Online distance learning Offer-holder e-Zine: Dec 2012
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Latest University news Student blogs Support for online students
Welcome, This e-Zine is designed for students who have an offer with the University of Edinburgh-College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, to provide you with the latest College updates as well as further details on your journey to the University.
Hello, Welcome to the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine eZine for offer-holders. Congratulations on receiving an offer to study postgraduate by online distance learning at The University of Edinburgh. This eZine is designed to keep you informed of news from the College, as well as providing you with useful information related to postgraduate study. If you have any queries about any aspect of your application or programme of study, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best wishes,
Lauren Johnston-Smith Marketing and Communications Manager lauren.johnston-smith@ed.ac.uk
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Latest News Gene study could aid pig health Insights into the genetic code of pigs that reveal how the species evolved could improve the health of animals in the future. University researchers compared the genome or genetic make-up of domestic pigs with those of wild boars - from which domestic pigs are descended. The study, involving researchers from The Roslin Institute, found significant genetic differences between wild boars from Asia and Europe, which split from a common ancestor around a million years ago. (Read more) iTunesU To get you in the mood for online study, visit the University’s iTunesU site. Of particular interest are the Medical Detectives video podcasts, which cover topics such as stem cell research, stress hormones and heart disease, and how cats and dogs are providing clues to treating human cancer. It also features the University’s “Our Changing World” lecture series, which examine the global challenges facing society, and the role of academia in meeting these challenges. (More info)
Student bloggers Follow our student ambassadors as they blog about their experiences as postgraduate students in the College. Ahmed Khalil from Germany, online MSc in Internal Medicine
“Mayer-RokitanskyKuster-Hauser syndrome. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it has always been my favorite example of an eponymously named medical disease. It’s so much more fun than saying ‘Müllerian agenesis’.
Alex Hawkins from England, online MSc in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law
“All in all, an eventful and positive month in the land of cyber-learning. The first hurdle has been presented in the form of an interesting, relevant and challenging assignment – the outcome of which I hope to know in time for my next post – and my technological problems have been conquered.”
Are you ready to study online? Besides satisfying our academic and English language entry requirements, online distance learners should also make sure they are ready technically for studying online.
Technical requirements For many of our online programmes, you will only need access to a computer with internet access and basic software such as Microsoft Office. You should be confident interacting online and learning about new technologies. Some programmes may have more advanced requirements. Check with your programme team if you have any queries or concerns. Personal commitment You will need to be committed to independent study and have a suitable place to work in. Most online programmes take around 10-15 hours a week. But in return for your time commitment, you will become part of a diverse online network of fellow students from around the world, and will meet many new people through discussion boards, blogs, online tutorials and joint assignments.
Support for online students Online learning students are often balancing study around existing commitments and can be located anywhere around the world. At Edinburgh, we endeavour to provide flexible, tailored and, where possible, asynchronous support provisions for all our online learning students. Some of the support provisions available to you as an online learning student include:
• 24/7 Helpline services and technical support • Access to extensive journal archives and library catalogues, fully accessible online • English Language Support, e.g. ELTC resources and proofreading services • Academic and Personal Development resources, e.g. online, self-paced tutorials • Remote, email-based counselling sessions delivered through the Counselling Service • Potential for online access to the Student Disability Service, e.g. possibility to arrange Skype or email discussions regarding support related to your disability or dyslexia
Explore postgraduate through our films, blogs, & social media pages
Download College and University Apps!
There are two free apps that you should download to your smartphone, if you have one: •
The College App - UoE CMVM - provides applicants with useful information such as video guidance on accepting offers, and access to accommodation links, latest College news, student blogs, Facebook groups etc. The App is currently available for iPhone and iPad users only, but if successful will be rolled out to other platforms. We will be using the App to keep you updated on important updates leading up to matriculation and enrolment. So please remember to 'accept' the push notification request once you've downloaded it.
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The University App – U@Ed – is designed for current or new students and is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Students can view courses, notices, events, use the Campus Maps, check library records and financial details. It also features a Friend Finder so that you can see where your friends are on the campus, making it easier to catch up with people on the move.
Contact Details If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at: Postgraduate Office College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine The University of Edinburgh The Chancellor's Building 49 Little France Crescent Edinburgh EH16 4SB www.ed.ac.uk/medicine-vet-medicine/postgraduate
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