2015 1st year science survival guide
DESCRIPTION
Informal guide about studying science in your first year at the ANU in Canberra Written by science-based clubs and societies and compiled by the ANUSA Science RepresentativesTRANSCRIPT
Hello and welcome!
Congratulations on choosing to pursue your scientific dreams at ANU, you have chosen
wisely. We understand that the first year of uni can be a massive thing—it is simultaneous-
ly refreshing, exciting, scary, and perhaps stressful. To make your scientific experience
more enjoyable and less….lost, we have compiled this little pamphlet guide to hopefully
help you settle in to the uber-cool community of science at ANU.
We reckon that science people are the most awesome and friendly on campus, whether it
is students or lecturers, so never be afraid to ask for help. And if you see any of us around,
please come and say hi! We’d love to get to know you and if we can help you in any way to
improve your time at ANU, it would certainly make our day.
Be sure to join all the science societies at ANU on market day and come to the ANUSA
joint Science/Engineering 1st year camp—it’s a sure fire way to make lasting friendships
with your fellow scientists!
Best wishes,
Albert and Jasmine :)
ANU Chemistry society
Throughout the year the ANU Chemistry Society will host several events for our mem-
bers that will enrich their student experience beyond the lectures and labs. Together
with ANU Biology Society, we will bring you the infamous Lab Coat Party in the first se-
mester. Who would want to miss out on an opportunity to wear your lab coat out of the
lab and out on the town! We will host the annual Chemistry Ball in Term 4 including a
live band, DJ and crazy drinks package. Scattered throughout the year, at least 1 a
term, we will host social BBQs in the Chemistry courtyard for chilled lunching and
classy day‐time drinking. A new initiative started last year that we are keen to continue
are our Public Lectures. We are aiming to again have one per term and have speakers
from all the different parts of Chemistry involved.
We aim to bring Chemistry students from all year levels together, in order to foster a
sense of community and allow networking (AKA traditional passing down of lab reports
and notes). Membership is in no way limited
to chemistry students however, and we love
to see anyone with an interest in science,
meeting new people or just in a damn good
barbecue at our events. The 2015 Leader-
ship Team is here to answer any questions
you might have about the society or study-
ing Chemistry at ANU.
Feel free to shoot an email to chemis-
[email protected] and join our fa-
cebook group to keep up with all our events
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/145394672258397/)
ANU Biology Students society
Hello we are your Biology Society, here to bring the social to your science degree. We have an awesome executive team working hard to bring you regular social events (the big and the small) where you can make new friends, have some fun and have a break from study. It’s a great place to find likeminded scientists who could soon become a great study partner! We also have our own society lab coats and goggles (priced cheaper than the Co-Op) available at market day and throughout the year.
In 2015 we will be running a number of exciting events including; Biology Ball Bio nights National Science Week Fair Study nights with tutors Careers night Guest lec-tures And many many BBQs.
We are also teaming up with the Chemistry Society to bring you The Labcoat Party in semester 1!!
So become a member of the Biology Society for 2015
to gain access to free events as well as discounts to
the big social events such as Biology Ball. Find us on
Facebook (search ANU Biology students society) to
hear about current biology news, science career op-
portunities and, of course, all our upcoming events!!
For enquiries contact [email protected]
Fenner School Society
The Fenner School Society (FSS) is run by students of the Fenner School of Environment
and Society for all ANU students. Our primary aim is to encourage a sense of community
within the school and wider ANU campus. Our social
events are fun and a great way to meet new people.
Our field trips provide this also, along with an oppor-
tunity to gain practical experience and further our edu-
cation. Our career nights allow easy interaction be-
tween students and professionals from a wide range of
industries in environment and sustainability.
Come and join the fun at any of our events and enjoy being part of the best and definitely most easy-going area on campus.
For more information, email us at: [email protected].
ANU Earth and Marine Sciences Society
The ANU Earth and Marine Sciences Society is a soci-ety primarily focused on engaging students with fun and informative events relating to Earth (Geology) and Marine Sciences. This society aims to enable students
taking EMSC course codes for an avenue to engage the wider Research School of Earth Sciences commu-nity and their peers. Our events include BBQ’s through out the year, the occasional quiz night, a subject infor-mation night, Public lectures and most importantly Ge-oball. However if for some reason you love rocks and
are not studying the Earth Sciences we would be hap-py to share our passion with you by joining our society.
