Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu: Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to our very own blogger, Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu, who was recently awarded a High Achievers Scholarship by the University of Leicester. Here she talks about her experience in winning the award.

Hoang Nguyet Minh VU

I heard about the High Achiever’s Award since the beginning of my course at the ISC. That was so appealing to me. However, honestly, I did not think about getting that award at first. It was really competitive. Only after the first term, when I received results for the final exam, was I more confident and hopeful to achieve the award.

The high mark that I got at the final exam of the first term was the motivation and encouragement for me to make more effort in my study. I started with making key notes of the lessons after school. I found that quite helpful because I could learn one more time and also save revision time for exams. Especially for Economics, as it would be my major in university, I did not only make notes after each lesson, but I also read other A-level books as reference. And so lucky my teacher always posted teaching material on blackboard before lessons so I usually went through it beforehand in order to grasp new knowledge better.  Having a good plan for study as well as for exam was my tip to obtain good marks. Each time I came for exam period, I spent at least a week for revision and arranged appropriate time for each subject. Moreover, past papers have always proved effective to me. I often did them over and over again for several times to make sure I really understood the lessons. Last but not least, I did believe patience played an important role in the “somehow success” I have achieved. I did not let difficulties put me off but tried to get over them gradually.
Now I got the award. That was a very meaningful present to me. It was the recognition of my effort and all of my teachers’ dedication to us – students at the ISC. I am deeply thankful to my teachers who guided me through every single step during my foundation year at the ISC, as well as the ISC in general for giving me this award. This used to be the motivation for me to try hard and now it acts as a great support during my undergraduate study at the University of Leicester. I will now regard the award as an important turning point that I have attained, so that I will study and work better in the future to prove that I deserved it.

For more information about studying at the University of Leicester ISC, please visit the website.

International Buddy Network at the University of Leicester

New forensic institute at the University of Leicester will help police forces solve ‘unusual crimes’

New Forensic Science Institute named after DNA fingerprinting pioneer Alec Jeffreys

The University of Leicester is establishing a new forensic science Institute which aims to help UK police forces solve unconventional crimes.

The Alec Jeffreys Forensic Science Institute is a new multi-disciplinary centre at the University of Leicester which aims to help police forces with some of the requests handled by the former Forensic Science Service (FSS).

The new Institute aims to be a leader, innovator and agenda setter in the field of forensic science and is named after the world renowned University of Leicester scientist Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, of the University’s Department of Genetics, who pioneered techniques for DNA profiling and fingerprinting which are now used globally by police forces.

Professor Jeffreys said: “This is a very exciting new initiative, and I am so proud to have it named after me. The provision of forensic science in the UK has undergone major and potentially damaging changes in recent years, so this Institute has real potential to provide much-needed breadth and depth of expertise, especially in complex casework, as well as a voice for the proper funding of forensic science research in the UK”.

The Institute will initially involve the departments of Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine and will involve local and national police agencies in its running.

The project has been undertaken by Dr John Bond, a senior lecturer in Forensic Sciences in the Department of Chemistry who was awarded an OBE last year for his services to forensic science, and Dr Lisa Smith, a lecturer in the Department of Criminology. Dr Bond’s work on Visualizing Fingerprint Corrosion of Metal was voted one of the top 50 inventions of 2008 by Time Magazine and one of the inventions most likely to change the world in 2009 by BBC Focus Magazine

Dr Bond said: “The time is now right for forensic science research in the UK to be put on a sounder footing, with proper funding streams provided by the UK research councils so that institutions such as the University of Leicester can undertake meaningful and productive research to enhance the use of forensic science to detect crime both in the UK and overseas.

“We aim to provide a forum whereby problems in policing can be aired and ways found to overcome them.  We will do this by involving local and national agencies in the running of the Institute and by focussing on problem areas identified to us by the police service.”

The ways in which forensic work is carried out is currently going through a period of change, with much work now contracted out to private companies – but staff at the University of Leicester hope the new Institute will be able to help police forces with unusual requests.

Dr Bond said: “What we do want to offer is the ability to consult on unusual cases or pieces of evidence. A recent example was a request made to the University to oversee the analysis of evidence from a 80-year-old murder case as the University was seen to have specific skills in that area.”

Dr Smith said: “This new Institute is unique in its multidisciplinary approach to forensic science and criminal justice services.  By bringing together the various disciplines at the University (who traditionally work separately from one another), we will be able to provide the Criminal Justice System with a wider range of expert consultancy, research and innovation, teaching and continuing professional development.”

