BeSecenta Summer 2009

the heartbeat within us all.

SUMMER 2009

3T 'EORGE S 5NIVERSITY S UNIQUE COMMUNITY OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCHOLARS IS UNITED BY THE DESIRE TO HEAL ANIMALS 4OGETHER THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO TRANSFORM THEIR PASSIONS INTO PRACTICE s MILLION TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CAMPUS Courses and careers in science and engineering

s #LINICAL TRAINING IN THE 5NITED +INGDOM THE 5NITED 3TATES

#ANADA )RELAND AND !USTRALIA s &ACULTY AND STUDENTS DRAWN FROM AROUND THE WORLD s 5NIVERSITY 3MALL !NIMAL (OSPITAL AND &ARM

www.sgu.edu/svm 0800 1699061 ext. 280

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health care

Opportunities of working within the NHS

The Big Bang

Keeping a balance

See Science and Engineering come alive!

What’s the role of a medical engineer?

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Veterinary Medicine connects the heartbeat within us all.

3T 'EORGE S 5NIVERSITY S UNIQUE COMMUNITY OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCHOLARS IS UNITED BY THE DESIRE TO HEAL ANIMALS 4OGETHER THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO TRANSFORM THEIR PASSIONS INTO PRACTICE s MILLION TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CAMPUS s #LINICAL TRAINING IN THE 5NITED +INGDOM THE 5NITED 3TATES

#ANADA )RELAND AND !USTRALIA s &ACULTY AND STUDENTS DRAWN FROM AROUND THE WORLD s 5NIVERSITY 3MALL !NIMAL (OSPITAL AND &ARM

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Veterinary Medicine connects the heartbeat within us all.

SUMMER 2009

3T 'EORGE S 5NIVERSITY S UNIQUE COMMUNITY OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCHOLARS IS UNITED BY THE DESIRE TO HEAL ANIMALS 4OGETHER THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO TRANSFORM THEIR PASSIONS INTO PRACTICE s MILLION TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CAMPUS Courses and careers in science and engineering

s #LINICAL TRAINING IN THE 5NITED +INGDOM THE 5NITED 3TATES

#ANADA )RELAND AND !USTRALIA s &ACULTY AND STUDENTS DRAWN FROM AROUND THE WORLD s 5NIVERSITY 3MALL !NIMAL (OSPITAL AND &ARM

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HEALTH CARE

Under the knife

Opportunities of working within the NHS

This issue offers a slice into the careers of medicine and health. Thinking of a career in the NHS, there is a lot more than just doctors and nurses. How is modern day medicine protecting us and where would we be without it. Get involved at the British Science Festival and the Big Bang Fair and see what it’s all about!

4 NEWS

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What’s been happening in the big, wide world?

The Big Bang

Keeping a balance

See Science and Engineering come alive!

What’s the role of a medical engineer?

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GASES

Are the cows damaging our world?

NURSES

What it really takes to be a nurse in the modern day

The British Science Festival is here!

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THE NHSVeterinary WORK

AirManager helps keep our air clean and us healthy

CARE

Working in healthcare

26 Medicine connects

The mass opportunities available by working in the NHS

The various careers in healthcare

the heartbeat within us all. ENGINEER

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The role of a medical engineer in medicine x

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BIG BANG

3T 'EORGE S 5NIVERSITY S UNIQUE COMMUNITY OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCHOLARS IS UNITED BY THE DESIRE TO HEAL ANIMALS 4OGETHER THEY ARE Showtime! We welcome EMPOWERED TO TRANSFORM THEIR PASSIONS INTO PRACTICE

The Big Bang Fair 2010

s MILLION TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CAMPUS besenta is published by Educate Ltd, Arch 84 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE, 020-7902 1200. The opinions in the articles are those of the individual writer and not necessarily of Educate Ltd or any s 36 #LINICAL TRAINING IN THE 5NITED +INGDOM THE 5NITED 3TATES

associated personnel. Educate Ltd, the Editor and Publishers of besenta do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any personal opinions #ANADA )RELAND AND !USTRALIA therein. The paper used for besenta is made from sustainable wood pulp. To register for free copies of besenta, please logon to www.besenta.co.uk

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s &ACULTY AND STUDENTS DRAWN FROM AROUND THE WORLD s 5NIVERSITY 3MALL !NIMAL (OSPITAL AND &ARM

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Bringing you the latest and greatest from the world of science, engineering and technology!

BUNSEN BURNERS ARE REPLACED

BY ROBOT WARS GAMING AND IPHONES in the science laboratory

RoboCup 2009 scores.

RoboCup 2009 saw 2,300 participants take part in the world’s biggest robotic event.

Held at the Graz University of Technology in Austria, the spectacle saw robots of all shapes and types compete in a number of events – focusing on football - designed to highlight their technological prowess.

Both a highly entertaining display and a serious demonstration of training and research, the event serves to show the direction that robotics could take in the years to come and is used to develop artificially intelligent systems towards one goal.

According to Hans Sünkel, the Rector of the Graz University, the event was a “complete success…The RoboCup makes technology accessible and places the benefits of scientific developments in the spotlight” he said.

A popular event, RoboCup shows how cutting-edge technology can be fun.

Shape up A pair of UK graduates have invented

a new iPhone app which turns it into a personal trainer.

Created by cousins Jof Arnold, an Imperial College mechanical engineering graduate, and his cousin Benjie Gillam, who studied Maths with Physics at Southampton University, the device enables users to get feedback on the quality of their training routine.

The device concentrates on understanding acceleration and the part it plays in human motion.

Find out more at www.gymfu.com.

Top gear Industry crowns top UK automotive technician of the year.

John Couldridge, a 20-year-old who works for Inchcape Honda in Romford, Essex has been named as the UK’s top young automotive technician.

To win the prestigious title, a part of the prestigious Skillauto competition, he had to show superb diagnostic and repair skills on a variety of vehicles and systems.

Currently working on an NVQ level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance, John is on the Honda Apprenticeship Programme.

Skillauto is run by the IMI (The Institute of the Motor Industry) and aims to

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promote exceptional skills demonstrated by young people in the industry.

Speaking about the prize Lesley Woolley, who manages Skillauto, said: “Our congratulations go to John and the six other light vehicle technicians who competed in the UK Skillauto final. All the finalists have demonstrated the world class skill levels at which individuals now need to work at in the automotive sector, this re-enforces their status as professional engineers and delivers long overdue status and respect.�

Game on Students from the University of Bath have been using a car racing computer game to learn the principles of engineering.

The game, called Racing Academy, calls for players to design parts of a racing car, including the engine, gearbox and tyres.

Results from the exercise are now being analysed by engineers and psychologists at the University of Bath to see how useful or effective the technique could be to undergraduate students.

Mechanical Engineering Director of Learning & Teaching, Dr Jos Darling, commented: “The game has been designed so that the emphasis is on the

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engineering rather than the driver’s skill.

We also test their engineering knowledge before and after the game.

“We found that the game not only motivated the students to learn about engineering, but also helped teambuilding within the tutor group, which is really important in the first year.”

The project, which was funded by the Information Systems Committee and the University of Bath Teaching Development Fund, has won the Best Application of Gaming & Simulation to Learning Prize at the IMS Global Learning Awards 2009.

IT’S A GAS Gordon Brown has recently endorsed the British Gas Energy Academy in Leicester.

Emphasising the importance of apprentices to the future economy, and in particular the potential for green technologies, Brown highlighted 2,600 new green jobs to be created by British Gas by 2012 to roll out new meters.

He said: “You don’t need me to tell you

that apprenticeships are good for business and good for Britain. You know from your own experience the benefits they bring.

“I’ve just been meeting some of the young apprentices here at the academy, who were demonstrating low-carbon technologies like solar panels and the new ‘smart meters’ - and I know that only this morning British Gas announced the creation of 2,600 new green jobs by 2012 to lead the roll-out of these meters across the country, with many of the new recruits set to be trained right here in the town of Leicester.”

“Times are tough at the moment, but the economic slowdown must not be an excuse to slow down the pace of investment and reform - so on Monday the government published our plan for Building Britain’s Future and for putting us firmly on the path to a fairer, stronger and more prosperous society for all.

