Postgraduate Offer-holders
On-campus Taught and Research Students’ eZine
In this issue
AUGUST 2016
Chi Yan Hui Student, PhD in Population Health Sciences
“If I don’t cycle, I walk, I don’t take public transport within the city.” Page 1
Eurolife Postgraduate student exchange programme
“An opportunity to undertake learning and/or research in another leading European university.”
PART 2 Farmers’ markets in Edinburgh Academic tips Don’t study in Scotland without doing everything on this list! (part 2)
Welcome
In this issue
August is a busy month over here in Edinburgh and so are we with preparing for the start of the academic year. We are also trying to ensure everyone gets their postcard. You should have received yours already, but if you haven’t, don’t panic – you will receive it soon.
Welcome .......................................................................2
Wait no more, grab your camera and take a picture with the postcard! We can’t wait to see all your amazing photos.
News from around the University..................................4
Hello,
In this issue, we have prepared an inspiring interview with a PhD student studying Population Health Sciences, Chi Yan Hui who likes to be called Io. We also include an article about the Eurolife exchange programme, which offers the opportunity for a limited number of postgraduate students to undertake learning and/or research in another leading European university. We also have an article about Edinburgh’s farmers’ markets, which have become quite a tradition in the city. If you decide to go for a walk in Edinburgh during the weekend, the farmers’ markets are amongst the best places to go for quality shopping! We hope we’ve made you feel ready to start your studies and wish you good luck on your journey to the University.
See you soon, The Graduate School Team
Latest research news.....................................................3
Student perspective Interview with Chi Yan Hui, PhD in Population Health Sciences.........................................................................5 Don’t study in Scotland without doing everything on this list!......................................................................6 Academic matters Eurolife postgraduate student exchange programme....................................................................7 Helping your academic development...........................8 Social Discover the University community...............................9 Featured: Our Student Bloggers...................................9 Farmers’ markets in Edinburgh.....................................10
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Latest Research News Women scientists share passion for research
Fertility hope for children with cancer
Rocks chart Earth’s recovery from extinction
Female researchers from the University are to enthuse about their work at a free openair event. They are taking part in Soapbox Science, an international series of public speaking sessions. Its aims are to enable the public to engage with scientists, and to raise the profile of women in the profession.
Young people with cancer are set to benefit from a new service that aims to restore their fertility following chemotherapy. Scientists are freezing tissue from the reproductive organs of boys and girls as young as one, which can be re-implanted once they reach adulthood.
Scientists have shed light on why life on Earth took millions of years to recover from the greatest mass extinction of all time. The study provides fresh insight into how Earth’s oceans became starved of oxygen in the wake of the event 252 million years ago, delaying the recovery of life by five million years.
Read more
Read more
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Read more
News from Around the University Minister praises EU links
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Informatics expert joins Robot Wars judges
The Minister for Further and Higher Education has visited the University to highlight the key role that Scotland plays in world-leading research. ShirleyAnne Somerville MSP met researchers to hear first-hand about the work that is being undertaken through collaborative partnerships across the EU and beyond.
This year, the University’s programme of events is more varied than ever. From a concert in tribute to Pierre Boulez as part of the brand new Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, to academics showcasing their ground breaking research as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, the University of Edinburgh is at the forefront of cultural events in the city.
A scientist at the University is making his debut as a judge in the new TV series of Robot Wars. Professor Sethu Vijayakumar, a world-renowned expert in robotics, will appear alongside veteran judge Professor Noel Sharkey and fellow judging newcomer Dr Lucy Rogers. Read more
Read more Read more
Follow The University of Edinburgh Although you have not arrived yet, you can be part of what’s going on at Edinburgh even now. Join here!
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Student Perspective Chi Yan Hui explains the reasons why she chose to study at the University of Edinburgh and recommends a place to visit in town. Chi Yan Hui, PhD in Population Health Sciences
My name is Io from Hong Kong and I am a PhD student in the Asthma UK Centre for applied research under the program of Population Health Science.
What were you doing immediately before you started studying? I worked as an engineer in a global engineering consultant firm before I started my PhD study. My main role was to design sustainable and intelligent electrical systems for buildings and home. Why have you chosen to study at the University of Edinburgh? I chose to study in the University of Edinburgh because the Edinburgh Medical School is a historic and world class school which provides rich resources and support to PhD students. I enjoy studying at a University surrounded by momentum and the castle - I believe it is a once in a lifetime, valuable studying experience.
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“I believe it is a once in a lifetime, valuable studying experience.� How demanding is your programme? I have a flexible timetable for self-study, on-campus classes, supervisory meetings and conferences. On average, I spend a few hours every day during weekdays and enjoy painting/other activities at the weekend. Tell me one place that you recommend students visit in Edinburgh. I recommend the St Giles Cathedral for students – it is a historic Church in Edinburgh city centre and is located close to our School. It provides a peaceful and silent place for everyone.
Don’t study in Scotland without doing everything on this list! (Part 2)
Have a belting Beltane
Splash the cash in Glasgow
Or culture on the cheap!
A spectacular burning Viking long ship is just one of the things you may witness during this spectacular free pagan celebration to mark the beginning of summer on Carlton Hill.
Glasgow is only an hour away from the capital and has incredible shopping in places like Princes Square.
Kelvingrove is one of Europe’s Great Museums and the most visited in the UK outside of London. What’s more, like most other Scottish museums it is free to visit!
