Uni brings science to our schools

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 25, 2011

The University of Adelaide’s Faculty of Sciences staff are teaming up with schools to improve students’ understanding of the subject and show young people how it can be applied to the real world.  Chemistry lecturer Dr Tara Pukala (pictured) has been working with Henley High School science teacher Jeremy LeCornu to trial the university-school partnership.

The Adelaide Science Partnering In Research & Education (ASPIRE) project was launched on Wednesday during the University’s Festival of Teaching & Learning.  This project will provide support for secondary science teachers and ultimately having school-aged students more interested in science.

To access ASPIRE go to the following link:  http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/aspire/.  To read more about the 10 Big Questions go to: http://ua.edu.au/sciences/10bq

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10 BQ – Migrating species hot topic

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 25, 2011

HOW will we conserve species diversity? As the world warms, the geographic ranges occupied by species are shifting and climate changes, how can we help species survive in and migrate across our now fragmented landscapes?

To read more about species migration go to Dr Thomas Prowse ‘s article at the Advertiser < Link >.  Dr Prowse is a Research Associate in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

To find out more about the Faculty of Sciences’ 10 Big Questions, go to: http://ua.edu.au/sciences/10bq

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10 BQ – Wheat for the world

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 25, 2011

How can we help to feed the world sustainably? We are currently facing a global food crisis and drought is the biggest contributor.

Many of the crops we grow, such as wheat, are dependent on natural rainfall to provide enough water for growth and eventually good grain production.

By investigating growth genes we aim to understand how to help wheat grow better and produce more food with less water.  In drought conditions, this may help alleviate a food crisis.

John Harris is a University of Adelaide PhD student at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG).  To find out more about how Scientists aim to develop wheat so that it can grow better and produce more grain with less water go to John Harris’ article < Link > or to read further on Faculty of Sciences’ 10 Big Questions, go to: http://ua.edu.au/sciences/10bq

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10 BQ – Power to moove us

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 25, 2011

How can we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?
Cows passing wind get a hard time for their contribution to climate change, but it’s burping that really expels the troublesome methane they generate.

To read further on how cow manure can help reduce use of carbon-intensive fertilisers, go to Rachel Crees article of the same title:  < Link >

Rachel Crees is a PhD student in the School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Adelaide. To find out more about the 10 Big Questions, go to: http://ua.edu.au/sciences/10bq

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10 BQ – Let’s talk about sex

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 15, 2011

*How did life evolve on Earth?

FOR life to continue and evolve, organisms must successfully reproduce.
Did you know that not all organisms do this in the same way?

Single cell organisms, such as bacteria, mainly reproduce using asexual reproduction, where the cell duplicates its genome (DNA) and then divides into two so that each cell has one copy of the genome.

To find out more as to why it is important for sex results in variation between parents and offspring, as well as the environment to go to Aaron Casey’s article in the Advertiser < link >.  Aaron is a PhD student from the School of Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, and the Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide.

To find out more about the 10 Big Questions*, go to: <link>

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Communicating Science

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 10, 2011

The University of Adelaide is providing a 2-week intensive course for Communicating Science from 2-13 July in 2012.

The course titled,  SCIENCE 7020 Communicating Science will be offered at a Postgraduate level however HDR and research students are also able to undertake this course.  It will provide an opportunity to develop and expand skills of communicating science writing, structuring articles and reports effectively to various audiences.

The course will be conducted from Monday to Friday over the 2 weeks, with 3 hour lectures in the morning following by a 3 hour workshop in the afternoons.

Talk to Us: For further information please contact the Course Coordinator:  Dr Natalie Williamson
How to apply: Phone the Student Centre: 08 8313 5208
Find out more: www.adelaide.edu.au/summerandwinterschool/

 

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10 BQ – Store green power with nanosience

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: November 1, 2011

Question: Where will the nanoscience revolution take us?

Answer: To curb climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, society must cut reliance on such fossil fuels as coal and oil and switch to non-polluting renewable forms of energy. For more information about this article go to:

[ Can you Believe it? article - Store green power with nanoscience]

This article was written by Dr David Huang is lecturer in chemistry and coordinator of the Bachelor of Science (Nanoscience & Materials) degree at the University of Adelaide.

To find out more about the 10 Big Questions, go to: http://ua.edu.au/sciences/10bq

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Record $44.8 million health funding for Uni of Adelaide

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: October 20, 2011

The University of Adelaide has today cemented its reputation as one of the premier health and medical research institutions in Australia after being awarded a record $44.8 million in Federal Government funding.

[Full Story]

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Chemistry Spectacular 31st Oct 2011

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: October 7, 2011

Chemistry Spectacular is an exciting stage show featuring a range of spectacular, thrilling and attention-grabbing demonstrations which will motivate, inspire and delight!

Our world-class chemistry experts will enthrall with experiments featuring sparks, explosions, bangs and flames – and you’ll also discover the captivating chemistry that happens behind the smoke.

As part of our celebration of the International Year of Chemistry this one-off event will appeal to everyone – the perfect Halloween event.

LOCATION: Scott Theatre, Schultz Building, North Tce Campus, The University of Adelaide
DATE:  Mon 31st Oct 2011

There are 2 sessions being held:

1st session:   1:00pm – 2:30pm  (Schools Show)

2nd session:  5:30pm – 7:00pm (General Public Show)

Please book now for this Free Event, as seating is limited – Tickets are General Admission (no allocated seating).

REGISTER HERE

PLEASE BE WARNED:  Some of the experiments are very loud and may produce some flames and smoke!

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2011 Postgraduate Symposium

By Stav Douventzidis | Published: September 30, 2011

The 4th Annual Postgraduate Symposium occurs next Wednesday and Thursday (October 5-6).   The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine expects all students (and supervisors) to attend where possible as this represents one of the many training opportunities the School provides for our Postgraduates.

The program is filled with many interesting topics and offers a unique opportunity for all mid-candidature students to explain their work and for the entire School to hear about the broad range of ground-breaking research going on here at the moment.

The venue this year will be the ‘Charles Hawker Centre Auditorium’ and both morning/afternoon teas and lunch will be provided by various sponsors.

The program starts both mornings at 9am and finishes at 5pm. There will be sponsored prizes and a social event immediately following the Symposium on Thursday 6th October.

For further information about the Timetable go to:  2011 Postgraduate Symposium

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