“A big part of that will be about seizing future opportunities for economic growth - investing in the skills and talents

of the next generation”. “That’s why we’ve increased government funding for apprenticeships to its highest level ever - more than £1 billion this year - and why, at the start of the year, we announced an extra £140 million to deliver another 35,000 apprenticeships, taking us to more than a quarter of a million.”

Times are tough at the moment

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salford university Profile

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

S

t. George’s University (SGU) is an international centre of education located in Grenada, West Indies.

Founded over 30 years ago, SGU gives students an internationally based veterinary medical education unlike that of any other university.

International Perspective St. George’s University actively explores and initiates worldwide partnerships and has drawn faculty and students from more than 140 countries. With this international focus, students are given the opportunity to develop the distinctive social and professional skills they need to practice veterinary medicine on a global scale.

Successful Graduates St. George’s University graduates consistently perform well on licensing exams, and hundreds of graduates are currently practicing in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the Caribbean. In the past two years, SGU graduates represented almost 50 per cent of all those in the United Kingdom who passed the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons statutory licensing examination.

Curriculum The University provides a number of entry options for students pursuing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

degree. Depending upon their academic backgrounds, students are provided an option to enter directly into the four-year veterinary medical program, or to enter the seven-, six-, or five-year program, which begins with the pre-veterinary medical sciences. Upon acceptance into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, students may consider a dual degree, such as the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health (DVM/MPH) degree.

SGU students have access to the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, which fosters program excellence and original research promoting collaborative relationships between internationally recognized scholars and regional scientists.

St. George’s University students complete their final clinical year of study at one of 29 affiliated veterinary medical institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and Australia.

true blue campus St. George’s University’s True Blue Campus is located on the southwest corner of Grenada, West Indies, overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. The growing campus city has recently seen the construction of more than 50 new wireless-enhanced structures, including a library, anatomy labs, dormitories, lecture halls and administrative facilities.

The university is home to over 50 student-sponsored organizations that range from science-oriented interests to sports to cultural. Students are encouraged to invent their own diverse campus experience.

SGU Faculty St. George’s University boasts a strong and experienced faculty. SGU is an international melting pot of scholars, ideas and cultures. The faculty hails from around the world, creating an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment.

Nobel Prize winners sit on the University’s academic board, and professors and visiting scholars hail from esteemed institutions worldwide, including Harvard University and the Rockefeller Institute.

Support Services Student Support Services are deeply ingrained into the culture of the SGU community. The Student Success Division helps students adapt their learning styles to various teaching methods with course tutorials, personal evaluations, and seminars in time management, study skills and note taking.

For more information on St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, visit www.sgu.edu.

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NURSING

The caring Kind Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and new technology. join us to find out just what it takes to become one

Name: Gaynor Williams College/University: St George’s Hospital London, attached to Kingston University Age: 25 Course: BSc Nursing There is no such thing as an ‘average’ day for a nurse. During the course of one shift you can experience new life, extreme adrenalin and some of the most extreme human drama you

could imagine…and during it all you need to keep a steady hand and a focused mind. And now, thanks to the expanding role of the nurse, you’ll need to keep abreast of the latest medical technology and treatment procedures. All in all, it’s a thoroughly 21st Century vocation. We spoke to Gaynor to find out more.

What made you want to be a nurse?

I did a volunteer trip to South America for

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NURSING

“It’s a useful thing and you can take it anywhere in the world”

half a year and was a first-aider for the team.

I got the opportunity to do some things over there that I wouldn’t have had over here. I thought that it was a useful thing to do and I could take it anywhere in the world.

So you waded in at the deep end. Do you think this was a good thing?

Yes, I think it was a good thing. Some people came straight from school and had no idea how much hard work it was or how serious.

The role of the nurse seems to have expanded massively…why is this?

Doctors’ hours are going down by law, so now we have nurse specialists who do minor operations. It’s also more academic now, rather than ‘learn on the job’. It gives more autonomy. Sometimes if a new doctor comes on the nurse will end up telling them what to do. Obviously their knowledge is there, but they may just not have the confidence.

Do you find the sheer volume of new medical technology daunting?

I don’t find it daunting. I went to an exhibition recently and there are so many new things that are inspired by nurses , that it’s amazing.

For example there was a commode designed for patients with Parkinson’s. It was designed by a nurse who thought ‘why don’t we have one’ and now it’s been made and circulated around the wards.

Has there been any major surprises?

My idea of nursing was A & E (accident and emergency) where it’s full-on and you learn quickly. My first year was not that at all. It was cleaning up bed pans and all the jobs that you don’t want to do.

But it disciplines you to do the minor jobs as well as the major jobs.

I also like the psychological stuff like counselling. If someone’s sick it can be to do with being depressed and what effect that’s had on them…that’s really interesting. Because the course is half academic half on placement, you get to see different areas.

Any idea what you’d like to do in 10 years time?

If not organising a ward or area, I’d like to get involved in social policy. I like the idea of changing things, like using nurse’s ideas more.

Finally, what kind of person do you think is suited to nursing?

What area would you like to specialise in?

I’d like to do A & E as you get to do a lot of prescribing and to be more autonomous.

It’s a caring profession, so that has to be an element of who you are. You have to be able to treat everyone with the same amount of respect no matter who they are. Also, you have to have an idea of what you want to end up doing, you have to be really dedicated. If you are not dedicated you will not get what you want.

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Focus on Radiography If you’re looking for a career working with cutting edge technology whilst making a difference to people’s lives then studying for a BSc in Radiography at City University London could be the answer.

Radiographers work at the centre of modern medicine using the latest technology either to investigate why someone is ill or to treat them when suffering from cancer. There are around 20,000 registered radiographers currently working in the UK, in a range of settings including NHS hospitals, private practices and clinics.

How do I become a radiographer?

You need to complete a professionally recognised degree level course. This is a pre-requisite if you hope to register as a radiographer. Your fees will be paid for by the NHS meaning less worry for you about building up debts whilst at university.

Diagnostic or Therapeutic?

If you choose to study for a BSc Radiography at City University Radiography encompasses two distinct groups. Diagnostic London not only will you be in the heart of the capital, you’ll radiographers use the latest technology such as X-ray, magnetic benefit from professional training placements in some of the resonance imaging (MRI), computed most prestigious hospital Trusts in the country. tomography (CT) and ultrasound to All based in the London and Essex area. Your develop detailed, high-quality images time will be split 50:50 between academic study of patients for the diagnosis of injury and on placement. This is essential for building “One of the best things about or disease. Therapeutic radiography up practical experience and understanding before the job is feeling like you are concentrates solely on the treatment of you start in full-time employment. cancer, using detailed imaging methods to really making a difference to pin-point key areas for treatment (e.g.

Your learning outside of placement will be done someone’s life. I also like the drugs, surgery or radiation) which can then via lectures, seminars and through clinical chance to work with some very experience gained in the Saad Centre , one of the be individually tailored and delivered.

Many patients require long-term treatment, sophisticated and cutting edge best equipped clinical skills centres in the country.

Learning is also aided by the use of WebCT, an so relationship building skills in the equipment”. – Elaine Dockerty innovative software system allowing students practitioner are essential. Across both specialist areas effective communication (Former Radiotherapy student to learn interactively, test themselves and view and the offering of support to both patients lecture notes. at City University London) and families is paramount.

The City courses combine the challenges of academic and practical study helping you to What sort of person does it take? develop the best of your skills in both an Academically you’ll need to have three A levels at grade C or intellectual and caring capacity. above; plus five GCSE’s at grade C or above including English, Maths and Science. Or if you’re studying for an Access to Science What are the career prospects and how much qualification and are likely to achieve 75% of available level 3 can I earn? credits you’ll be eligible to apply at City. On top of that you’ll also need: Starting salaries are around £21,000 plus extra payments for working weekend or night duties. Prospects for progression and � Good communication skills. You’ll need to communicate promotion are excellent with opportunities for postgraduate with patients of all ages and their families who may study and self-development courses allowing specialisation or sometimes be frightened or uncertain. At the same the move into management or teaching. Work can also be found time you’ll be working alongside doctors and other in the private sector and within industry research, development medical staff and training in both the UK and overseas as the qualification is internationally recognised. A specialist can expect to earn up to � An interest in the sciences such as anatomy, physiology, around £40,000 with post-consultant roles paying £80,000 plus. physics and leading edge technology � A supportive and caring attitude � The ability to be adaptable as radiography is a constantly evolving subject

Find out about studying for a BSc in Radiography Diagnostic Imaging or BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology at www.city.ac.uk/radiography or call 020 7 040 5780.