It is hoped existing forensic science courses, including the new distance learning MSc in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, will be run from the new Institute.

The institute will be formally launched at the University on Monday 19 November in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess and Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.
Source: The University of Leicester Press Office

Students that take the International Foundation Year at the University of Leicester International Study Centre can progress on to undergraduate degrees including Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Genetics, and Biological Sciences. For more information, please visit the website.

Jubilee Celebrations

University of Leicester ISC joined in the Jubilee Celebration today with food, music, raffles and an auction!

Teachers Phil Stiles and Richard Day entertained students and staff to some music, playing their guitar and Ukulele. ISC students could not help but join in with the singing. There is so much talent here.

Head of Centre, James Kingscote, became auctioneer for the afternoon. Some fabulous and amusing donations from staff for the auction such as tickets to the theatre, hair cut at a top Saloon, hand-made cards to essentials such as plate and cooking utensils, all went at amazing prices, helping us raise £180 for Building Futures.

For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, visit the website.

Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu-Our Blogger from Vietnam!

Du học Anh luôn là niềm mơ ước của tôi và bây giờ, khi tôi đã là một sinh viên của trường đại học Leicester, Anh Quốc, tôi cảm thấy rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn của mình.

Đại học Leicester nằm trong top 17 trường đại học hàng đầu nước Anh. Khóa Dự bị Đại học của nhà trường cung cấp cho tôi những kiến thức nền tảng chắc chắn để tự tin bước vào đại học. Với dự định học ngành Tài chính- Ngân hàng, tôi chọn “ Kinh tế, Kinh doanh và Khoa học xã hội” cho năm học dự bị của mình. Đây thực sự là những nền tảng tôi cần. Tôi được học những kiến thức cơ bản về Kinh tế và Kinh doanh – những môn học hoàn toàn mới lạ với học sinh cấp 3 Việt Nam. Các bài giảng được thầy cô chọn lọc để chúng tôi có thể làm quen với hầu hết các kiến thức cơ bản của bộ môn Kinh tế, Kinh Doanh.  Ngoài ra, chúng tôi được tiếp xúc dần với cách giảng dạy trên trường Đại học. Chúng tôi được yêu cầu phát huy tối đa khả năng tự sắp xếp thời gian biểu, tự học dưới sự hướng dẫn tận tình của các thầy cô giáo. Chúng tôi có thể gửi email cho thầy cô về những thắc mắc hoặc tham gia những lớp học thêm miễn phí để củng cố thêm kiến thức của mình. Tôi có ấn tượng đặc biệt với cách học Tiếng Anh ở đây. Khác với chương trình Tiếng Anh được giảng dạy ở trường cấp 3 Việt Nam, chúng tôi không tập trung vào ngữ pháp mà chú trọng phát triển kỹ năng trình bày, thảo luận, nghiên cứu và đặc biệt là viết luận. Viết luận là kỹ năng đặc biệt quan trọng với bậc đại học và sau khi trải qua khóa học dự bị này, tôi cảm thấy tự tin hơn rất nhiều về khả năng viết luận của mình.

Ngoài chương trình giảng dạy phù hợp, đại học Leicester còn hấp dẫn tôi bởi cơ sở vật chất hiện đại và tiện nghi. Thư viện mới được xây dựng cung cấp hàng ngàn đầu sách, từ cơ bản tới chuyện sâu ở tất cả các bộ môn, cùng với các phòng dành riêng cho các buổi học nhóm, phòng học “yên tĩnh” (silent), thư viện thực sự là môi trường học tập lý tưởng. Mặt khác, khu trung tâm thể thao lại là nơi tuyệt vời để rèn luyện sức khỏe, tham gia những môn thể thao tôi yêu thích và kết bạn.

Thành phố Leicester cũng là một sự lựa chọn hợp lý cho sinh viên.  Khu trung tâm mua sắm lớn cùng với khu chợ lớn nhất nhì miền Trung nước Anh là nơi mà bạn có thể tìm mọi thứ mình muốn từ đồ ăn Âu- Á, đồ gia dụng đến các mặt hàng quần áo. Mức chi phí sinh hoạt hợp lý, thấp hơn nhiều thành phố khác cũng là một điểm cộng cho Leicester. Từ đây đi tàu tới các thành phố lớn như London, Birmingham chỉ mất khoảng trên dưới 1 tiếng đồng hồ, rất thích hợp cho những kỳ nghỉ cuối tuần hoặc kỳ nghỉ lễ.

