Science & Engineering Newsletter 2011

7NEWSLETTER FROM THE COLLEGE

OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

COLLEGE OF SCIENCEAND ENGINEERINGSEVEN STORIES: A student from each of the College's seven Schools explain why they

chose the University of Edinburgh

A WARM WELCOME: What you can expect from Accommodation Services

A NEW LIBRARY: Work begins on the new King’s Buildings Library

1Adomaviciute is

currently in her second year studying Ecological Science with

Management. She has been interested in how humans

interact with their environment since school. “I realised that

only by doing a degree in Ecological Science could I gain the

background knowledge and skills necessary to critically

evaluate data and have a sound opinion on what has to be

done to combat the environmental problems we face.”

The course has exceeded Justina’s expectations in many

respects. “We have had many lecturers that are truly

passionate about their subjects, thus making the classes very

interesting and inspiring. I didn't expect one could have so

much fun while learning about the natural world! Neither did

I expect that I would have so much freedom in choosing the

subjects I wanted to study.”

Justina has joined a number of societies including the

Ecology Society and the student journal Sylva; a journal

where students, graduates and staff can publish articles

related to Ecology and Environmental Science. Justina also

sings in the student choir which performs in many events

throughout the year.

Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful city notes Justina,

“just walking around and seeing all the beauty makes you

smile.” She also points out that the size of Edinburgh makes it

very easy to get around by foot or bike meaning that friends,

the University and the city centre are never too far away.

Justina has some sound advice for students arriving at

the University of Edinburgh: “Most importantly, be open. Try

all the new things you can! Get involved in activities you

haven't tried before and make a lot of friends. Make the most

of your time here and take the most out of the university

experience. Make use of all the academic support the

University provides and talk to your lecturers - they are

professionals in their fields and sometimes can tell you more

than books!”

Once she graduates, Justina wishes to continue studying

but has not yet decided what she will specialise in. However

she knows that she will take away wonderful friendships and

incredible experiences. In fact she says “I think I will take

away the best years of my life.”

GE

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NC

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Justina

www.geos.ed.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2647 Fax: +44 (0)131 650 2524 Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5060 Fax: +44 (0)131 650 6553 Email: [email protected]

2MATHEMA

TIC

S Erik Paemurru is halfway through his first year of a Maths degree. He decided to make

the move from Estonia to Edinburgh after hearing from other Estonians who had already moved here to study.

“When discussing my choices, Edinburgh was always recommended to me,” says Erik, “not only because

of the academic reputation of the University, but also because of how beautiful the city is.”

Erik has now been here for six months and has already settled into university life.

“I spent the first few weeks getting used to things like speaking another language and the cars driving on

the opposite side of the road,” laughs Erik, “but thanks to the friendly people and the warm welcome I was

given by the University, there was no problem fitting in.”

Erik is managing to combine both his studies and his social life. He has joined the Slavic and Baltic

Countries Society and the Maths Society, plays the piano, and has even found time to fit in some extra study.

“There are always possibilities to study more than in the curriculum,” says Erik, “lecturers and tutors are

very supportive and suggest extra topics, books etc. I love that we can ask questions on the material, either

during or after the lectures.”

To relax and take a break from his studies Erik enjoys walking, especially around Arthur’s Seat.

“It is very close to my accommodation at Pollock Halls,” says Erik, “and has a beautiful view over the city of

Edinburgh.”

It would seem that the recommendations Erik received from his fellow Estonians have lived up to the hype,

and now Erik is the one urging his friends back home to come to Edinburgh.

“Yes, they were all true,” he confirms, “I would recommend Edinburgh to anyone who thrives for

knowledge, loves cultural events or has an affinity for architecture.”

Erik leaves us with one final piece of advice for other students arriving in Edinburgh.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new! This is what the University is for – to find out what you are good at,

what you want to do later in your life, and to try things you might not get another chance to.”

3BIOLOGIC

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Iva Tchasovnikarova is in the final year of a four year Biology

degree. Originally from Bulgaria, she decided to study in Edinburgh due to the “excellent reputation of the

University.”

Has the University lived up to the hype? “Definitely,” says Iva, “it has provided me with a firm knowledge of

Biology which has helped me to secure a PhD place once I graduate. The past four years have been everything

and more than I hoped they would be!”