� Good decision-making skills and to be quick and efficient

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you can make the difference BSc Radiography BSc Optometry

You're looking for something special. So are we.

If you've got a passion for science and technology paired with good people skills a degree in Radiography or Optometry could be for you.

We'll prepare you for a rewarding career as a health professional with excellent prospects as we're proud to have one of the best graduate employment records in the country.

Find out more about degrees at City at www.city.ac.uk/bescenta or call 020 7040 5780.

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VIRUSES KEEP IT CLEAN

SOMETHING IN T a

FINDING WAYS TO FIGHT INFECTIONS LIKE SWINE FLU IS BECOMING EVER MORE IMPORTANT, AND WE’VE FOUND SOMEONE WHO DOES EXACTLY THAT IN A NEW AND CLEVER WAY

W

e can’t see it, but it’s all around us. Air is vital to us… but it can sometimes carry infection and disease too. Now, with concerns over issues like swine flu mounting, there’s never been a better time for a good idea to help make air cleaner. Luckily, we’ve found someone who has had a great idea.

David Hallam, the man behind AirManager, is on a mission to give us all cleaner, healthier air and he thinks he’s found out exactly how to do it.

From looking around at what existed already, and what was wrong with them, David came up with a new approach called CCFT (Close Couple Field Technology). Basically, AirManager creates a safe electrical field that breaks down and kills airborne pathogens, contaminants and toxins. We spoke to David to find out more.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA FOR AIRMANAGER? I’d looked at the normal processes that were available for cleaning and sterilising air. They were either passive, in the form of filters, or they used ultraviolet light which was ineffective or could even make the situation worse by mutating viruses.

I also looked at ionisers, but the problem with these is that they take the problem out of the air and drop it onto every horizontal surface. In the case of a hospital, that includes the patient.

THE NHS RUN A PROGRAMME CALLED SMART SOLUTIONS WHICH WAS SET UP TO HELP COMBAT HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS. AIRMANAGER HAS BEEN

AirManager creates a safe electrical field that breaks down and kills airborne pathogens

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VIRUSES

N THE AIR CHOSEN FOR TRIAL USE IN HOSPITALS. HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT? The Smart Solutions panel were concerned that many hospitals had a knee-jerk reaction to the problems of healthcare acquired infections. They were going out and buying all sorts of kit, most of which didn’t work. They started a programme for which over 3,700 applied. This was then whittled down to 250. They then identified three companies who could supply a product to treat air, three to cleanse hands and three to deal with surfaces. We’re one of the three [for air].

SO WHERE DOES THE PROGRAMME GO FROM HERE? We’ve supplied equipment and they’re starting a project at the Royal Free in London. We’ve already been doing work with Bedford Hospital looking at C difficile (Clostridium difficile). As part of that project we’re going to see - for the first time in Europe - a full clinical trial over a year at four hospitals looking at the airborne route of infection problems.

For years infection control have said that air is not a route of infection, but it’s a transport mechanism that puts things where they shouldn’t be.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE AT THE END OF THE PROJECT?

HEADLINES SURROUNDING SWINE FLU, PEOPLE HAVE BECOME MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE AIR THAT THEY BREATHE? Yes. 10 years ago people didn’t give a damn about air quality. Now people have become much more conscious and understanding of air and air quality. They’ve had to following the increase of conditions like asthma.

I PRESUME THAT AIRMANAGER CAN’T GET RID OF RISK ENTIRELY? The main thing to remember is that I cannot stop you sneezing on me, but what I can do is reduce the element in the air that will cause it to affect other people around me.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR AIRMANAGER? I’m a biophysicist by trade and have worked in R & D (research and development) all my life. I’ve developed test engines for computers and control systems for machine tools, right the way through to designing paramedic equipment for use in treating things like muscle stimulation. My background is to be a problem solver.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT SCHOOL?

It will remove all contamination from the air…it doesn’t matter whether it’s bacterial, viral, mold spores or heavy metals. Our equipment – as we speak – is being installed on airlines to protect the cabin and cockpit environment.

I leaned towards engineering and sciences at school and it spread from there. I have an interest in understanding how physical aspects like electricity affect the body.

DO YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THE

SO IT SEEMS LIKE ENGINEERING HAS GIVEN

YOU THE PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS TO TACKLE MANY THINGS? It’s like little boys playing with meccano sets. But, there should be lots more girls playing with meccano sets because the engineers I have found that are female are invariably better than the males. My production manager is female. I’m actually setting up an apprentice training scheme because I can’t find the right technical people. For this I would much rather have women.

I have written extensive training programmes for the company here.

To prove the point, we took a lady who was a care worker who didn’t’ know a screwdriver from a hammer.

Within three months she could strip and rebuild any of the complex machinery we have here

AND HAVE YOU FOUND THE JOBS YOU’VE DONE REWARDING? Job satisfaction is superb. You design something and take it from the idea to something that is proved, tested and done. People like to be stimulated and get great satisfaction from…it even stops Alzheimer’s.

To get more information about Air Manager and how it is helping the environment visit: www.airmanager.com

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NHS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NHS

The Nation’s health SERVICE

working for the nhs can give you more opportunites than you could imagine. join us to see how you could help the country to become a healthier place 14 bescenta - your careers network 14 - 15 New Courses Subbed.indd 14

18/08/2009 15:35:10

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NHS

“There are around 52,000 scientists employed by the NHS, including physical engineerS and physical scientists AS WELL”

I

f you’re considering a career in healthcare, you’ve probably thought about the NHS. Scratch under the surface, and you’ll find a huge range of possibilities. In total, there are over 300 careers available, many of which focus on science, engineering and technology know-how.

From biomedical scientists and Cytogeneticists (experts in chromosomes) to clinical engineers and medical physicists, the NHS has a range of possibility you just won’t find elsewhere.

To find out more, we spoke to Julie Wardle, a careers consultant for the NHS.

When people talk about the nhs, they tend to think of doctors and nurses, can you tell us about some other things you can do with an engineering and science background?

There are around 51 healthcare science disciplines in the NHS, which makes for around 52,000 scientists employed in the UK…that includes physical engineers and physical scientists as well.

We try and make it easier for people to understand, so we divide them into areas like life sciences, physiological sciences, clinical engineering and physical sciences. You also got areas like pharmacy and the allied health professionals like radiographers. They might not see themselves as a scientist but their training would include a lot of chemistry and physics.

I’m presuming that the continued advances in medical technology means that this will be a growing area?

Yes. There’s been a lot of advances in technology, so it’s one of the areas which is exciting and challenging because it’s changing all the time.

What would you say the advantages are in working for the NHS? The range of careers options…also, the fact that doctors are often reliant on the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Something like 80 per cent of clinical decisions rely on the work of a healthcare scientist in the background. So, you’ve got that satisfaction of knowing that you’re contributing to the improvement in somebody’s health and wellbeing.

In terms of working conditions, you’re working in a team, it’s relatively well paid and there’s a good training programme and promotion structure.

So there are clear routes for career progression available?

Yes, it’s quite complex at the moment but there is something called Modernising Scientific Careers, where the Department of Health are looking to make that clearer. One of the things they’re looking at is career progression and sideways progression. That will be coming in the next few years.

It would be conceivable for someone to

start at an assistant level post with A levels or GCSEs and have a definite pathway to move from one level to the next.

Can you tell us about some of the training routes available?

Every year there is a Clinical Scientist training programme for graduates.

There are around 180 places nationally.

It’s a formal training programme where they are funded by the NHS and work towards a Masters degree. Through the practical training and experience they meet the requirements of their particular professional body and then – after something like 4 years – they can register with the health professions council as a Clinical Scientist.

In terms of pay, that means starting on band five (entry point for graduates, circa £24k) and then they can go up to Clinical Science band eight, where you could be earning £60k or beyond. As a Clinical Scientist, there are roles equivalent to a medical consultant, so you can reach a senior level through that programme.

I presume that you offer equal opportunities for women?

Certainly. I went to a meeting the other day and met a female apprentice who was working on a rehabilitation unit. She was doing mechanical and engineering training as part of that. She was very successful. This particular young lady was helping to design artificial limbs, which is very technology-led.

