Science Student Centre

Science student newsletter

- Edition No. 10, November 2009

A monthly newsletter from the Science Student Centre

"The whole history of physics proves that a new discovery is quite likely lurking at the next decimal place."
- F.K. Richtmeyer

The Science Student Centre has moved to a new location in the Eastern Precinct (adjacent to the ERC).

1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is Leave of Absence (LOA) and how do I apply?

Leave of Absence (LOA) is a period of time your faculty allows you to take off from your study. While on LOA you are not a student of the University and will not have access to libraries and other University facilities.

Faculties may grant up to 12 months leave (two semesters). If you have started your course and want to apply for LOA, you should apply to the Science Student Centre in writing.

If you do take LOA from your course you need to be aware that the subject opportunities available upon your return may differ from those now. Check with the Science Student Centre for advice.

For international students, LOA can only be granted on grounds of illness or exceptional circumstances beyond the student's control. International students who are granted LOA for compassionate or compelling circumstances are not required to depart Australia and should contact DIAC for any queries regarding their visa status.

FAQ 2: What does an ‘S’ next to my result mean?

Students who apply for Special Consideration may be granted a Special Exam.

If you have been granted a Special Exam an ‘S’ will appear next to your result.

The Special/Final Subject exam period is from Thursday 17 to Tuesday 22 December. The Special/Supplementary exam timetable will be released on the SIS approximately one week before the exam period on the SIS Exam Timetable Service.

2. Key Dates: Semester 2, 2009

3. New breadth subject in 2010! Communicating Science and Technology

Interested in science and technology and how they are portrayed in the media? Want to learn how to communicate your ideas effectively to different audiences while improving your communication skills? We have the subject for you! 600-305 Communicating Science and Technology.

For more information, contact Dr Jenny Martin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Source: Erin Wilson, Faculty of Science

4. Re-enrolment

The re-enrolment process is the official method for students to formally advise the University of their study intentions for semesters 1 and 2 of the following year. It is also an opportunity to enrol in optional summer semester subjects.

Information to help you choose your subjects can be found using the Majors information.

New Generation students can visit Science Majors for specific advice regarding their majors.

Please note:

Timely re-enrolment period

26 October to 20 November (5:00pm) Re-enrolment period You must re-enrol during this period to secure your place for 2010.
21 November to 4 December (5:00pm) Late re-enrolment period (incurs a $250 late re-enrolment fee) If you miss the timely re-enrolment deadline of 20 November, you may still re-enrol by 4 December, however you will incur a late re-enrolment fee of $250.
After Friday 4 December 2009 (5:00pm) Cancellation of enrolment If you fail to re-enrol by 4 December your enrolment will be cancelled as it will be assumed that you do not intend to continue with your course.

Re-enrolment Process

Re-enrolment is managed via the Student Portal and you are required to complete the following three steps in order to be re-enrolled.

  1. Indicate whether you are interested in becoming a member of a student organisation.
  2. Accept the terms and conditions of re-enrolment.
  3. Select subjects for study in both semesters (if appropriate).

Please note: you will receive a receipt number upon the successful completion of each step. You must record these numbers.

Source: Lara Maia-Pike, Science Student Centre

5. Updated*** Science Majors in the New Generation BSc Degree

Detailed descriptions of recommended pathways to science majors offered in the New Generation BSc degree are now available. This site also features the BSc presentations from our Majors Expo held on Tuesday 15 September.

Structures of the majors, including summary descriptions of the third year level subjects within the major, are also available. New Generation BSc students should refer to the information on this website to assist in selecting appropriate second year level subjects in preparation for course planning and re-enrolment. Re-enrolment for 2010 commenced Monday 26 October.

Source: Kris Lakusa, Science Student Centre

6. Enrolment in December 2009 – Botany Subjects

The School of Botany offers a number of subjects taught outside the standard Semester 1 and Semester 2 teaching periods.

The subjects taught in December 2009 are classified as Semester 2, 2009 subjects. As the current course planning process via the Student Portal only accepts subjects taught in 2010, students interested in these subjects will need to either email the Science Student Centre directly or visit in person to complete a hardcopy Subject Change Form to have the subject/s added to their Semester 2, 2009 enrolment.

Subjects taught in February 2010 are classified as Summer Semester, 2010 subjects, and students can enrol in these subjects via the course planning process (ie via the Student Portal) together with other subjects they plan to take in 2010.