Iva has also been impressed with the city. “Edinburgh’s an amazing place to live,” she says, “it’s vibrant

and dynamic, a great place for students.”

Iva’s final year has been busy but enjoyable. Highlights include the Biology field trip to Firbush outdoor

centre and Iva’s honours project. “Firbush was an unforgettable experience,” says Iva. “It allowed me to spend

time with my fellow biologists. We debated the hot topics in Biology, while enjoying activities such as kayaking

and sailing. The lecturers also took part in all of the activities.” The outdoor pursuits of Firbush are in contrast

to Iva’s final year project, which is mainly lab based. Iva enjoys the variety that her degree programme brings.

“Getting some hands-on experience in the lab is an essential step towards a career in science, and gives you

a sense of achievement. It’s a perfect ending to my degree as the practical work affirms the knowledge I’ve

gained during the past three and a half years.”

What advice would Iva give to someone arriving in Edinburgh for the first time? “I would suggest getting

involved with clubs and societies, as they are a crucial part of university life. Edinburgh offers enough choice to

satisfy even the pickiest of tastes. Also take advantage of the city and travel around Scotland as much as

possible.” In particular Iva recommends visiting the Highlands. “It is one of those ‘must-visit-before-you-die’

places,” she says, “I would advise taking advantage of its close proximity to Edinburgh.”

What will Iva take with her from her time in Edinburgh? “Great friends, a lifetime worth of memories, and

an unforgettable atmosphere, both academic and otherwise.”


4Boyles is a Scottish student, currently in

his first year studying Physics. The University’s excellent

reputation in particle Physics research was the main reason

Fergus chose Edinburgh over other universities. He was

also attracted by the option to be able to undertake an

undergraduate Masters degree in Physics.

University life is something Fergus is enjoying very much.

He has joined the Physics Society and intends to run for

president next year. The independence Fergus has gained

has been important to him. “The freedom of living on your

own really cannot be understated. Granted, juggling the

workload of an intensive subject like Physics with a part-time

job can be tiring at times - but it forces you to develop good

working habits, and the satisfaction that comes with handling

a lot of work is well worth it.”

Fergus is enthusiastic about the academic support he

has received so far. He says the lecturers are, without

exception, really approachable and are always happy to

discuss material or answer questions at the end of lectures.

Fergus notes that the labs within the Physics

department are well equipped and lectures certainly have not

disappointed. Fergus remembers one lecture in particular

when a practical demonstration of the law of conservation of

linear momentum involved attaching a fire extinguisher to an

office chair and inviting students to ride it across the lecture

theatre floor by firing the extinguisher.

When asked whether he would recommend the

University of Edinburgh to potential applicants, Fergus replied

“Absolutely! Especially anybody intending to specialise in

Mathematical or Astrophysics, since the University offers

dedicated degrees in both disciplines. Additionally, for your

first two years the material on all Physics degrees is the

same, so there’s always the option to transfer degree”.

Although Fergus is only in his first year he already knows

that he wants to study towards a PhD on completion of his

MPhys. After that he intends to get a job although he notes

“instead of spending 40 hours a week in an office, I’d be

working in Physics research towards the goal of

understanding the universe!”

PH

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Fergus


5ENGINEE

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Sarah Brock was attending the University of Texas studying Mechanical Engineering and always wanted

to study abroad. Texas had recently started an exchange program with The University of Edinburgh. Once she

looked into the University - she didn’t need much encouragement to get excited about applying.

She says “I have always been interested in green energy and applying more environmentally friendly design

principles to engineering works, so seeing the University so involved in reducing its own carbon footprint, along with

offering a highly respected degree focused in Renewable Energy - I was hooked.”

What started out as a 6 month stay here as a visiting student soon turned into Sarah formally transferring and

enrolling on the 5 year MEng Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy course. “This move has turned out to

be one of the best experiences of my university career.”

“I absolutely love my course and can’t believe what a good fit the University is for me and for what I wanted out

of my undergraduate career. I am taking courses that I thought I wouldn’t be able to take for years down the line,

as undergraduate courses focused on Renewable Energy are few and far between in the States. The professors

and tutors I have had have all been so willing to help and it has really made my transition here much easier.”

It sounds like Sarah is adopting Edinburgh as her second home, “Edinburgh has the most amazing balance

between being a big city, where most places and shops are within walking distance, while still maintaining the

charm and feel of a small town. I constantly find myself thinking, I can’t believe that I live here! The city has

definitely become my home away from home and I’ve had friends and family alike remark about how hard it is not

to fall in love with.”