Contact us for more information at: [email protected]
ANU Psychology Society
The ANU Psychology Society aims to create a sense of community for students studying Psychology at the ANU. Joining our society provides you with fun opportunities to get in-volved in both the psychology school and ANU life, and also a chance to get to know your peers. We offer academic and social support, give advice and organize events for stu-
dents throughout the year. Some of these events include pancake breakfasts, pizza lunches, careers nights and our annual Psychology Ball! Come visit our stall during O-week to meet us, sign up, take a photo at our photo booth and get a goodie bag. We’re looking forward to
meeting our new members in 2015
For more information, contact us at
Cross Disciplinary Students Association (XSA) The XSA is a society specifically focused on promoting interaction and discussion be-tween the academic colleges of ANU. Together we aim to create a university experience beyond only the degree chosen, to challenge previous assumptions and expand ideas. Without these kind of open minded, explorative approaches, science and the world as we know it would not exist. Interdisciplinary work is key to pushing the boundaries of what we know into the unknown and undiscovered. From artists working with chemists to create 3 dimensional models of intricately detailed proteins to medical scientists incorporating in-digenous remedies into modern medicine. XSA is open to all ANU students and membership grants 24 hour access to the ‘XSite’, located above Gods Café (up the stairs on the right and around the corridor). XSite is comprised of a com-mon room and two study rooms, perfect for filling those gaps between lectures with interesting dis-cussion and free hot chocolate! Weekly discus-sion groups provide focused dialogue about cur-rent issues like the practical implications of time travel. XSA also runs events throughout the year including informal student lectures (XSACs) and hot chocolate parties!
ANU Black Hole Society The ANU Black Hole Society is an astronomy society run by students of the Australian National University in Canberra. A $5 annual membership includes access to many space related shenanigans including trivia nights, lectures from the rock-stars of astrophysics, observing nights with our very own telescopes, free pizza and even the occasional road trip. Join up for an ex-perience that is out of this world! For enquiries, contact [email protected] .
ANU Physics Students’ Society The Physics Students' Society is a student run society at the ANU. We run social events for physics students and those in-terested in physics (or in fun). We organize social events throughout the year, and advertise them on our Facebook group (search ANU Physics Students’ Society), so be on the look out (there will be food). We like watching movies and epi-sodes of Cosmos, playing with neodymium magnets and eating cupcakes. Also feel free to discuss interesting topics, ask for advice about courses or share exciting links on our Facebook group. Contact us at: [email protected]
ANU Science Society The Science Society of ANU:
Represent all Science students at ANU with the ANUSA Science Representatives on the Col-lege of Science Education Committee
Brings together all clubs and societies connected to the College of Science for a holistic uni-versity experience
Hosts a Bar Night at Questacon in Term 1
Hosts Science Ball in Term 2
Hosts the Science Careers Evening with the ANUSA Science Representatives in Term 3
Smashes non-science students at Ultimate Frisbee at the inter-society sports game and BBQ in Term 4
For more information, contact us at [email protected] , or visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sciencesocietyanu/info .
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL)
PAL sessions are designed to help you learn what the lecturers really want from you, to help you keep on top of the topics, and to train you in the skills you will need to survive uni. The sessions are run by second and third year students who have done your course, which means that you can learn from their mistakes. PAL sessions are available in a wide range of courses, including biology, computing, maths, physics and psychology. Check your wattle page or email your lecture for more information. If you’re struggling to under-stand topics, or perhaps are pushing for an even better grade, PAL is for you.
Chemistry Peer Mentoring
Chemistry peer mentors run informal sessions to help students with lab write-ups for both pre-labs and post labs. There are many different sessions per week so feel free to choose a time that suits you. These sessions are not compulsory but offer a whole lot of help. Ad-ditionally Chemistry runs small group tutorials several times a week to help with lecture content. These sessions are run by the First Year Coordinator, PhD teaching fellows or top-shelf second-year students. Both peer mentoring and tutorial sessions run in the chemistry drop in centre, in the new chemistry building next to Hancock Library. Peer mentoring is a brilliant idea as it means by the time you get to exams you've already done 6 hours of intense study focusing on exactly what will be on the exam! It is fantastic to re-enforce concepts and calculations covered in lectures and allows you to clarify anything confusing.
Course Enquiries and Selection Help
Not quite sure what you want to study this semester? Or not quite sure of the require-ments you have to fill? Use the enquires email ([email protected]) or call on 6125 2809 and ask to talk to a sub dean about degree planning or course selection. The science enquiries office is located in level 2 of the Peter Baume Building and the staff there are a valuable source of information for anything regarding your science degree.
Coordinators and Lecturers
Every course has a course coordinator, and they will usually be introduced to you at the commencement of the course. They are also listed on the ANU website and on Wattle. If you have a general enquiry about a course, perhaps about assessment or tutorials/labs, they are a valuable source of information. Shoot them an email and they will respond and are always willing to meet up and discuss any queries you may have.
Along with course coordinators are first year coordinators. They are also a great resource and can answer questions to do with course requirements, learning expectations and pre-requisites. They are also here to help so don’t hesitate to contact them if you need sup-port!
Finally, lecturers can be contacted if you have specific questions regarding their course content. You can talk to them after a lecture, or send them an email with your query.
