UQ Update

UQ Update - 21 July, 2008  


The latest

UQ introduces bonus points scheme

The University will give high school students new incentives to learn languages and advanced maths by launching a bonus rank scheme. School-leavers will improve their entry rank by successfully studying year 12 advanced maths (Queensland's Maths C or its equivalent) and/or a language other than English. Successful completion of a university-level course through any Australian university will also improve entry ranks for the purposes of study at UQ. Story…

Working at a UQ Open Day next month?

Staff engaged in UQ Open Days in August should read the briefing note available from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) at this link.

Snakes, skulls and sirens on show at UQ

If you visit the UQ Art Museum from Friday, beware of the tombstone out front. Ironically named Happy Ending, the work by the artist Nell is an appropriate introduction to neo goth: back in black, which opens free to the public on July 26 and is one of the largest and most ambitious art exhibitions ever staged by the University.

Knowledge democrat to head CEIT of learning

Dr Phil Long, currently at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will be the first chair and director of UQ's Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology (CEIT), where he will make the latest research on technology-assisted teaching and learning freely available. Story…

Abel Smith re-opens for business

A 366-seat, iconic lecture theatre will re-open for business today at the St Lucia campus following a $1.5 million makeover. Story…

UQ historian at Solomons book launch

Professor of Pacific and Australia History Clive Moore has participated in the launch of the autobiography of the Speaker of Solomon Islands Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea, as part of celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Solomon Islands independence. Story…

Nobel Laureate to speak at UQ

Professor Barry Marshall will present a UQ public lecture on July 24. Awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with his research partner Dr Robin Warren, for work on stomach ulcers and gastric cancer, Professor Marshall will speak at the Queensland Biosciences Precinct Auditorium (Building #80) at 6pm. Register online.

WACE Asia Pacific conference looks at work integrated learning

The World Association for Cooperative Education will hold a conference from September 30 to October 3 at the Manly Pacific Hotel, Sydney, with conference dinner at Sydney Opera House. The conference is hosted by the Australian Collaborative Education Network and will focus on excellence in Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Early bird registration: by August 1.

Miracle Workers Awards — nominations open soon

Nominations will be called soon for 2008 Miracle Workers. Check next week’s edition of the UQ Update for details. Miracle Workers will be presented with their awards by the Chancellor, Sir Llew Edwards, at a ceremony in early September.

Places available for Discrimination & Harassment Contact Officer training

Staff with an understanding of, and commitment to, social justice principles and a high level of discretion are invited to apply for a two-day Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO) course on August 21 and 22. DHCOs can be a first point of contact for people with enquiries about University policies and procedures related to discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment and bullying). DHCOs assist by exploring options for resolution with the staff member or student. Visit the Staff Development Program website for more information and to enrol.

Staff invited to inaugural meeting of Narrative Research Group

TEDI staff hope to develop a regional inter-disciplinary research group to support and develop the use of narratives in qualitative research. With the backing of Merrilyn Goos (TEDI Director), a TEDI group is holding an “interest-gathering” first meeting on July 29 at 9.30am at the 5th floor, Dorothy Hill Library (Building #50), St Lucia. It is envisaged that this group will meet face to face about two–three times a year while being supported by an active online community. If you are unable to attend, expressions of interest will be taken for future contact and updates. RSVP to t.sweep@uq.edu.au.

Intercampus bus timetable updated for second semester

The intercampus bus schedule for second semester has been uploaded to the web, and will operate through to November 14. Timetables can be viewed at the buses webpage.

Universitas 21 Digital Humanities workshop in September in Virginia, USA

Beyond the Book — Humanities in a Digital Age is the title of a U21 workshop from September 23 to 26. The workshop will address the use of digital technology in humanities research areas, including documentation of special collections and digital reconstruction of historic landscapes and urban sites. Details: www.universitas21.com/event/080924DigitalHumanities.html.

UQ Alumnus Bruce Hawker to address business lunch on July 23

UQ alumnus Bruce Hawker, considered in some circles as one of the most influential people in Australia, will address a business lunch in Brisbane on Wednesday July 23. Mr Hawker, managing director of national public affairs firm Hawker Britton, will discuss how politics is changing across the world at a Brisbane Institute lunch at The Sebel and Citigate King George Square Brisbane. The price for the lunch is $110 members/sponsors; $120 non-members. To book, please call 3220 2198 or email julieu@brisinst.org.au.

Free workshop promotes human rights and governance

The School of Political Science and International Studies invite staff to a free workshop titled Promoting International Human Rights and Good Governance presented by Professor Brian Burdekin, former Australian Federal Human Rights Commissioner, and Special Advisor on National Institutions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It will be on Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 in the Conference Room, Level 1, Library, Duhig Building (#2), St Lucia. The workshop suits students and academics interested in human rights, and members of NGOs. Details: www.polsis.uq.edu.au or email Naomi Smith.

Staff, students and public invited to free lecture

The Conflict and Security Research Group in the School of Political Science and International Studies attracts leading thinkers in strategic studies, critical security studies, terrorism, war studies, peace studies and conflict resolution. The seminar series continues in semester two with a public lecture by respected Professor in International Relations Chris Reus–Smit from the ANU. Professor Reus–Smit will give a talk titled Rights, Power, and the Making of the International System. It will be on Wednesday, July 23 at 5pm, Social Sciences Building (#24), Room S402, St Lucia campus. Details: www.polsis.uq.edu.au or Dr Sebastian Kaempf.