Nói về học sinh Việt Nam tại Leicester, hội học sinh Việt Nam tại đây đã được thành lập 2 năm trước với khoảng trên 40 thành viên. Đây là nơi học sinh Việt Nam nói riêng giúp đỡ nhau trong học tập, sinh hoạt, và đặc biệt cùng nhau tổ chức những buổi liên hoan, dã ngoại. Với riêng cá nhân tôi, tham gia vào một cộng đồng nhờ thế này là điều tuyệt vời khi sống và học tập xa Việt Nam.

Đại học Leicester, cùng  với bước đệm là năm Dự bị Đại học, thật sự là một lựa chọn hợp lý và tôi rất hài lòng với sự lựa chọn này.

You can also read Hoang Nguyet Minh’s article in English:

Studying in the UK has always been my dream. And now, as a student at the University of Leicester, I feel very satisfied with my choice.

The University of Leicester ranks in top 17 best universities in the UK. The Foundation course offered by The University of Leicester International Study Centre builds a firm base for me to step closer to the University. Having an intention of studying Banking and Finance in my undergraduate, I chose “Economics, Business and Social Sciences” for my Foundation year. I realise this is exactly what I need. I am taught basic Economics and Business, which are totally new to high school Vietnamese students. The lessons here are carefully selected by teachers, so that we can cover most essential Economics and Business concepts for further study. In addition, we are familiarised with teaching methods in University. We are required to make the best of our ability for self-study, under detailed instructions from our dedicated teachers. We are always welcome to send emails to our tutors for enquiries, or come to free “Problem Classes” for help with difficulties in learning. Studying English here, at the ISC, has made a good impression on me. Unlike the syllabus in Vietnam which often focuses on grammar, we here are taught presentation, discussion, research and especially writing essays skills. Essays are profoundly important for university study and I, after the Foundation course, feel much more confident in my writing skills.

Besides the well-designed curriculum, the University of Leicester attracts me for its convenient and modern facilities. The newly built library with thousands of books on a wide range of subjects, together with Group Study rooms and Silent Zones, is an ideal learning environment. On the other hand, the Sports Centre is a wonderful place for physical exercises, join favorite sports clubs and make friends.

Leicester city is also a wise choice for students. A busy shopping centre and the second biggest market place in the East Midlands offer a variety of goods from European and Asian foods to famous branded clothing. A reasonable living cost, averagely lower than that in many other cities, is an advantage of Leicester. Moreover, it only takes around 1 hour to travel by train from Leicester to other big cities like London or Birmingham, which is ideal for weekends or holidays.

As for Vietnamese students in Leicester, the Vietnamese community was formed 2 years ago with over 40 members. This is where Vietnamese students help each other with studying, living and especially, holding parties and picnics. To me, specifically, joining such a community is really fantastic when living far from my motherland.

The University of Leicester, together with the International Study Centre, is really a good choice and I am totally satisfied with my right selection.

Find out more about being a student at the University of Leicester ISC by visiting the website.

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London 2012 Olympics: New technology will be used to measure impact of extra traffic on pollution levels in the city

University of Leicester research announced as part of Universities Week campaign.

University of Leicester researchers are set to use new technology they have developed to monitor the impact of increased traffic on pollution levels in London during the Olympics.

The announcement has been made during the third annual Universities Week campaign –starting today (Monday April 30)- which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. This year’s campaign will look at the contribution that our universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement, the sports industry and society as whole.

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 11m visitors from around the world to the UK’s capital for seven weeks, and 3m extra car journeys are anticipated on the busiest day.

The team of researchers will use their CityScan technology, which gathers scattered sunlight to scan whole cities and take readings of air quality, to investigate the impact of this extra traffic on pollution.

Rather than existing technology, which can only give an accurate reading for certain “hotspots,” CityScan can show the air quality over every point of the city – including individual roads, playgrounds and other buildings.

It will also reveal the days and times when pollution levels are at their highest.

Sensors will be set up on a 30-storey building in North Kensington and a 14-storey building in Chelsea, in the west of the city, as well as a third location which is yet be determined.

