year, the Expo will help you compare your options and ensure you’re on the right track in your BSc. Find out more and register here.

Wed 11 May 4-7pm, Woodward Conference Centre, Melbourne Law School.

Like to know what it’s like to be a chemistry researcher?

Hear short and sharp snippets on the research that happens in the School of Chemistry. The presenters only get 2.5 minutes each and you'll hear them whizz through some of their best and most exciting research. Come along! It's never too early to start thinking about what to do with your degree. Find out more here.

Thursday 12 May 12-1pm. Masson Theatre, Chemistry Building.

A Day in the Life of a Doctor of Optometry Student

Thinking about studying the Doctor of Optometry? Come and hear current Optometry students speak about what a day in the life of an optom student is like. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about the course and the experience of the students. Register here.

Tues 10 May 12-1pm, Evan William Theatre, Richard Berry Building.

IT & Engineering Pathway

If you're a current undergraduate student considering IT and Engineering courses, there are plenty of opportunities to find out more. Book an individual appointment to have a chat with admissions staff during Tuesday lunchtimes. There will also be an information session covering how to apply for courses and available industry experience opportunities. Thurs 19 May 1-2pm, Brown Theatre, Electrical Engineering Building.

Application Information Session

Missed out on the application information session for the Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Optometry? You can listen to the session online to learn everything you need to know about the application system, GAMSAT and much more.

Schlumberger Employer Information Session

Schlumberger is recruiting heavily in the Engineering and Science disciplines for their work in the Oil & Gas industry. Gulf Cooperation Council Nationals (citizens of Oman, Saudia Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar) are invited to attend this information session on the industry and upcoming job opportunities. Register on Careers Online. Wed 18 May 12:30-1:30pm.

Scholarships

New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship

Are you an Australian citizen, aged between 18 to 28 (as at 1 January 2017), in at least your second year of undergraduate study, and have an academic average of at least 70%? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program.

This program provides substantial funding for undergraduate students to study and intern in the Indo-Pacific region. Over 100 generous scholarships are available to support students studying and living abroad for 3-19 months.

One of our own Bachelor of Science students Scott Gigante recently completed the program in 2015, studying at Fudan University, Shanghai. While in China, Scott took part in many extracurricular activities, including racing for Shanghai-based cycling team CHNO-Giant, competing in Fudan University Idol and becoming involved with the Australia-China Youth Association. Scott commented that the NCP “is a once in a lifetime experience that will provide you with unrivaled experiences and set you up for years to come”.

For more information on how to apply click here. Applications close Sun 29 May, so don’t miss out!

Sci-Comm 101

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 #3 Practice your communication skills

As a scientist, it is not only important to be able to experiment, research and discover, it’s also vital that you can communicate about science effectively. Even the most brilliant research is wasted if no one knows it has been done or if your audience can’t understand it. So commit to becoming the best writer and speaker you can be.

For the full story, click here.

Science in the Media

Farmed Salmon Hard of Hearing

BioSciences PhD student, Tormey Reimer, has found farmed salmon are 10 times more likely to have deformed earbones than their wild counterparts, raising animal welfare concerns.

Planting Trees for the Earth

The Earth Day Network aims to plant 7.8 billion trees by 2020. But is there more to it than that? Associate Professor Patrick Baker and Professor Rodney Keenan explain how tree planting requires a bit more thought and planning.

International Award for Bushfire Scientist

Associate Professor Kevin Tolhurst, from the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, has been awarded the incredibly prestigious ‘Ember Award’ in recognition of his research contributions to wildfire science.

BSci Tips

Here’s another set of handy tips from your fellow BSci students to help you succeed:

‘Immerse yourself in science. Live and breathe science. It can only serve as inspiration to do more than just swot during SWOT Vac. For example, you could follow current research and scientific projects that excite you on social media you already use daily.' –Eileen

Don't make a habit of avoiding social events. Completely neglecting your social needs will only have detrimental effects on your mental health AND your grades. Take time to have lunch with your friends on occasion, and work towards developing a balance between study and seeing your friends (or, combine the two by having 'study sessions' with your friends).’ –Jade

Drum roll… Congratulations to Eileen Feng for her submission above, you have won yourself a UoM Science Hoodie! We will be in touch soon to arrange collection.

Have some great tips to share? Email and let us know! The tips that get published will win a 2GB Science USB and our top tip will receive a UoM Science Hoodie.

To stay up to date between editions please like our Science at Melbourne and the Science Student News pages on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Until next time we are truly yours,

Science News