Science Student Course Guide
Wanna know what that course is really like? How tough that midsemester exam is gonna be? Got an opinion on a course and want to have your voice heard? Visit www.studentcourseguide.com.au to get a student perspective on science courses at ANU, submit your own course review and heaps more. Produced by a group of science students seeking to develop a source of helpful and hon-est information about courses at ANU, the Student Course Guide is a place for you to let others know which courses are fun, challenging, boring, easy or useful.
1. Physics Students Room
Study physics and need an inspiring place to study? Don’t study Physics and just want a place to study with people around?
Located in the bottom level of the Physics building near the first year labs, this room is available for anyone and everyone to use. If you’re having trou-ble with a problem or you want to know more about a course you want to take, you are bound to find someone here to help. The room is filled with a constant stream of friendly students from all years who are more than happy to help or have a chat. So come by and say hello!
2. Biology Students Space
This space is labeled a students space however not many people know about it. It’s in one of the new biology buildings and includes a nice kitchen-ette to help prepare your study snacks. It is also a popular place for researchers to have lunch but don’t be intimidated if you don’t see many stu-dents, you are allowed to be there!!
3. Hancock Library Study Rooms
Hancock library has a heap of places to study. There are the study rooms that can be ac-
cessed from the library which can be booked online. They have whiteboards and a com-puter with a large LCD screen, perfect for those group presentations! To book a room, head to the ANU library website and search ‘Book a Library group study room’.
Hancock West is at the back of the library, accessed from the science courtyard (just find the big silver ball!). The rooms on the second floor can also be used for study. Be consid-erate though because these rooms are also used for tutorials so be ready to pack up you stuff. There are also couches and desks in the corridors so it’s worth while checking out to see if you can find a free space.
4. Chemistry Drop in Centre
Chemistry drop in centre has both formal and in-formal study spaces. Tutorials and peer mentoring sessions are run at scheduled times, however you can always drop in for some study and lollies, which are always well stocked! The chemistry tu-torial room is available for chemistry students to study in when a tutorial isn’t taking place. The First Year Chemistry Coordinator is Mark Ellison, and his office adjoins the room and he is always happy to have a chat or help you out. There are 3 computers, kitchen and students from across the year levels to give you a hand or have a chat, why wouldn’t you?!
5. Student Space
This space is located in Union Court next to the Commonwealth Bank. It is an ANUSA run space that is open from early in the morning where you can grab breakfast for free until 5 or 9 at night depending on the day of the week. While it isn’t specifically set up for study-ing, there are some comfy chairs, a kitchen area and a second hand bookshop where you may be able to find your textbooks! This is also the space where your College Reps will be in their weekly office hours, so make sure you drop by.
6. BOZO Labs and Study Rooms
The BOXO computer labs are normally pretty empty and there should always be a com-puter free. There is a study room, and this building is also the location for the Biology Teaching and Learning centre. This is where biology students can pick up and drop off lab reports and assignments
7. Medical School Computer Labs (Med Labs)
These computer labs are open 24/7. So if you’re having an extra late night, or are coming in early on a weekend, these labs are the place to be!
8. XSite
XSA is open to all ANU students and membership grants 24 hour access to the ‘XSite’, located above Gods Café (up the stairs on the right and around the corridor). The XSite houses two study rooms, a mini library and a discussion room. We have free tea, coffee and lollies that you are welcome to enjoy while loung-ing back on a couch or beanbag, or for filling those gaps between lectures with interesting discussion. When you walk into the XSite, you enter a space where it’s ok and even encouraged, to strike up a conversation with a stranger about whatever’s on your mind. The XSite is our space, where the atmosphere is elevating, in-quisitive an safe. The walls are paper and whiteboards for anyone to write on. It’s always changing and evolving to sit the atmosphere and discussion it is designed to foster.
Find us above Gods Café in the Arts Centre, in the corner of Union Court. If you can’t find us, send a message to [email protected], or to ANU XSA on Facebook. www.anuxsa.org
9. Science Enquiries Office
Located on Level two, the staff here are an excel-lent source of information for anything regarding your science degree. The sub deans can help you with course selection and help you to understand majors, minors, and generally the ins and outs of your degree. Send them an email on [email protected] or call on 6125 2809 to schedule an appointment with a sub dean
10. COS labs and lecture theatres
Fondly referred to as the ‘Red Spaceship’ this is the location of many biology and chemistry labs, tutorials and lectures. You can find it out the back of Hancock library, right next to the large silver ball.
1 Physics Students Room
2 Biology Drop in Centre
3 Hancock Library Study Rooms
4 Chemistry Drop in Centre
5 ANUSA Students’ Space
6 BOZO Labs and Study Rooms
7 Med Labs
8 XSite
9 Science Enquiries Office
10 COS Labs and Lecture Theatres