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GREENER FIELDS

ALL CREATURES

GREAT AND SMALL

a

MAKING THE LINK BETWEEN AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL CARE AND CLIMATE CHANGE, A DEGREE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE COULD PROVIDE YOU WITH YOUR ROUTE TO WORKING WITH OUR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS

S

o you love animals and you’d really like to work with them.

Great. One of the ways you could get involved is through a career in animal science. Not only do you get the hands-on experience of interacting with animals on a daily basis, but you get a solid grounding in understanding the science that makes them tick, as well as being able to make a positive contribution in the war against climate change.

FROM ENVIRONMENT TO NUTRITION A great way to start would be through a degree in Animal Science, like the BSc course run at Aberystwyth University.

The university, which is seen as a centre

of excellence in the subject, offers a three year full-time course combining science, production and management.

Covering everything from animals and the environment to nutrition, the course is a gateway to a whole host of possibilities.

To find out more, we spoke to Dr. Mike Rose, Course Director for the Animal Science scheme, and Professor Jamie Newbold, Leader of Animal & Microbial Sciences Research Division.

To start, we asked Dr. Rose to give us a broad outline of what a student could expect to find while studying on the course. “Fundamentally it’s looking at the animals used by man.

This includes farm animals, companion animals, horses and laboratory animals.

We cover their health, nutrition,

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18/08/2009 16:47:52

SLUG GREENER FIELDS

PROFESSOR JAMIE NEWBOLD - PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AT ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

parasitology, immunology, ethics and behaviour. Animal science, in common with most forms of medicine, has had some incredible technical advances in the last few years. How are students on the course prepared for this?

“One of the things we’re very keen on is that when our students go out they have an understanding of the newer technologies” explained Professor Newbold. “We introduce the students to advanced omic technologes like metabolomics, genomics and proteomics and how these apply to animal science.

I very much believe that - in the future when our graduates go out they will be bombarded with information generated through these technologies. They need to understand the underlying strengths and weaknesses of them so they can develop their careers as they move forward.”

PIONEERING RESEARCH Aberystwyth University is, in fact, at the very front of exploring new animal science technologies. Professor Newbold explains: “As part of the formation of IBERS (Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences) we’re undergoing a £55m investment programme that is bringing these cuttingedge technologies into our own labs to benefit our research. But it also benefits our teaching in that we aim to let the students interact with the cutting edge of where animal science is going.”

Although it may seem funny, the issue of animals and their impact on the environment – most prominently through methane production – has become a large issue in the animal science and environmental worlds. This is something addressed through the degree as well.

“The area of greenhouse [gas] is a big area of research for Aberystwyth University. We have a £¾m contract with

the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to measure and reduce emissions from ruminants (creatures like cattle, sheep and goats) so we’re fully kitted up to measure how much methane is produced by animals” explained Professor Newbold. “We bring that into the teaching in that we have advanced animal nutrition courses in the third year where we’ll cover that expertise.

DR MIKE ROSE IS A LECTURER AND THE ANIMAL SCIENCE COURSE CO-ORDINATOR AT ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY. HE IS ALSO THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE STAPLEDON SOCIETY (AN ONLINE FORUM)

MEASURING METHANE “I’ve currently got two students working for me who are making measurements of how much methane sheep produce and what effect feeding them garlicbased products makes. It’s funny, but serious. The average high producing dairy cow can produce 500 litres of methane a day. On a rural climate like Wales ruminants can produce up to 50/60 per cent of all methane. On a global level it’s up 4 per cent.

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17

18/08/2009 16:48:31

GREENER FIELDS

Greener pastures “A message that we want to get across is that it is a small figure compared with four-wheel drives, but it’s a figure that can be reduced.

The other message is that this 4 per cent of gases is a loss to the animal. The animal loses 10 per cent of its energy a day through methane, so there’s a win-win situation for the farmer. They can reduce greenhouse gases but also increase the productivity of the animal.”

Doctor Rose expands: “It’s not just about methane. Ruminants consume large amounts of concentrate protein. Ongoing Research is looking to see how you can make the ruminants use of that protein more efficient. On order that more nitrogen can be kept as milk or meat and that less is lost as urine or faeces.”

Professor Newbold goes on to explain how energy – now going to waste through animal gas – could potentially be used for providing energy in the future: “We do have a degree of interest in developing alternative fuel sources through anaerobic digestion (the process by which biodegradable material is broken down without oxygen.”

“Looking forward, I think that on-farm energy generation using faecal matter will become common. Optimistically, I hope that we can reduce the direct emissions significantly in 10 years.”

Animal Science is obviously a varied,

challenging and rewarding programme to pursue…so what kind of potential students are the course leaders looking for? “They come with three A-levels, usually 2 sciences and we absolutely ask for a grade C in biology” explains Doctor Rose. “We want someone who is engaged and interested in real problems” he continues.

Professor Newbold expands: “Our course focuses on the animals that man uses and those are - by definition - the ones that will impact on the global challenges of climate change, food security and water supply. It’s students that are interested in these areas and are interested in finding sustainable solutions to these problems.”

out into the world After graduation life looks rosy for students who took the course, with an incredibly wide range of jobs and further education open to them. Explaining their options, Doctor Rose said: “Out of 30 students on the course, I’d say about 3 or so students would do PhDs and then go on to do research. A number of our students (maybe 2 or 3) use the degree as a way of getting into veterinary science.

Maybe they didn’t get the A levels that they wanted and therefore do animal science, so if they perform sufficiently well they can use this to gain entry into vet schools.

“In addition to that, the feed and pet industries are crying out for animal

nutritionists. The pharmaceutical industries and welfare organisations also employ animal scientists. We’ve got animal scientists employed in a number of government organisations like Defra, the Health and Safety Executive and the Food Standards Agency. A number of animal scientists also go on to become biology teachers. We find that most of our graduates do what they want to do within 6 months of leaving here.”

But what are the personal qualities that attract students to the course? “The thing that motivates most of our students is that they like animals. Yes, they want to see the welfare of animals maximised and production made more efficient, but animal welfare is what most of our students are interested in” explained Doctor Rose. And how well can animal scientist graduates expect to be paid?

“It depends” says Doctor Rose. “If you want to become an animal nutritionist then that can be very well paid indeed.

Relatively speaking, there are very few people who have a good understanding of it and are able to get involved. Because there are few, the salaries paid are relatively high.”

So, if animal care is your thing, and you want a solid, substantial understanding that can take you in many directions, animal science could be your thing.

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18/08/2009 16:48:52

salford university

A NEW KIND OF PHYSICS Salford University to pioneer new UK physics course The University of Salford is to be the first higher education institution in the UK to pilot a new kind of physics degree which aims to make learning more relevant to real life, and students more attractive to employers.

Salford has been working in conjunction with the Institute of Physics (IOP) and funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) , to design and launch the new physics course which will be studied by students at Salford.

PILOT PROJECT The new course will see professionals including those from the nuclear, medical, teaching and renewable energy sectors, delivering regular seminars to

the students, using real-life, problembased learning.

The aim of the pilot project is for the University of Salford to pioneer a new ‘template for physics’; to attract a new range of very able students to the subject, and to demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities for physics graduates. If successful, the outcomes and lessons learnt from the new course will be passed on to other universities.

Professor Ian Morrison, Head of Physics at the University of Salford, explained: “We want to change the way traditional physics courses are presented. We’re aiming to demonstrate that physics is a hugely exciting subject – one that is relevant to real life and that gets people jobs.

“We’re pleased to working with the IOP to design and pilot the new course and we’re looking forward to launching the degree to our students.”

Philip Diamond, Associate Director Education and Planning, from the Institute of Physics added: “I am very pleased that Salford is looking at new ways to deliver its physics degree. Physics provides an excellent grounding for a diverse range of careers and Salford’s approach should appeal to a new cohort of students who want to meet the challenges we face in the 21st century.”

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19

17/08/2009 18:53:04

SLUG IT’S SHOWTIME!

with over 200 events scheduled over the week, there will never be a Dull moment at the British science festival

THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

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IT’S SHOWTIME!

T

The british science festival celebrates everything that’s great about science. but why not go and find out for yourself?

™

he British Science Festival is one of the main dates on the science and technology events calendar.

Here, Ollie Christopher from The British Science Association gives us an idea about some of the wonderful things we can expect to find there.