Negotiations expert to deliver workshop for senior UQ women

Professor Mara Olekalns will present a half-day workshop on Negotiating Essentials at Work on August 21 from 9.15am–12.30pm at the Innes Room, UQ Union, St Lucia. Attendance is open to academic women at levels C-E and general staff women HEW 8-10. Professor Mara Olekalns’ research focuses on the relationships between how individuals think about negotiation, what they do and say during negotiation, and outcomes. Details: online. Enrol via equity@uq.edu.au.

Learn about whiplash at free seminar

Dr James (Jim) Elliott, a postdoctoral research fellow with CCRE SPINE, CONROD and the Centre for Magnetic Resonance Imaging will present a free seminar on Wednesday, July 23. The seminar, part of the CCRE Spine Research seminar series is entitled: Whiplash – the where and why of fat in muscle. It will be at 7pm in Room 506, Therapies Building (#84a), St Lucia campus. Details: Mandy Weidman.

Get ahead with UQ Business School’s executive education courses

Register your interest now for one of these Executive Leadership courses:

Details: contact the Executive Education Team on ext. 67105 or 67115, email execed@business.uq.edu.au or visit www.business.uq.edu.au/execed.

Places available in HIV & HCV courses

The School of Medicine, HIV & HCV Education Projects still has places available for the upcoming hepatitis C management course for General Practitioners on August 2 and the hepatitis C management course for health care workers on August 6. Both courses examine emerging issues in hepatitis C in Queensland. Students are also welcome to attend. Details: Jean Martin, phone ext. 64749 or visit the website.

Win the jackpot at quiz night

The Staff Club's popular monthly quiz night will be held on Wednesday, July 23, at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Teams of up to six players can undertake three general knowledge rounds, an audio round, a paper and pen task. There are team and individual prizes, a cash jackpot prize and a “Famous Faces” prize board. Entrance fee: $3 per person. Contact quizmaster Charles McCowie or phone 0423 775 025.

Come to "Christmas in July"

The Staff Club, St Lucia is hosting a Christmas in July luncheon on Friday, July 25 at 12pm in the Kathleen Room. A Christmas buffet including seafood with all the Christmas trimmings is on offer for only$39.00 p/p including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Details:online.

Get your fitness assessed at discounted rates

The Practicum Placement Personal Training (PPPT) Program is a community-based program coordinated by UQ SPORT with the University’s Health Sciences Faculty. The program gives third year Exercise Science students with practicum placement opportunities within UQ SPORT and the general community. The PPPT Program also enables members of the local community to participate in a full eight-week personal training program at the discounted rate of $230. This eight-week program consists of preliminary and final fitness assessments (up to one hour each), eight, one-hour personal training sessions (one per week), and a personalised program and fitness report. Details: visit uqsport.uq.edu.au/pppt.

Balance and falls prevention study: participants needed

The Division of Physiotherapy invites volunteers aged 40 and over to participate in a clinical intervention trial to improve balance and prevent falls in adults as they age. The study comprises an initial and post-program assessment involving balance and strength tests, both of 1.5 hrs duration (free), and 10, weekly one-hour small group exercise classes ($10 per session) at St Lucia campus. Assessments are available on Mondays/Wednesdays. Classes are on Wednesday/Friday afternoons. Details: Marissa Hegarty or phone ext. 69870, or Dr Jenny Nitz , phone ext. 52791.

Activity and cognition in older adults: participants needed

The School of Human Movement Studies and the School of Psychology seek adults 65 years and older for a study on the relationship between physical activity, fitness, mental activity, and personality. Participants will attend two interviews at times and locations convenient to them and wear a pedometer for a week. They will receive $40 gift vouchers for their participation. Details: Jannique or phone ext. 56981.

Concerned about your child’s skills?

UQ researchers are seeking parents to be involved in a free study to help kids develop skills to manage everyday situations at home, in the community, with family and peers. Parents will be coached in understanding particular learning needs of their children and will discover the strategies and techniques that work. Participants will have up to eight sessions of about an hour each with an experienced occupational therapist at the St Lucia campus. Parking vouchers are provided. Saturday and after school sessions are available. Details: Fiona Graham or phone ext. 67469.

Do you have persistent neck pain from a whiplash injury?

UQ physiotherapy researchers seek volunteers with persistent neck pain resulting from a whiplash injury that occurred within the past three months to two years. Whiplash injuries can affect the size and structure of the neck muscles. This study investigates whether specific, non-pain-provoking exercise can reverse these changes. Volunteers are required to undertake two, supervised 30-minute exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks at the St Lucia campus. They must be willing to have three separate MRI neck scans at The Wesley Hospital over the 12-week study. There is no cost to the participant and no side effects from the MRI. Volunteers must be 18-45 years. Contact: James Elliott or phone ext. 54529.

Asthmatic & non-asthmatic participants needed for asthma and allergy study

UQ researchers are examining the immune response in asthma and allergic disease to better understand why these conditions develop in some people. They wish to recruit both men and women with asthma and/or allergies, and those without. The 30 minute study will be at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and involves filling out a simple questionnaire, and having blood and allergy tests. Details: Michelle Towers or phone 3240 7922. All samples and information will be treated confidentially.

World-first trial of interactive phone system to improve diabetes management

Recruiting people with Type 2 diabetes who live in metropolitan Brisbane, the TLC Diabetes study is assessing a new user-friendly interactive phone system — TLC (Telephone Linked Care) Diabetes — to support people to better manage their diabetes from the comfort of their own home. If you are aged between 18 and 70, have Type 2 diabetes, please contact Dr Dominique Bird telephone 3636 5506.


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