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Hi there,
In exciting science updates around the world, Costa Rica has been running on 100% renewable energy for two months straight, a Swedish University has served up the first ever CRISPR-Cas9 modified vegetables, and IBM’s artificial intelligence Watson has created a sci-fi movie trailer about AI (not creepy at all…). Pretty impressive effort, science.
Heard any amazing advances in science lately? We’d love to know about it.
You can now access your exam timetable online so study hard! 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 our BSci Tips below.
Are you thinking about completing an internship over Summer or Semester 1, 2017 for course credit? All the information you’ll need about the Science and Technology Internship Subject SCIE30002 subject is on this website. There’s still time to apply!
There’s lots happening in the coming weeks on campus, and we hope you make the most of the non-teaching period next week. Read on for upcoming opportunities hand-picked for you!
IN THIS ISSUE
Next Steps
Featured Scientist
SciComm Tip
Science in the Media
Opportunity
BSci Tip
Events
Go on exchange!
Top Jobs
2016 University Photo Shoot
Services
Next Steps
The university-wide program is available here. No need to register, but please arrive early to ensure your seat.
Missed the BSc and Beyond information session on Tuesday?
Listen to the recording in your own time here.
Maths and Stats: Course Planning talk
Tues 11 Oct, 1:00pm-2:15pm. Lyle Theatre, Redmond Barry, Building 115.
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.
Featured Scientist
Professor John Silke, Professor and Division Head at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
"In my lab we use a range of methods including biochemistry, cell biology, small molecules and genetics, to analyse the proteins that regulate both inflammation and cell death. This research will hopefully contribute toward treatments for inflammatory diseases like psoriasis, Crohns and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as on cancer treatment. There is surprisingly similarity between these two kinds of conditions at the molecular level."
Find out more about John’s research here.
Sci-Comm Tips
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 #10 Read your writing aloud
One of the best ways to ensure your writing makes sense and reads well is to read it out loud. This is a great way to notice missing (or misplaced) punctuation and sentences that are too long. Of course you can simply read your own writing aloud but there are also plenty of good text-to-speech tools to do it for you. In some ways, this is a better option because when we read our own writing we are less likely to notice problems. Here is an introduction to some of the best text-to-speech software available.
Science in the Media
Hope and grief for our environmental future
Professor Lesley Head, Head of the School of Geography, is tackling our sustainability issues from a different perspective. Find out how in this article.
Putting cells through their paces
In this article, read about the project that could help radically improve how we test whether a new drug will work and in the process save the medical industry hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Turbulence: Not as dangerous as you think
Many people think turbulence causes major damage or can even bring down a plane, but the truth should soothe nervous flyers. Read about it here.
Opportunity
Yenching Academy at Peking University
An opportunity for final year students to apply for a 1 year Masters program in China Studies at the Yenching Academy.
This specially designed, English-taught program aims to push the study of China beyond the boundaries of traditionally defined Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines. It creates space to incorporate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of program participants into the study of ancient, modern, and contemporary China, effectively acting as an incubator for innovative approaches to past, present, and future Chinese transformations.
The Yenching Academy enrolls approximately 125 new students from both China and abroad each year, to study, live, and learn together.
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to qualify as Yenching Scholars:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field, awarded no later than August 31, 2017;
- An outstanding academic record;
- English proficiency;
- A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement and social responsibility;
- Leadership potential;
- Interest in exploring different cultures, particularly those of China and the Asia Pacific region.
For more information go here.
BSci Tip
Thanks to Ben Howes for the following tips about the services available at the uni.
“Practise seeing key services, i.e. Academic Skills & Career Services, not only as excellent support networks when you're finding academia challenging, but as a chance to strive for excellence. You'll be amazed at the amount of students attending these seminars who want to build upon already great skill-sets.” - Ben Howes
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 tips will receive a UoM Science Hoodies.
Events
Gender Diversity and Science: Busting the Myths and Opening Doors
Gender inequality in Science has a big history that continues today, yet we all know now that gender diversity is a key to successful teams and organisations. So why does the inequality still exist?Come and join in the discussion, and how we as individuals, and as an organisation, can foster gender diversity in Science. No registrations needed. Fri 23 Sept, 1:00pm-2:00pm. More info here.
Science Career Conversations - discover where studying biology can take you
Come and hear our diverse panel of emerging and established professionals and alumni speak about how their study in biology transferred across a range of career pathways. There will be break-away workshops after the panel so you can ask questions to your chosen organisations. Thurs 6 Oct, 5:30pm. Register here.
MAP Startup Velocity
Want to start your own business but lacking the know-how? This one day intensive workshop by the Melbourne Accelerator Program is designed to give your idea the kickstart it needs. Presented by some of the best minds in the startup ecosystem, take the first steps towards making your startup a reality. Thurs 29 Sept, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Register here.