The British Science Festival (formerly the BA Festival of Science) is one of Europe’s largest science festivals and takes place each September. This year, the festival is hosted by the University of Surrey in Guildford and runs from 5-10 September.

questions in our session on Supplementsthe good, the bad and the phoney.

In a similar vein, we cast a proactive eye over how diet can act as a disease preventative. Evidence has been found that eating diets rich in certain food can help people avoid the development or spread of diseases such as prostate cancer. To put the evidence into practice, celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson will be preparing some delicious recipes aimed at promoting prostate health.

HEALTHY LIVING

Of course, medicine wouldn’t be where it is today without the aid of technology, but what about in the future? To look at the issue of Britain’s aging population, we have arranged a panel of experts to investigate the public needs and expectations for the use of technology in the care, health and independent living in an ageing society.

And with the Olympics looming, our session on how technology can assist athletes will provide some key insights into the revolutions in sportswear taking place.

Trainers wear an MP4 player to monitor pace and record status, watches that measure location and shirts that monitor heart rate could all be regular features on the track. What will this mean for sport?

MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Bringing you the latest in science, technology and engineering, there are loads of events for everyone with thousands of people joining in with everything from talks and plays, to debates and hands-on activities.

What’s more, continuing with this edition of bescenta’s theme of health, the festival looks at how science and technology are changing the face of modern medicine.

Starting off with a more traditional view of the medical arena, join us for an insight into the crucial hunt for target molecules in disease treatment. Using innovative chemistry to identify desirable features in drug molecules, we take a look at how to create designer drugs in the epic battle for human perfection.

Moving over to something slightly more light hearted, we take a look at the lucrative business of dietary supplements. They promise to cure, enhance, and make all sorts of claims ranging from the mundane to the downright bizarre, but do they actually work? Are there any dangers?

Can you take too many? Or are they just a waste of money? We try and answer these

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE Finally, for something a little more abstract, we have a visual demonstration of how dance and art can explore the effects of medical technology on patients undertaking cancer, palliative care and infertility treatments.

With over 200 events scheduled over the week, there will never be a dull moment at the British Science Festival!

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18/08/2009 15:31:46

Interested in Engineering and Healthcare?

Want to design products and services that help others?

Why not think about a career in Rehabilitation Engineering?

BSc (Hons) Rehabilitation Engineering PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2009 ENTRY This brand new course from the Health Design Technology Institute at Coventry University, provides a great opportunity to get into this rewarding and interesting career. Rehabilitation Engineering is the application of scientific and engineering principles to address the needs of people with disabilities. Some of the technologies you will cover include specialised mobility and seating equipment, electronic assistive technologies and telecare, movement analysis, and aids to daily living.

To find out more, please call us or visit our website for more details.

Tel: 024 7615 8000 Email: hdti.info@coventry.ac.uk

If you have a broad interest in engineering subjects combined with an interest in healthcare science, this is an ideal course to provide a combination of practical and theoretical experience, including work-based learning through placements during your degree.

www.coventry.ac.uk/HDTI

A Multicultural Environment Name: Drupad Trivedi Age: 22 Year of Study: PhD 1st Year Course: PhD Why did you choose Middlesex University?

Middlesex had the course that best suited my interests, but it was the multicultural environment on the campuses that attracted me the most.

Why did you choose your particular course?

Because of the choice the course offered! The career opportunities after graduating in BSc Biomedical Science were very lucrative. I was also seriously considering postgraduate research, which Biomedical Sciences department made available.

Which aspects of your course did you particularly enjoy?

The seminars and group presentations were the most challenging but, at the

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same time, most enjoyable! They gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained from the lectures as well as to discuss my findings with my fellow classmates.

How did you find the course tutors?

They were very enthusiastic and vastly knowledgeable in their teaching field.

They were easy to approach and always ready to help!

How did you find the facilities?

My campus experience has been perfect! As I worked part-time not far from the campus, my studies and revision took place mostly on the campus. With its long opening times and flexible learning resources the library helped me most!

Are you involved in any extra curricular activities?

Yes, I was running Eureka Indians Society; for two years I was part of the Student Government body.

18/08/2009 11:23:06

JOB SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

THINK OF OTHERS as well as offering fantastic job satisfaction, working in healthcare may be your way out of the CURRENT economic gloom

I

f you’re searching for the silver lining in today’s gloomy economic outlook, you can probably find it caring for others.

And it’s not just about doctors and nurses, there are countless other exciting and challenging careers in health for people who are passionate about having a positive impact on the lives of others.

David Astley, Chief Executive of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, explains: “St George’s Hospital employs over 6,000 people, working in hundreds of different roles.

better healthcare “The NHS is continually changing in order to deliver healthcare that better reflects the needs and expectations of patients. As a result of these changes, many new roles have been introduced.”

Many existing roles have progressed.

Take the diagnostic radiographer, for example. These professionals provide a vital role in healthcare by assisting clinicians in the diagnosis of injuries and diseases, and contribute towards

establishing treatment plans for patients.

While most diagnostic radiographers carry out a range of procedures, they may specialise in techniques such as computerised tomography scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging which uses magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

prospects aplenty Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and longterm career prospects include management, research, clinical work and teaching.

Ricky Lawless has just completed his first year of the BSc diagnostic radiography course at St George’s, University of London.

He opted to do this because he “wanted to be part of the team that saves, rebuilds and maintains peoples’ lives.”

long-term careers “As well as emerging new roles, health professionals are also benefiting from excellent career development opportunities and better long-term prospects than ever

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23

18/08/2009 15:39:09

Allcle

JOB SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

before,” explains David. “Consider nursing, which used to be thought of as a low paid role with few opportunities for career development, but now offers lots of different career paths which can lead to rewarding, influential and well-paid jobs.

“Nurses can progress to advanced clinical levels and can even become nurse consultants, managing their own caseload of patients/clients. They can also progress to managerial positions within hospitals and other health and social care organisations.”

Increased opportunities have played a big part in renewed interest in health careers and this is reflected in university course applications. This year nursing courses have proved particularly popular, receiving 24 per cent more applications by the 2009 UCAS closing date than the same time last year.

St George’s, University of London is expecting more applications to its healthrelated courses through Clearing 2009.

Throughout the UK there have been disproportionately high increases in applications to study courses offering ‘hard

skills’, including the likes of nursing and subjects allied to medicine. “As these are the types of courses St George’s specialises in, we’re preparing for more applications through Clearing than in previous years,” Kenton concludes. “We hope to be able to offer applicants Clearing places on our courses in biomedical sciences, biomedical informatics, radiography, paramedic science and physiotherapy courses.”

Invigorating informatics Boon Yap joined St George’s BSc in Biomedical Informatics through Clearing in 2007. He has just completed year two and is finding the course ‘invigorating’. He is also looking forward to his future in the health sector. He says: “After graduation I could work as an Informatician, liaising between health care professionals to support patient care. Or I could go on to study technical genetic modelling and computer programming on an MA. “Right now, I’m hoping to apply for a medicine place at St George’s, with the aim of becoming a doctor specialising in informatics, but there are a lot of options open to me. I actually feel my current course is a better choice than my original one would have been – a happy surprise after all.”

Passionate about patient care Professor Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St George’s, University of London and clinician at St George’s Hospital, has been working as a clinician for almost four decades. And even after all this time he “continues to be passionate about this great service and making a difference to patient care”. In fact, his life-long passion has just seen him appointed a Knights Bachelor for services to medicine, but he explains that, knighthood aside, his work reaps “huge rewards of its own.”

As a leading UK provider of health education, St George’s, University of London trains over 3,500 medical and health care students. As well as degrees in medicine and biomedical sciences, the University also offers courses in midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography, paramedic sciences and social work in partnership with Kingston University.

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18/08/2009 15:39:31

Allclear courses extra

6/3/09

4:21 pm

Page 1

TRINITY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

The success continues...

Undergraduate degrees Business & Management Computing & IT Creative Arts & Humanities Early Years Education Education Social Sciences Sport, Health & Outdoor Theatre & Performance Theology & Religion Tourism & Community Development

01267 676767 www.trinity-cm.ac.uk

...it`s got to be Trinity!

‘‘

Great degree courses… fantastic social life… and a lot more!

Deciding what degree and where to study can be challenging. You’ll need to match the course with your interest; talent and career aspirations and you’ll also need to consider which university is likely to give you the best environment to help you to succeed.