Hugs and kisses at Hogmanay
Be like Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express
Dare to dive into some deep fried chocolate?
One of Europe’s largest street parties brings in the New Year with the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle lit up by fireworks on the stroke of midnight.
The West Highland Railway has been voted the world’s most spectacular railway several times and if you take the Jacobite Express then you will be on the same train as used by Harry, Hermione and Ron. Watch out for the Dementors!
Tucking into a deep fried mars bar is something nearly everyone tries at least once even if they don’t really want to!!
Reaching for the top in Ratho
Always stay active (really active in fact!)
Breathing in the History of the Old College
The world’s largest indoor climbing wall is just outside Edinburgh at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
Perthshire is a great place to try out some unusual and exiting outdoor activities like Sphering which is a great activity to enjoy with a group of friends.
It’s easy when you are caught up with either your studies (or your free time!) to forget about the past. Whilst admiring the beautiful architecture of the oldest part of the University it’s good to remember some of the amazing figures who once walked here too. Charles Darwin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Alexander Graham Bell and James Young Simpson (Medicine link?) were all once students at the University just like you!
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Academic Matters Eurolife postgraduate student exchange programme The College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine is a member of the Eurolife consortium, which comprises eight European, research led, life sciences universities. Eurolife offers the opportunity for a limited number of postgraduate students to undertake learning and/or research in another leading European university, and to gain new contacts, skills and experience. Typically, Eurolife postgraduate student exchange visits are for up to six months, to undertake Masters level course modules and/or a research project. Normally each institution will accept exchange visits by up to two students from each partner institution per academic year. Eurolife student exchange visits do not incur tuition fees.
Why do an exchange? Increased choice of research topics and taught material; access to particular technologies or expertise that may be a particular strength in another Eurolife institution; enhanced professional and personal experience, CV and employment opportunities.
The 8 Eurolife universities are: The University of Edinburgh - College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; Karolinska Institute, Sweden; School of Medicine Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands*; University Medical Center, Gรถttingen, Germany*; University of Barcelona, Spain* Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria*; University of Strasbourg, France* . * = institution does not offer tuition in the English language
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Karolinska Institute's new lecture hall complex, Aula Medica
Leiden University Medical Centre
Academic Matters (continued)
Helping your Academic Development
The Karolinska Institute, Sweden http://ki.se/start The Karolinska Institute (KI) offers tuition in the English language for students enrolled in its Global Masters courses. It also offers accommodation on admission and good student support. Application deadlines are: 1 November for the spring semester, 1 May for the autumn semester.
Save this helpful Student Services guide
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland For information go to TCD’s home page www.tcd.ie and search ‘Eurolife’.
We understand that there is an overwhelming amount information available and therefore recommend saving this guide to have a point of reference, should you find yourself in a situation when you need to reach out for help. Download at this link.
Other Eurolife institutions Please use the enquiries contact below. Enquiries Postgraduate students interested in applying for a Eurolife study exchange visit should contact Paul McGuire, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine Office, email mvmresearch@ed.ac.uk by 1st October for the spring semester or 1st April for the autumn semester. Eurolife exchange students must be nominated by the Director of Postgraduate Research, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, with the final decision on admission to be made by the Eurolife University the student wishes to visit.
“An opportunity to undertake learning and/or research in another leading European university.” Page 8
Campus maps The University is a big place, but don’t worry – maps are available for each campus. You will be able to view where each building is, so you won’t get lost when rushing for your first lectures! You can also download pdf versions of the maps. Check out the campus maps here.
Talking ‘Eds Our PG students volunteered to share their experiences and top tips with you. You can hear their advice and tips on good study practice at this link. The short video clips cover key study skills such as time management, taking notes in lectures, essay writing, revision techniques, report writing as well as describing their main challenges and best achievements.
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aviour Animal Beh is on the dissertation s).“ African bird Read here Discover the University community through films, blogs and social media. Click on the icons below: A community where we encourage offer-holders speak to each other online. Click here if you are on a taught programme and here if you are on a research programme! Keep up to date with the latest news from the Postgraduate Office.
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We have our own channel and are adding student experience films all the time. Take a sneak peak at postgraduate life through our students. View our e-zines featuring interviews and key information for applicants.
Edinburgh city Farmers’ markets in Edinburgh by Brian Burgon Edinburgh has a great selection of farmers markets to explore. One of the longest running farmers markets within the city is the “Edinburgh Farmers Market� which you can find at Castle Terrace. This market is on every Saturday all year round from 9am to 2pm. You can pick up anything from wild boar burgers and smoked salmon to freshly baked bread or locally brewed craft ale. Valvona & Crolla also have a stall here, a main staple for foodies. You can enjoy all of this whilst you are treated to amazing views of Edinburgh Castle. There are also farmers markets in Leith and the Grassmarket on Saturdays starting at 10am to 5pm plus you can visit a market at Stockbridge at the same time on Sundays. Here you can find food and beauty products and other really interesting stalls.
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I would recommend looking at I-Papyrus 3-D cards which you can find for sale here, perfect for a special occasion. Some stalls are not a permanent feature so be sure to check that they will be there the week you are wishing to visit! If you are traveling to and from the City, then why not visit the Waverley Market at Platform 2 situated in Waverley train station? This market is on every Friday from 11am to 7pm and is always busy with people looking at the varied selection of products and gifts up for sale or even a quick snack before you depart on your trip. So what are you waiting for, get out there, explore and see what local producers are selling in the city!