My Veggie Garden Rules
Competition will be fierce in this series of My Veggie Garden Rules (MVGR). Four new contestants don their gumboots and raise their gardening tools to battle for the title of MasterGrower 2050.
My Veggie Garden Rules is a ThoughtLAB-14 event where guests interact with the audience to collaborate on ideas, analyse evidence and dream alternative futures. Tues Sept 27 6pm. More info here.
Derek Denton Lectures in Science and the Arts - The Neurobiology of Art
Hear from Professor Semir Zeki FRS, Professor of Neuroaesthetics at University College London, whose work brings together the disciplines of neuroscience, cognitive science and the humanities to address deep questions of perception and interpretation. Tues 4 Oct, 6:00pm. More info and register here.
Go on exchange!
“I spent a semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and it was without a doubt the best decision I made while at unimelb. While in Europe I had amazing opportunities to travel and meet new people whose lives were so different from my own, but discovering the similarities amongst the differences proved to be my favourite thing about experiencing new cultures. And while the application process can be a little torturous, the moment you step off the plane it's all worth it. I couldn't recommend exchange highly enough.” - Recently returned Bachelor of Science student Matt Woolley.
Thinking about exchange? Register for a myWorld First Steps session through Melbourne Global Mobility (it is compulsory to attend one of these sessions if you want to go on exchange). Drop in consultations are also available at Stop 1 – The Gallery (G04 – Ground Floor): Tues 12:00pm-1:00pm and Thurs 3:15-4:15pm. Applications for overseas study in Semester 2, 2017 close on Sun 23 October.
Top Jobs
2016/17 ACCC/AER Summer Intern Programs, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
What: 6 week internships commencing between Dec and Jan.
Who: Eligible students who are completing their final year of study in 2017, have strong academic results and an interest in the work of the ACCC/AER are strongly encouraged to apply.
Where: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Remuneration: $44,830 pro rata
Applications due: Sun 2 Oct
Australian citizens only
*You may be eligible to undertake this as an internship subject – SCIE30002
See Careers Online for this job and many others!
Information Technology Graduates 2017, Inlogik
What: The Graduate Program spans over a 12-month period, with the view of full-time employment after successful completion of the Program.
Who: Suitable for those seeking careers in: Project management, Business Analysis, Software Development or QA/Testing
Where: Melbourne
Remuneration: $50,000 + Superannuation
Applications close: Sun 16 Oct.
All candidates considered including international students. Inlogik are only recruiting from UoM!
See Careers Online for this job and many others!
Horticultural Agronomist, E.E. Muir & Sons
What: Initially duties may include, monitoring for specific pest and diseases, deliveries, product development, receiving further product training or mentoring and other team duties at branch level.
The position may eventually lead to the successful applicant developing and managing their own client list.
Who: An expression of interest is sought from students who've recently completed their science degree and with an aptitude for production horticulture. A background or interest in tree crops, vines, vegetables, pests, diseases and plant nutrition would be helpful.
Where: Swan Hill.
Applications close: Sat 1 Oct.
See Careers Online for this job and many others!
2016 University Photo Shoot
If you or any of your friends would like to share your experience with prospective students and have your photograph appear in any of the University's publications, websites, presentations, advertisements and flyers, now is your chance!
We'll have a professional photographer on campus on 5, 6 and 7 Oct ready to capture student life first hand. If you'll be around on any of those dates, either in the morning or afternoon, we would love to hear from you.
To express your interest in the photo shoot, please fill in this online form which includes questions about your details (who you are, what you're studying, where you're from), a number of questions about your experience so that we can include quotes with your pictures, and a consent form so that we have permission to use the photos we will take.
Services
UniSafe app
All staff and students are encouraged to download the Safer Community Program’s free UniSafe app. UniSafe connects you 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, with links on the Safer Community Program website.
Break Free from Anxiety
Worry, anxiety and stress are common experiences that can get in the way of study, work and relationships. Learning some facts about the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that go along with anxiety and some practical strategies can help you manage anxiety and lead a productive, fulfilling life. Sign up now online to attend this free one-day workshop. Wed 28 Sept, 9:30am-4:30pm.
Help shape the future of your student precinct
The University is seeking input from current students to help shape the future of the proposed new Student Precinct at Parkville. Log in and participate at any time that suits you, and participate only in the conversations and topics that are of interest to you!
10 x cash prizes of $100, and a number of smaller incentives on offer. Interested in taking part? Go here.
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.
We also welcome your feedback about our BSci Newsletters. Let us know what you think by email.
Until next time we are truly yours,
Science News