The sensors will give readings of nitrogen dioxide, which is produced from traffic emissions and can decrease lung function and increase the risk from respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and asthma.

Team leader Dr Roland Leigh, of the university’s Earth Observation Science Group, said: “We will be able to map the pollution in 3D to show emissions of nitrogen dioxide and how far they spread.”

“Traditional sensors take in a single point measurement, giving a very accurate measurement that might be by a roadside.

“Between two or three CityScan instruments, we can map out a complete urban area and tell you where the nitrogen dioxide is in that space.”

“CityScan makes the link between emissions and poor air quality downwind, enabling better management of the respiratory health of sensitive individuals.”

“We want to make a practical difference, and contribute to systems which inform people when and where poor air-quality may occur.

The technology is already being tested in Leicester, and the scientists hope their findings will help councils all around the country improve environmental planning and traffic management issues.

Universities Week 2012 follows a successful campaign in 2011, which saw 110 universities and 52 renowned ambassadors take part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.

This year the week looks to be an even bigger success with a series of high profile ambassadors including Seb Coe, John Inverdale and Dame Kelly Holmes helping to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have been to university themselves. Hear what the ambassadors have to say at: youtube.com/universitiesweek2012

From University of Leicester Press Office.

To find out which science programmes are on offer at the University of Leicester ISC, or to find out more about studying at a top UK University in this momentous year in British sporting history, please visit the website.

University of Leicester and Holland Alexander in Skills Training Boost

University of Leicester works with Holland Alexander to train the next generation of Event Management Professionals

With the graduate job market becoming increasingly competitive, the University of Leicester has launched a new initiative with Holland Alexander to enhance the employability skills of its students.

The Holland Alexander Event Management Challenge gives students invaluable events management and PR experience, and will help them to jump start their future careers.

Director of the Careers Service Bob Athwal said:

“We are delighted to be working closely with Holland Alexander on a number of exciting initiatives to enhance the employability of our students. This challenge represents a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real life experience from one of the region’s leading events management companies.”

Students were required to devise and submit an events proposal to a fictional client: the successful candidates won the opportunity to attend an intensive training day at the Holland Alexander Leicester studios and two candidates will win the chance for on-the-job experience at a future event.

Holland Alexander Director Louise Holland commented:

“We are delighted to be working in close partnership with the University of Leicester this year and giving participants a unique insight into what we expect from graduates entering our business whilst helping them to develop the employability tools to succeed after university.”

The initiative follows the recent announcement that the University has introduced a new Award for Industry Awareness through which students can receive specialised training from graduate recruiters at FTSE 100 company, NEXT. Students receive on the job training at NEXT headquarters in Enderby, Leicester, taking part in business case studies and mock interviews by internal graduate recruiters.

The University of Leicester Careers Service offers a wide range of engagement activities to enhance the employability skills and prospects of students. These include careers fairs, skills workshops, The Leicester Award and a diverse range of activities based within the academic Colleges.

Source: University of Leicester Press Office

University of Leicester Geologists Make Global Impact with their Scientific Research

Research involving University of Leicester  has been identified as one of the top 10 new ideas of our time.

The research, which investigates whether the Earth has entered a new epoch-the Anthropocene, was featured as the cover subject for Time Magazine’s special annual edition.  Billed as ‘Nature is Over’, the Time feature explores the Anthropocene, the concept proposed by Nobel Prize winning scientist, that humans are now fundamentally and permanently reconfiguring the planet’s geology as we take over more and more of the Earth’s surface, causing enormous and growing changes to landscape, climate and biodiversity.

University of Leicester Geologists, Jan Zalasiewicz and Mark Williams, along with Paul Crutzen and other scientist from around the world, have been leading an analysis of the Anthropocene and are currently weighing up the evidence for making the Anthropocene a formal part of the Geological Time Scale.

The Geology Department at the University of Leicester have also been conducting groundbreaking research in developing new techniques to see below the Earth’s surface.

Geophysicist, Dr Max Moorkamp, has been working with colleagues at the GEOMAR Institute on research that makes it possible to peer deep into the Earth, through miles of solid rock, to see the kind of underground resources our civilisation needs-oil, minerals, and water.

Dr Moorkamp will showcase his work in the House of Commons this week, where he will be in with a chance of of winning the prestigious Westminster Medal.

To learn more about how a foundation year at the University of Leicester can lead to a degree in Geology, please visit the website.

Source: The University of Leicester Press Office

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