And what of some tips for this years freshers! Sarah recommends joining a society that appeals to you, which

will get you over that first hurdle of finding your ‘crowd’ of friends, as you will all share some common interest.

“I would also really get to know your course mates; this will be an invaluable connection down the line come

assignment or revision time and just makes attending lectures a lot more fun when you see familiar faces.”

Would Sarah recommend The School of Engineering at Edinburgh to potential new students? “Yes, a hundred

times over, the structure really does create that all-around university experience that most undergraduates are

looking for”

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5687 Fax: +44 (0)131 650 5893 Email: [email protected] www.see.ed.ac.uk

6INFORMA

TIC

SSuzanna


Sia Xin Yun was attracted to Edinburgh by the University’s strong reputation as one

of the top UK universities with the School of Informatics being renowned as one of the field leaders in research.

“I was also attracted by the flexibility to explore other courses before having to finalise my degree programme

in 3rd year. Also, I wanted to study both Psychology and A.I, which was offered as a joint honours degree

programme only in the University of Edinburgh. In addition, I had heard that Edinburgh was a stunningly beautiful

city (UNESCO world heritage site!), and an amazing place to live in.”

She remembers being determined yet uncertain on her first day. “I was determined to settle down well into

university, to achieve academic excellence, active involvement in societies and to have a fun, fulfilling social life. It

was a little intimidating to step into a completely new environment half way around the world from home. Everyone

feels nervous but ultimately it turned out so much better than my expectations.”

“I am studying Bsc Artificial Intelligence and Psychology and am enjoying every aspect of the course, even the

parts which I sometimes struggle with, for that is where most of the learning occurs for me!

Suzanna is currently living in a 4 person flat with friends that she met in first year at Pollock Halls. “We cook

together and socialise for hours in the living room, although we can always enjoy the privacy of our own rooms. It’s

been great fun and we’ve never had a dull moment since day one. I have gained much experience and confidence

and have certainly become more independent through living away from my family.”

The standard of teaching has really impressed Suzanna, “Many of the professors are at the front line of the

research field for their subjects and there is so much that can be learnt from them. In addition the lecturers and

tutors are very helpful and show a genuine concern and passion in our education. We also have a very

well-stocked library and extensive online access to scientific journals and e-books.”

Once graduated Suzanna will be off travelling and will then look into post graduate studies or starting her

career either in the UK or in Singapore.

Best of luck Suzanna!

7CHEMIST

RY

Samiko Takahashi’s love for Chemistry began in middle school when she experienced

her first science lesson in a “proper lab”. “Not only did the view inside the laboratory make my heart beat faster;

what I encountered in that room simply attracted my mind and has never let go since.”

Currently in her fourth year studying Chemistry with Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, Samiko has

relished all opportunities thrown at her. In her first year she was a member of several societies including Tango,

Japanese Language Teaching Assistants and of course the Chemistry Society. She is also now president of the

the International Student Centre (ISC) which aims to help make students’ time at the University of Edinburgh

truly unforgettable. “We organise events, trips and pub nights every week throughout the semesters. Our trips in

particular have been extremely popular”. Having outside commitments other than university work are very

important to Samiko and the ISC has definitely kept her excited throughout.

In Samiko’s first year she stayed at Pollock Halls of residence. Samiko feels this was a great experience

because her meals were provided but more importantly because “it definitely widened my social circle. The

number of freshers you are exposed to in student residence is immense and I met some of my close friends,

including my flatmates in Pollock Halls.”

Samiko felt a little intimidated arriving at such a big university. However these worries soon disappeared.

“My Director of Studies has been very helpful for the whole three years I’ve been here and he is the one person

who has guided me through from day one at university until now. Seeing him always makes me happy”.

Samiko thinks the Chemistry facilities are fantastic. “I was amazed when I first saw so many machines, so

many modern and well-maintained labs that were made available to the undergraduates.”

Once Samiko graduates she intends to go back to Japan to study a Masters programme. She hopes she will

be able to make good use of the skills she has gained so far.


Integrated Foundation ProgrammeThe College is delighted to unveil its new Integrated Foundation Programme, commencing September 2011. The

programme is aimed at high achieving international students from countries whose high school qualifications are

not currently accepted by the University of Edinburgh. If you are from the EU or other countries whose

qualifications allow direct entry to the University, this programme will not be suitable for you.