Trinity… has excellent standards During last year the university has received excellent reports by both the UK governmentfunded Quality Assurance Agency on the management of the academic quality and standards of its degree programmes, and by ESTYN on its initial teacher education and training provision.

is a campus-based university All facilities, including accommodation, are on one campus, making it a safe and welcoming environment for students. The added value is the opportunity to develop additional skills and to become involved in many activities.

has great courses 98% of our students are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduating. Our degree courses are vocational in nature and students are given work experience opportunities, either as part of their programmes, or through work placement schemes.

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provides a supportive environment The pastoral care of our students is of paramount importance and we offer a range of services to help you to succeed.

offers a range of scholarships A number of scholarships and bursaries are offered as part of the College’s commitment to widening access to HE. Some are means-tested; others are open to all students who apply and include departmental bursaries, conference and travel, as well as work-placement bursaries.

Students from FE Colleges can also apply for the FE / HE progression bursary.

offers an excellent social life The Students’ Union has great facilities that provide a place to relax outside lectures.

Whether it be to meet friends or to enjoy the many events provided in the evenings, the aim is to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience of your university days.

The many clubs and societies mean that there are plenty of opportunities to develop interests and to compete in numerous sports.

My time at Trinity has been brilliant.

Everyone is really friendly and helpful and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.

The course is really interesting, covering a wide range of topical issues. We went on an educational visit to New Zealand in the second year which was a wonderful experience that will stay with me forever The resources at Trinity are good, there are a number of IT suites available, an extensive library and fully stocked Teaching Resources Centre.

Living on campus is an excellent way of getting settled into a new place. Facilities are good and the atmosphere is lively.

Joanne Gillespie BA Social Inclusion & Education Studies

18/08/2009 11:23:34

GETTING STARTED

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS WORKING IN HEALTHCARE OFFERS SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES AND PLACES TO START IT CAN BE BEWILDERING...BUT DON’T WORRY, WE’RE HERE TO HELP

T

he medical profession is really, really big and includes such a variety of jobs and possibilities for rewarding careers that it can sometimes be daunting to find your way in. Well don’t worry, as help is at hand. We’ve taken the opportunity to find out – on your behalf – what exactly there is out there. Here, we take a look at some of the avenues you can explore in the field of medical and health technology.

BIOTECHNOLOGIST You’ve probably seen the word ‘biotechnology’ bandied about but not been exactly sure what it meant…or maybe you do know what it means, but are unsure of how to find out more and become involved.

First things first, what does a biotechnologist do? Essentially, they know a lot about plants, animals and biochemistry and use this knowledge to solve problems.

For example – if you worked with the environment, you could use biotechnology to clean polluted water or land, or to look into alternative forms of fuel like biodiesel. Other areas you could work in include agriculture (working on animal feeds or developing crops), working in food technology (making preservatives), or working in medical technology studying human genetics, vaccines and general medicines.

Getting started Most biotechnologists will have a degree in subjects like bioscience, biochemistry or chemical engineering.

To get there, they will have studied subjects including chemistry, maths, biology, physics or combined sciences at GCSE level and will probably have two A levels including biology or chemistry.

Chances are that, once you’ve gotten a job with a company, they will have their own training programme as well (these can take as long as two years to complete).

When you become qualified as a biotechnologist your opportunities are very, very good. Not only is the UK the largest centre for biotechnology jobs and research in Europe (and the second largest in the world) but those companies report that they find it hard to recruit new people. In total, there are around 50,000 – 55,000 people employed in the sector with room for many more. Not only this, but it’s growing…and growing fast! Some people think that biotechnology will – in the coming years – be the fastest growing area there is.

CLINICAL ENGINEER Clinical engineers design and maintain the equipment used to treat and rehabilitate patients. This could be anything from wheelchairs to artificial limbs to replacement heart valves.

Being a clinical engineer is an

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18/08/2009 15:56:58

GETTING STARTED

‘TYPICALLY, THE DOORS TO CLINICAL ENGINEERING OPEN WITH A FIRST (OR 2:1) FROM A DEGREE ACCREDITED BY THE IET OR IMECHE’

incredibly creative and rewarding job.

Not only do you get to design and test cutting edge technology, but you also have the opportunity to work directly with medical professionals and patients.

Getting started Typically, the doors to clinical engineering open with a first (or 2:1) from a degree accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Likely subjects include electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical science or engineering and a subject like physics.

Once you’ve qualified, you could go to work in the private sector for a company that makes medical equipment, or alternately you could go to work for the NHS. If you do go to work for the NHS you could apply for further study on the Training Scheme for Medical Physicists and Clinical Engineers. As part of this, you would work towards an MSc in Biomedical Engineering or Clinical Engineering.

RADIOGRAPHER Radiographers are experts in using radiation in diagnosing or treating patients. The kinds of equipment and techniques they use include x-rays, radioscopes, ultrasound and magnetic resonance.

Radiography is typically broken

up into two areas, therapeutic and diagnostic. As the titles suggest, diagnostic radiography concentrates on diagnosis whereas therapeutic radiography focuses on therapy and treatment.

If you work in diagnostic radiography, your will be involved with creating images of the body so doctors can diagnose medical conditions on screen. If you specialise in therapeutic radiography, you will be focused on delivering treatment by x-ray or other radioactive approaches. Most likely you will work closely with medical experts to endure the most effective treatment.

Getting started Before radiographers are employed, they will need an appropriate degree approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). You will also need to know whether you wish to go down the therapeutic or diagnostic route. Your local NHS trust should be able to help you make this decision by arranging for a visit to a radiography unit.

To pursue either course, however, you will need five GCSEs (A-C) and three A levels (including a science subject).

Some alternative qualifications - an Access to Higher Education course, for example - may also help.

MEDICAL PHYSICIST Medical Physicists, as the title suggests, are physicists who specialise in working in healthcare and medicine.

Typically, they test and develop

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27

18/08/2009 15:57:21

GETTING STARTED

‘MEDICAL PHYSICISTS DEVELOP SYSTEMS TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT PATIENTS’

new medical systems – for example MRI scanning technology – to help in diagnosing or treating patients. They frequently get involved with training hospital staff to understand equipment and how to use it most effectively. Being a clinical engineer is an incredibly l creative and rewarding job. During the course of their working day, they may deal with electronics and lasers, as well as forming a close working relationship with doctors, medical physics technicians and radiographers.

with a postgraduate degree and/or some relevent work experience.

Getting started Medical physicists all have a good, solid background in physics with a degree in physics, applied physics, electronic engineering or a related physical sciences or engineering subject. To get there, they will have achieved at least five GCSEs (A-C) and two A levels, including either physics or maths. It’s not uncommon to enter the workforce

Getting started To get started, you should aim for five GCSEs (A-C). These should include science, English and maths. After this, you’ll be looking for at least two A levels, including biology and probably chemistry.

It’s worth checking with specific course providers, though, as some have bridging courses or will accept alternative qualifications.

MICROBIOLOGIST Microbiologists use their specialist knowledge to either help identify, trace and control disease or to create products – like medicine or food additives.

Other avenues could include safe waste disposal. During this you could be involved with ‘field work’, working in a hospital or in academic research.

AND THERE’S MORE… This only a small selection of some of the exciting, rewarding careers you could make your way into…there are plenty, plenty more. If you want an idea of some of the other areas you could make your bright new future in, you can find out more at http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk

You should aim for five GCSEs (A-C)

w

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18/08/2009 15:57:55

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medical engineering

hUMAN machine the human body is far from perfect. dr martin knight explains the role of a medical engineer and their role in modern day medicine

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17/08/2009 18:56:09

medical engineering

dr martin knight senior admissions tutor for medical engineering at Queen marys, the university of london

A

s people we’re all subject to wear and tear. But who do you turn to when things go wrong? Welcome to the world of medical engineering.

Like other forms of machinery, things sometimes wear out or need replacing in the human body. A good example is hip replacement. Replacement hips are designed by medical engineers. They are also involved in other aspects of medicine, for example scanning technology and dialysis machines.

Dr Martin Knight is the senior admissions tutor for the Medical Engineering programme at Queen Mary, University of London. We asked Martin for the lowdown on what students can expect if they study medical engineering there.

What kind of a balance is there, between biology and engineering?