Please note, as the subjects are taught outside the standard Semester 2, 2009 teaching period and after the normal examination period, enrolment in these subjects is not considered a course 'overload' for the semester. Some students may therefore have a formal course semester workload of greater than 50 points in Semester 2, 2009 but specific permission for such an overload is not required.

Contact the Science Student Centre with any enquiries about the enrolment process.

Contact the School of Botany with specific enquiries about subject details.

7. Exchange Application Due Dates

Students should submit their exchange applications to their Faculty adviser by the following dates:

Please see the Due Dates information on the Global Mobility site for more information.

Source: Aaron DeBono, Science Student Centre

8. In2science Now Recruiting!

The In2science Science Peer Mentoring in Schools program is now recruiting interested students for 2010 to help inspire the next generation of science students.

The program places science-based university students in maths and science classes in government high schools as positive role models to promote enthusiasm and interest in these areas. Visit our in2science website to find out more.

Source: John McDonald, In2science, La Trobe University

9. Check your Expected Completion Date (ECD)

All students planning to complete their degree in Semester 2, 2009 should check their Expected Completion Date (ECD) via the Student Portal (Admin tab/Check my Enrolment Status). Your ECD is the date by which the University currently expects you to complete your course.

There are three standard completion dates:

If your ECD is incorrect please notify the Science Student Centre in person or via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (include your student number and 'Change my ECD' in the subject line).

Source: Karen Mecoles, Science Student Centre

10. KickStart Your Career Science: Links to Material

We had some great feedback on the recent KickStart Your Career Science program. If you didn't make it to the sessions, check out the link to the material covered including the employer presentations, on the careers website.

Source: Claire Ward, Careers and Employment

11. Writing an Essay for your Breadth Subject? The ASU Can Help!

If you'd like some advice about how to plan or proceed with an essay, information about referencing and academic writing, or feedback on your written draft, visit an ASU adviser in the Science Student Centre. Contact the Science Student Centre on 8344 6404 to make an appointment.

Source: Gayle McNabb, ASU

12. Information Systems Students: Pick up PSP Certificates

Pick up your PSP certificates from the 4th Floor, ICT Building.

If you haven’t already requested them, please do so from the PSP website or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Source: Karen Mecoles, Science Student Centre

13. Honours at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Parkville

Seeking an opportunity to embark on a career in cancer research at a world class medical research institute? Please go to our website <www.ludwig.edu.au> and check out the projects available in the following laboratories:

Colon Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
http://www.ludwig.edu.au/branch/research/colon-biology.htm

Epithelial Biochemistry Laboratory
http://www.ludwig.edu.au/branch/research/epithelial-biochemistry.htm

Please see the links to the Honours projects still available for 2010.
http://www.ludwig.edu.au/branch/students/honours.htm

For more information contact the Honours Student Coordinator.
Dr Maree Faux
e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Source: Assoc. Prof. Joan K. Heath, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

14. Honours/MSc in Physiology 2010

The Department of Physiology welcomes enquiries from students seeking information about undertaking the BSc (Hons) or Master of Science in Physiology in 2010.

Students should contact potential supervisors about research projects within Physiology laboratories. You can download the 2010 Honours/MSc information booklet (PDF) (including research projects, details of the application process and time lines).

Enquiries are welcome. Please contact:

Source: Lesley Robinson, Department of Physiology

15. Undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) through the Department of Ophthalmology

An exciting opportunity exists for an outstanding student to undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) through the Department of Ophthalmology at The University of Melbourne.

The Department is located at the Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, and is affiliated with the Centre for Eye Research Australia.

For more information please see our Current Projects page.

For enquiries please contact Dr Gwyn Rees (t: 9929 8363 e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Applications close Friday November 27.

Source: Anna Macrae, Department of Ophthalmology

16. CSPs available - Master of Information Technology and Master of Spatial Information Science

Develop and strengthen your IT knowledge by studying in the Master of Information Technology program, or learn more about the field of spatial information through the Master of Spatial Information Science.

Spatial Information relates to the timely and appropriate provision of information about the location of people, objects or sites and their relationship to others, while the Information Technology program will develop your understanding of IT systems and how to adapt and evaluate IT needs in a technical and commercial context.

CSPs are available in both programs! For more information feel free to drop into the Engineering Student Centre.