Reasons to choose the IFP:l An innovative integrated programme within the College’s first year of undergraduate study and unlike many

other foundation programmes does not mean an extra year of study.

l As the programme is integrated, progression from Year 1 to Year 2 of the degree is based upon successful

completion of examinations and continuous assessment, in the same way as for all other students within Year

1 of our degree programmes.

l Additional support is provided to all IFP students in the form of supplementary small group sessions. These

support sessions will take place alongside the normal class contact hours for your science courses.

Which degrees can I study?

The IFP is available for the following Honours degrees:

BSc Biological Sciences (UCAS code – C101)

BSc Chemistry (UCAS code – F101)

BSc Engineering (UCAS code – CH91)

BSc Mathematics (UCAS code – G103)

BSc Physics (UCAS code – F301)

What will I study?

You will be given a choice of study in two of the following subjects – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

and Engineering which will provide a foundation for many of the degree programmes available in the College.

These will comprise University of Edinburgh first year modules and you will attend lectures and weekly tutorials

with other first year students from around the UK, the European Union and other international students. You will

also study Academic English for International Students; a course which has been especially tailored for Science &

Engineering students.

How do I apply?

Applications for the Integrated Foundation Programme are made through the Universities & Colleges Admissions

Service (UCAS) in the same way as for all standard UG degree programmes.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete an online entrance test in one or two core

science subjects that are relevant to your intended programme of study. Once you have applied through UCAS,

we will contact you with details of this test and how to complete it.

You should also check if your high school qualifications are recognised by the University, in which case,

please apply through UCAS for one of our standard degree programmes. If you are not sure if the IFP is suitable

for you please contact us.

More information is available on our website at:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/science-engineering/studying/international/foundation/chooseifp

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have further questions or wish to check if the IFP is suitable

for you

Facebook “University of Edinburgh College of Science and Engineering”

IN THE

SPOTLIGHT!

Katie Thorne, Residence Life co-ordinator

within Accommodation Services is put through her paces!

Hi Katie, please tell us about Residence Life at the University of Edinburgh and what new

students can expect from the Residence Life team

We aim to provide residents with opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and experience different cultures.

One of our main goals is to ensure that the environment outside of the classroom is supportive and conducive to

learning. We help students by hosting events and identifying welfare concerns, leading to a true feeling of

community.

Many of our new students who arrive in Edinburgh are a long way from home – how does

Residence Life help them to settle in?

The Residence Life experience starts from the moment students sign their accommodation contract. Students

receive links to our e-Induction and contact from our team to join site facebook groups.

During Coming Up Weekend our new residents will receive a very warm welcome. The team is here to help in

any way we can, whether it’s helping set up a student’s internet, showing students around the city of Edinburgh, or

helping them to get involved with societies and opportunities offered through the University.

We host a multitude of events ranging from Open Mic Nights, Flat Swaps, Football Tournaments, Ceilidhs, Bus

Tours, and Traditional House Balls.

To see photos of past events and really understand the University of Edinburgh’s Residence Life Experience

please review our “Residence Life Experience” webpage which can be found through the Accommodation website at

www.accom.ed.ac.uk

You also come from a land far away – tell us about your background and your reasons for

moving to Edinburgh

I am originally from Vienna, Virginia which is right outside of Washington, DC. I attended Virginia Tech for my

undergraduate and master’s degree and then worked at a Randolph-Macon College in Richmond, Virginia for three

years in Residence Life and Housing. As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to spend a summer working at

the University of BOKU in Vienna, Austria. I knew one day I would want to return to an international setting and

Edinburgh seemed to be the perfect fit for me and I have absolutely loved my time since I arrived.

Do you have any advice for new students who will be joining the University in September?

Start the year with an open mind. It is important to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. Your

life at the University of Edinburgh is what you make of it. Life may seem a little overwhelming at first, but dive in

and enjoy! Your first year is a time for you to build character but remember that balance in your life is essential. In

order to have a good first year, get involved but make sure you have time to keep academics as your top priority.

I believe you have been keeping a blog during your time in Edinburgh – can you tell us a little

more about that?