For us medical engineering is about training good quality engineers to be able to work within a medical field. The students who come out of Queen Mary’s with their medical engineering degree are professional engineers. But it’s about applying those engineering skills to the medical field and the development of systems for the diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury.

What form of ‘traditional’ engineering does medical engineering most closely resemble?

For us medical engineering is rooted in mechanical engineering. At the school of engineering and material science we teach mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and medical engineering.

They have the common theme of being mechanical in nature.

There may be some courses elsewhere that are more based on the electrical side, but most medical engineering

degrees are mechanical in nature. Although we do courses on instrumentation and medical imaging, a lot of students are more likely to go into areas like orthopaedic implant design, areas which are more mechanically based.

Engineering is usually seen as being far removed from biology.

How much biology do the students need to know?

When they come in they don’t need to know biology, but when they go out they need to have an appreciation of biology. We can’t teach them all of biology and all of medicine, but we try to teach them enough so that they can get by.

We’re introducing a way of thinking so that they’re not scared of reading up about physiology. Some of them go right down that line and go into tissue engineering.

What kind of subjects and grades do you look for in prospective students?

We ask for high grades, our students have them. One of the problems is that people have heard of medicine since the age of four, but thought that engineers were mechanics that work under the bonnet of cars.

We ask them to have relatively high grades in 3 or 4 A Levels. The only one they must have is maths, as it underpins everything in mechanical engineering. We teach them the biology and medicine that they need in an applied way. We don’t give ‘pure’ anatomy cell biology lectures.

What are the options like for further study?

At the three year point, students can either choose to graduate with a BEng degree or

some students have the option to go on and do a fourth year and come out with a MEng degree. Some students decide that they want to come out with a BEng but want to do a more research based masters year, so they go on to the MSc. We also have other students who haven’t been through us who come on to the MSc.

After graduation, what kind of jobs do your students go into?

A group go into medical engineering companies who make implants. A few each year go to things like the NHS clinical training scheme for engineers. There are also opportunities in the government with the body that oversees medical implants.

Some others go into a fast track in medicine and others go into other engineering jobs. Because you come out with a degree accredited by The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, students can go into mechanical engineering jobs.

Do you think the field will continue to grow?

I think it will do, and one of the reasons is the ageing population and the expectation for a higher quality of life. People are going to want better implants to keep up the standard of living which they aspire to. That’s going to mean more jobs for medical engineers.

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17/08/2009 18:56:41

THE BIG BANG

introducing... the big bang Join us at the big bang, where science and engineering come alive!

This three day event is set to rock!

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we’re getting ready for the next big bang already, and we want you to join us

W

e’ve got some really, really good news.

We’re about to bring you an ever better mag and we have a fantastic new opportunity for you.

The Big Bang: The UK’s Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, which launched in March this year, is coming back…and it’s ever better.

If you made it to The Fair this year you’ll know how good it was. We spoke to lots of you and everyone agreed. It was a unique chance to see what engineering and science is really like and to ask the big questions of all the major players you could possibly imagine. From environmental engineering to supersonic cars and from walking, talking robots to the physics of football, there was the opportunity to see some fabulous shows and then find out how you could become a part of the great engineering and science adventure in the future.

HERE COMES the big bang magazine The next time you receive this magazine it will be called The Big Bang. Why? We want to make sure that you’re involved with the The Big Bang all year ‘round, and we want to bring you the best magazine (and website) that we can.

The magazine, alongside the website at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk, will be your opportunity to contribute to, share with and become a part of The Big Bang community as a whole.

What can you expect?

More of the same, but better. We’ll still bring you the inside track on the most exciting jobs, courses and careers we can find, but we’ll also be able to bring you a unique, insider perspective on The

Big Bang, the part you can play, and how it can all fit into your bright future.

The Big Bang in 2010 The Big Bang 2010 is set to be one of the biggest showcases for science and engineering in the UK. To be held at the fantastic Manchester Central (formerly GMEX) complex right in the heart of Manchester, this three day event is set to rock your socks off!

Your chance to shine The Big Bang will incorporate the National Science and Engineering Competition (see www. nationalsciencecompetition.org.uk). This is open to anyone between the ages of 1119, so if you have a bright idea we’d love to see you there.

The Big Bang will showcase the gala Competition Awards Ceremony on Friday 12th March where The UK Young Scientist and the UK Young Engineer of the Year Awards will be announced with a raft of other discipline and age specific awards being presented. The Big Bang provides the perfect opportunity for you to show your work and check out the latest experiments, innovations and discoveries made by other students and young people across the UK. With two dedicated school and college days - 11th and 12th of March - you can explore the amazing show floor, interactive exhibits, presentations, workshop competition finalist entries and theatrical extravaganzas. The Big Bang provides the perfect opportunity to explore, discover and experience the opportunities that science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers provide. Whether you are just finishing key stage two or moving on to undergraduate education, a gap year or

trying to find a job out there, you will be amazed by the weird, wacky, cool and downright awesome things you can do with the time you have.

With some of the biggest names in the industry at The Big Bang, this is truly the one-stop-shop for all your questions and an opportunity for you to get involved, meet new people…but most of all to have some fun.

The Fair will have distinct themed environments that allow you to delve into specific areas of your choice.

Including a strong focus on medical and pharmaceutical opportunities, this event will delve into the wide range of exciting careers you can have. You can find out about pharmacology, biomedicine, pathology and sports science - and much more - at The Fair.

Healthcare is one of the most important, exciting and growing fields in the country. Could you play a part? Is it right for you? Why not join us and find out? To help you, we will have the Careers Hotel at The Fair, so you can ‘check in’ and get the full lowdown on this and many other career options.

Even if you are not at university level yet but are taking your GCSEs or even A Levels, you can find out the best way to map your future to make sure you do the subjects that count.

It’s all about you The Big Bang is there to help you find out what career is right for you. Remember that choosing what to do will be one of the big decisions you will have to make in your life. If the right choices are made but with your help we can make it even bigger. Welcome aboard.

To get more information visit: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

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18/08/2009 16:40:09

PROFILE - DR MICHAEL CHAPPELL

how would you like to look inside someone’s head? well that’s exactly what some engineering scientists, like doctor Michael chappell do

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18/08/2009 16:42:55

PROFILE - DR MICHAEL CHAPPELL

ENGINEERING IN THE BRAIN Name: Doctor Michael Chappell University: Keble College, Oxford Age: 25 Course: Engineering Science When Michael says he ‘knows what you’re thinking’ he’s being entirely literal.

Michael looks at the ‘engineering’ in the brain to try and work out what makes us tick and to work out what we can do if something goes wrong

HOW DID YOU START WORKING IN THIS AREA? I came across it slightly by accident.

Once I had finished my doctorate I was looking for something to continue my engineering research that was interesting and I happened to come across the job I’m now in. There’s a group of engineers at The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford (a functional MRI Centre). The engineers have a very particular set of skills that they bring to the task. A lot of it is to do with image analysis and explaining how different bits of the brain might work mathematically. It’s taking the data from an MRI scanner and turning it into 3D pictures, but then getting into the detail.

WHAT KIND OF SUBJECTS DID YOU STUDY WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL? Maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. Engineering is a lot about maths but that little bit more applied.

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU STUDIED AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL, AND HOW YOU MOVED ON? Engineering Science at Oxford. When I finished that I specialised in electronic information engineering…analysis of signals and images. I then moved straight into a research doctorate, looking at how bubbles form in the

bloodstream of scuba divers. That took me into the medical area. It seems as if you’ve managed to work in a lot of exciting areas not traditionally thought of as being engineering…

Yes, the term engineering is used quite broadly but people frequently have the idea of mechanical tasks like building bridges or fixing cars. Engineering is actually about having a strong skill set in maths which you can apply to an enormous range of problems.

Many of the things I’m doing – dealing with the context of the brain – is the same kind of thing I would be doing dealing with fluids in a jet engine.

SO YOU’RE LOOKING AT PEOPLE IN A MATHEMATICAL WAY? There is an interesting, mixed group of people at the centre I’m working at, being led by engineers. We’re looking to see if we can explain how people ‘work’ and think based on some of the mathematical methods we might use to analyse data.

Can we understand the brain in terms of some of the things we’ve discovered in engineering? Is that how the brains works? Can we tease apart the processes that go on?