Source: Stephanie Mollica, Melbourne School of Engineering

17. Short Courses in Clinical Neuroscience Research and Neuroimaging

Interested science, biomedicine or psychology postgraduates are able to enrol in one of the master-level courses offered through the Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Neurosciences at the University of Melbourne in partnership with the Florey Neuroscience Institutes. Enrol in either one 10-day or one of two 4-day courses:

For more information contact: Dr Kathy Lefevere (t: 9496 2990 e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

More information on Clinical Neuroscience Research & Neuroimaging

Source: Kathy Lefevere, Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Neurosciences

18. Looking for Help with Writing Your Thesis?

If you are writing a thesis or research paper and would like some constructive feedback on your writing, or help with the drafting process, individual appointments with an ASU adviser are available in the Science Student Centre.

To make an appointment please contact the Science Student Centre on 8344 6404.

Source: Gayle McNabb, Academic Skills Unit

19. Volunteers for Research Project

The Department of Endocrinology at St. Vincent's Hospital is looking for volunteers to participate in a research project on the natural hormone cortisol. We are looking for men and women aged 18-65 years.

For enquiries, please contact Dr Caroline Jung (t: 0403 439 859 e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Please include your contact details.

Source: Dr Caroline Jung, MDHS

20. Sustainability Week 2010

Call for Ideas

The Sustainability Collective is seeking inspired and passionate individuals and groups to contribute to Sustainability Week, to be held in Week 4 of Semester 1, 2010.

Sustainability Week will showcase the interrelationship between the social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability. As part of the Week, we are organising a series of events, practical activities and lectures to promote sustainability on campus.

If you have a great idea that you would like to contribute, or an event that you think might fit in with the theme of sustainability, we would love to hear from you.

You can contact us at the Sustainability Collective website, or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Photography and Art Competition

The Sustainability Collective invites you to participate in the Sustainability Photography Art Challenge Experience (SPACE09)!

SPACE09 is a photography and art competition that aims to promote sustainability on campus.

Entries close Monday 7 December.

Source: Jonathan Ng, Student Ambassador Leadership Program ALG24 Sustainability Collective

21. Join the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life!

Wouldn’t it be amazing to camp out in the iconic Alexandra Gardens? The Cancer Council Victoria is urging students to take part in the Melbourne City Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life is the world's largest fundraising event. It’s a time to pause and remember those lost to cancer and celebrate the lives of survivors.

A 'tent city' will be created. Teams of volunteers will camp out, taking turns to relay the baton around the track. The day and night will be filled with entertainment, food, music, prizes and festivities.

The event will be held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or join our Facebook Group ‘Melbourne CBD Relay for Life’.

Source: Rebecca Lindberg, Melbourne Relay for Life

22. Ask Counselling

For anyone studying, this is a challenging time of year. Ask Counselling has a questions and answers website with an extensive bank of questions submitted by students. These questions cover all aspects of life including study, relationships, families, wellbeing and mental health.

Take five minutes to check these out and find inspiration, support and strategies to see you through the next few months.

Source: Loris Muir, Counselling Service

23. Go on Exchange with AIESEC

AIESEC is a non-profit, youth-run organisation that facilitates exchanges. It provides you with an opportunity to go overseas during the summer and work a professional internship. You'll be able to experience a different culture and see the world.

The opportunities currently available are:

For more information, please email us and we can set up a meeting with you: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Or come and see us at the AIESEC Melbourne Office:
The Spot, Room 02.023
Level 2, 198 Berkeley Street

Source: Henry Lim, AIESEC Melbourne

24. Volunteer with Ampersand Inc.

Originally founded by a group of Melbourne University students, Ampersand is a student run, non-for-profit organization with global, commercial and philanthropic affiliations. Our principal objective is to increase the accessibility of volunteering opportunities to young people. We also aim to provide society’s future leaders with the skills, experiences and challenges sought by today’s employers. More information can be found at the Ampersand Network website.

We are currently recruiting for general and specific project members. There are also opportunities for appointment to the Ampersand Executive Board of Management. Enquiries about the positions and the application process can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Source: Winnifred Antoinette Mok, Ampersand Inc.

25. ACS Foundation Scholarships

The ACS Foundation was established in August 2001 to encourage both private and public sponsorship of IT higher education and research projects.

See ACS Foundation Scholarship information about the two main scholarship programs available (WIL and GROW).

Source: Paul Lockman, Careers and Employment

26. Contributions to News for Science Students

We’re happy to help you promote your events and activities and get the word out!

So if you have an idea for an upcoming newsletter or you know of an event happening around university that you think other science students might be interested in, email and tell us about it! Please include your name, student number and email address.

Send your contributions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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