Moving away from my friends, family, and comfort zone was a very hard decision to make, but working for the

University of Edinburgh was an opportunity of a lifetime I could not pass up. I started my blog to track my adventures

of living and travelling through Europe, and to encourage people to take the road less travelled. The American Poet

Robert Frost once said, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all

the difference.” I believe that throughout your life, you are presented with many opportunities, and if you are brave

enough to take the road less travelled you can build true character and experience things you may never have had

the chance to if you did not take the risk.

If you would like to check out my blog you can at www.roadslesstraveledbykatie.com.

Thanks so much Katie!

You are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation if you are a new single student

and you meet the conditions below:

l Your online accommodation application is received by 16 August in the year of entry to University.

l You are UF (Unconditional Firm) on UCAS by 30 August in the year of entry to University.

l You reside outside the City of Edinburgh.

l You are studying at the University of Edinburgh for the whole academic year, starting in September.

We guarantee only to provide an offer of accommodation to all new single freshers who meet the above criteria.

We do not guarantee to provide you with precisely the type of accommodation you might prefer.

For further information including a full price list and details of how to apply please visit our Accommodation Services

website at:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services

Join aSociety One of the best ways to meet new people at university is to join a society or club.

The Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) has over 260 student societies, not to mention a further

65 sports clubs, run by The Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU). The University of Edinburgh is the number

one sporting institution in Scotland and consistently rank within the top 5 in the UK.

Amy Woodgate, Vice President for Societies, encourages all new students to join at least one society. “Societies

are more than just groups, they are support networks,” says Amy, “they bring together like-minded people

through a shared activity, and are a great way to make new friends. They can also help you to learn new skills

and gain useful experience which you can add to your CV.”

“In EUSA, there really is a society for everyone - academic, sport, spiritual, charity or appreciation - the

possibilities are endless. So, whatever you're into, get involved! What’s more, if you don’t see a society that

interests you but have a passion you wish to share, setting up a new society is really simple.”

The best way to sign up for a society is to attend the Societies Fair during Freshers’ Week. “This is a fantastic

opportunity to talk to current members of all our societies and to sign up to anything which tickles your fancy,”

says Amy, “the people you meet in societies often become your closest friends and are a great form of support if

other things get tough. If you miss signing up for something during Freshers’ Week, societies sign up new

members all year round. Simply search through the A-Z on the societies website for a group which interests you,

find out when the next meeting is and turn up! As well as this, there is another Societies Fair held in January, so

there are constant opportunities to try something new.”

The Societies Team are located in the brand new Volunteering, Societies & Charities Centre in Potterrow:

http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/societies/

The Edinburgh University Sports Union can be found at the Centre for Sport and Exercise on the Pleasance:

http://www.eusu.ed.ac.uk/

To find out more details about the library project please visit:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/estates-buildings/about/current-projects/kb-library

A New Library Science and Engineering students have something to look forward to as work

begins on the new King’s Buildings Library. The library has been designed to provide greatly improved space for

study and social purposes in an attractive and modern environment, and is another step in the process of

upgrading facilities at King’s Buildings for students and staff.

The King's Buildings Library will be a new, four-storey library

and learning resource centre, facing south across the green

centre of King’s Buildings. The library project includes land-

scaping work south and west of the new building which will

help to improve routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

It will be engineered to the best environmental standards,

including use of sustainable fabric, a green roof,

natural ventilation and optimal use of natural light.

The new library will provide students with enhanced facilities and will accommodate all needs, including IT and

e-learning services. Areas will be provided for both private and collaborative study, including seven enclosed

group study rooms. The ground floor will be a more sociable area with café facilities, while a rule of silence will

apply in the upper parts of the building. The nearby King’s Building Centre will be upgraded internally with a link

to the new Library so that it will continue to provide open access computer labs, study space and other services

to complement the new library. As well as this there will be an external roof terrace and the library will have

longer opening hours.

It is expected that the library will become a focal point on The King’s Building’s campus and inspire students to

remain on site, rather than having to travel to the Main Library.

The new library is scheduled for completion in summer 2012 and will be open and ready for use at the start of

the 2012/13 academic year.

To find out more details about the library project please visit:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/estates-buildings/about/current-projects/kb-library

Join a

COLLEGE OF SCIENCEAND ENGINEERING

Web: www.ed.ac.uk

Email: [email protected]

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

Newsletter Management: Catriona Child, Nik Dickson and Lizzie Mann.

Science & Engineering Newsletter 2011

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