WHAT PRACTICAL BENEFITS MIGHT WE SEE FROM THE KIND OF WORK YOU DO? There’s a lot of obvious health benefits. You’re trying to understand how to measure and follow diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke. Can we understand how to treat and prevent them? There’s also the slightly more philosophical question of can we understand how the minds works? If we know how it works we know how it can go wrong.

WHAT KIND OF PERSON WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE TO DO THIS KIND OF JOB? You have to enjoy your subject. I quite liked the maths but I was also quite practical and liked Lego and things like that. I could take the maths and explain it to someone who wasn’t a mathematician (like a doctor) and make that link.

The desire to solve problems and a keenness to tackle something and come up with a solution matters a lot.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? There’s a great sense of satisfaction when you’ve discovered something new.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BE DOING IN 10 YEARS TIME? I’m going to stay in the university as I enjoy the research I’m doing…I want to carry on doing that. I suspect I’ll end up combining research with teaching.

Michael is a NOISEmaker. Find out more at www.noisemakers.org.uk.

If we know how it works we know how it can go wrong

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18/08/2009 16:54:17

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

Did you know that you can grow new bone synthetically?

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Everything you wanted to know From scanning systems to artificial skin, medical technology is taking us in directions people couldn’t have dreamt about beforeom What do you do when you feel unwell? Chances are that you go to visit your doctor.

While there, he or she will probably examine you using a number of devices (to gauge your blood pressure or temperature). And then, if you’re lucky, you’ll be sent home with just some good advice and maybe some medicine. If your condition needs a little bit more attention, then maybe you’ll go to the hospital and have some blood tests or scans done.

All of this is such a common occurrence that you probably take it for granted…but you probably shouldn’t.

Some of the cleverest people around have brought medical technology to a point that was unimaginable 10, or even 5 years ago. Now, we have a far better chance of getting to the root of our medical problems far sooner. And the future looks even better. Giant leaps forward with technologies such as telemedicine, biomaterials and intelligent medication – to name but a few – have taken us to a point where healthcare is one of the most dynamic, fast-changing and exciting, not to mention important, areas around.

Biomaterials You’ve probably heard of hip replacements, but did you know you could ‘grow’ new bone synthetically?

Engineers can design biomaterials – using natural or synthetic materials – to replace or ‘patch’ tissues or organs in the body. Sometimes, due to conditions like arthritis or an accident, the body needs some help in recovering. This is where biomaterials come in.

Biomaterials can be anything as basic as material for filing in a tooth, or as complex as replacement skin. The key factor is that they are compatible with the human body and can help it to heal.

Telemedicine It’s probably no surprise to say that doctors are very, very useful people and that we can never have too many.

Sometimes, however, there is a problem with finding one when you really need one. For example if you live in a remote part of the world, it can be big deal making your way to a doctor’s surgery for what might be a routine check-up or treatment for a small ailment. Similarly, in the event of an accident, the first few minutes are the most vital and there isn’t always a doctor to hand. This is where telemedicine comes in. Telemedicine allows patients to receive rapid diagnosis - and sometimes an actual medical treatment - by a doctor via the internet or phone.

In Uganda, for example, the government is working on a programme to provide health support for rural communities. Because of the remote nature of some villages there, many people do not have access to specialists.

To see if the wellbeing of their people can be improved, the Ministry of Health is piloting a project whereby mobile phones are used to make referrals and to gather and collate patient data

and histories. The systems could, for example, be used to collect and distribute information on childrens’ inoculations.

There has even been one case where a patient’s life was saved by a British doctor thanks to SMS medical advice sent to a doctor performing an amputation.

Prosthesis A prosthesis in an artificial extension used to replace a missing body part.

Sometimes, when people have accidents for example, they may need a new arm or leg. Whereas, in the past, these may have been simple inflexible rubber units, prosthetic limbs can now be incredibly sophisticated and allow users to do all the kinds of things they did with their original biological limb.

Robotic prosthesis, for example, can use signals from the wearer’s nervous system to activate biosensors. These then relay an instruction to a controller in the limb which make it move in the right way.

Scanning and imaging Scans and medical imaging can help doctors examine or diagnose disease without having to ‘open up’ the patient through surgery (which is called an invasive procedure). Think of it as a painless way to have a look inside.

Scanning and imaging technology has improved massively over the last few years and looks set to continue to improve.

Imaging technology works in a variety of ways. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for example, uses radio frequency waves and a strong magnetic field to gain an internal picture of organs and tissues.

Nuclear medicine relies on radioactive isotopes to find and treat diseased areas.

The patient is treated with radioactive substances with the resulting emissions being monitored and analysed to produce an image for doctors to use.

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18/08/2009 16:44:44

TECHNOLOGY

OUT and ABOUT Technology has changed greatly over the years. to see how it has you can visit one of a few museums around london

E

ver wondered how some of the latest medical technologies evolved, or where we’d be without them? Well, we’ve provided you with the opportunities to find out and to have a great day out while you’re at it.

Health Matters Located on the third floor of the Science Museum at Kensington In London, Health Matters is a permanent display of objects, interactive displays and films the explores how medical technology has dramatically changed the way we look at illness.

Covering both the home and the hospital, the exhibition shows how innovations, such as an iron lung built by car workers, and dilemmas, for example the MMR vaccine, have had a huge cultural impact on how we live.

How to get there The tube station nearest to The Science Museum is South Kensington, which is on the Piccadilly and District Lines. There is a pedestrian subway which runs from the ticket barrier to the entrance of the museum.

How much will it cost?

Entrance is free.

The George Marshall Medical Museum Based in Worcester, this fascinating series of exhibits covers the development of healthcare over 250 years.

Largely filled with memorabilia from

George Marshall, a local surgeon, the site also plays host to a chilling collection of death masks from executed prisoners. At the time of collection – the 19th century masks were collected to study shape and size of the head (the physiognomy) in an attempt to understand their wayward character.

How to get there By train, the nearest stations are Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Street. Buses are also available from the X22 and X23 bus services run between the hospital site, the city centre and the park and ride site in the north of the city.

How much will it cost?

Entrance is free. For more information visit: www.medicalmuseum.org.uk/index.html

London Museums of Health and Medicine Encompassing a network of over 20 museums, this group gives you the opportunity to see inside the vast diversity of health-related worlds. From helicopter emergency services to false teeth, it’s a comprehensive view of the historical and contemporary campaign against illness.

how to get there The museums are spread over a number of sites in the United Kingdom.

how much will it cost Costs vary from site to site for more information visit the site: www.medicalmuseums.org

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18/08/2009 11:09:43

Study at one of the top 10 Sport Science Schools in the UK The School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences is one of the oldest established and very best academic departments in sport and exercise science related studies in the UK. • 80% of research either world leading or at an international level, all staff submitted (RAE 2008); • Awarded an ‘Exemplary’ (the highest possible) rating for the quality of teaching and student support; • Excellent teaching and research facilities and BASES accredited staff; • One of the prime university locations for pursuing sport and outdoor activities.

BSc Courses - Sport Science - Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences - Sport, Health and Physical Education - Sport Science (Physical Education) - Sport Science (Outdoor Activities) For more information visit

www.bangor.ac.uk/sport or contact Admissions School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, LL57 2PZ Tel: 01248 388256 E-mail: shes.admissions@bangor.ac.uk

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18/08/2009 11:08:33

FOCUS ON BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AT MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY APPLY NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 Field work is an important part of the Biosciences programmes.

With brand new state of the art laboratories and some of the UK’s leading academic and research staff in the fields of Biosciences and Biomedical Science, Middlesex is now the number one choice for study in this area.

• BSc Honours Biomedical Science • BSc Honours Biomedical Science with Foundation Year If you have a science background and are interested in a career in hospital laboratories, scientific research or further study, find out more about these innovative courses. Good graduates in biomedical science are highly sought after, so employment prospects are excellent.

• BSc Honours Bioscience • BSc Honours Biosciences with Foundation Year A course embracing all aspects of living organisms, ranging in scale from molecules to cells and organisms, to entire populations and ecosystems.

• BSc Sports Biomedicine Develop the practical skills to work in exercise physiology, biochemistry and performance laboratories.

Find out more at an Open Day Biological and Biomedical Sciences are taught at our Hendon campus, with Open Days on 12 September, 17 October and 28 November 2009.

For further information on these and all other courses please visit

www.mdx.ac.uk/hssc Or call the enquiries team on

020 8411 5555

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