Archive for July, 2012

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

University of Melbourne Students Celebrate Olympics

Ok, we get that we’re focused on the Olympics this week, but if we can’t watch them during the day, then we’ll talk about them. So, there.

Anyway, back to the Olympics. We thought we would find out what our Australian university partners are up to in order to give students the opportunity to catch the Olympics between class and study sessions.

We think the University of Melbourne earns top marks for their Olympic spirit. The University of Melbourne Students’ Union is hosting an Olympic-themed week, where they’ll host activities for students throughout campus. Just yesterday they hosted an Olympic breakfast of champions where students could access a free breakfast, eating like an Olympic athlete. If anyone tried to emulate Michael Phelps’ breakfast regime, they probably would need to eat for another week!

The University of Melbourne Students’ Union has also set up a projector where they have the Olympics running all day long in the Union House Dining Hall. What a great idea! We think it would be the perfect idea to transform the OzTREKK board room into a spectator room, with a projector screen on hand, don’t you think?

Learn more about Olympic-spirited university, the University of Melbourne.

Want to study dentistry? Then find out more about the popular University of Melbourne Dental School.

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Melbourne Dental School
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Monday, July 30th, 2012

Bond University at the Olympics

With the London 2012 Olympic Games off to a start, a group of Bond University Bondies, past and present, are there to take on the international sporting community and are anticipated to bring home medals with pride.

Several Bond University Bondies are also playing an integral part in the Games by working with the organizing committees and the Australian Olympic Team at the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

We wish the following Bondies the best of luck in their events and roles at the London 2012 Olympic Games:

James Roberts – Swimming (100m Men’s Freestyle, 4 x 100m Men’s Freestyle relay)
As the second fastest male sprinter on the Australian swimming team, James Roberts is set to break records in his Olympic debut. The Bond University Bachelor of Business and St Andrew’s alumnus first made headlines in 2009 when he beat Eamon Sullivan’s world record, touching in at 50.03 seconds for 100m freestyle at the AIS’ International swim meet time trial.

Jade Neilson – Swimming (4 x 200m Women’s Freestyle relay)
All Saints alumnus Jade Neilson will have all of Australia cheering in the 4 x 200m Women’s Freestyle relay. Beginning her Bond University Bachelor of Sports Management last year, Jade has managed to juggle her intense Games preparation training schedule with her studies through the Bond’s flexible program delivery.

Ky Hurst – Swimming (10km Open Water Swim)
This is the second Games for Ky Hurst who competed in Beijing in 2008. One of the first two athletes selected for the 2012 Australian Olympic team, Bond University Bachelor of Property and Sustainable Development alumnus Ky Hurst will compete in the 10km Open Water Swim.

Annabelle William – Swimming (Paralympic S9 Division 50m and 100m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly)
Bond University International Relations and Law graduate Annabelle Williams competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and will be taking on London in a variety of swimming events.

Mathew Belcher – Sailing
Sailing his Olympic debut in the Men’s 470 with the current Olympic Gold medallist from Beijing Malcolm Page, Bond University Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) alumnus and TSS old boy Mathew Belcher has experienced the Games like no other. After winning the 420 World Championships in 2000, he was given the distinction of carrying the Olympic flag during the 2000 Sydney Olympics closing ceremony and is a strong medal contender at the year’s Games.

Courtney Atkinson – Triathlon (Men’s Individual Triathlon)
Courtney Atkinson will compete in the Individual Men’s triathlon event. The Bond University Bachelor of Commerce alumnus competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics finishing 11th as the highest placing Australian male.

Joining the athletes in London is a selection of alumni who have secured positions as part of the executive management team for the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and operations team for the London Organising Committee Olympic Games (LOCOG).

Two Bond University Law School alumni have crucial roles to play; Fiona de Jong is the Director of Sport for the AOC and Chris Fydler is Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team.

Five months since graduating with his Bachelor of Sports Management, Dan Watson cannot believe he is at the coalface of elite sporting events. Working in the Main Operations Centre Dan is the HQ Transport Coordinator and is in charge of ensuring LOCOG directors’ safe travel between all venues during Games Time.

“My role is essentially to source, organise and manage a team of professional chauffeurs to transport the Directors of Games Operations and Games Readiness to the various venues throughout London,” he said. “It is a crucial logistical role to play and means I am meeting many high-profiled sporting personalities as well as visiting all the Olympic sites. I still can’t quite believe that I am here. This experience is incredible, the atmosphere is electric, and there is action everywhere.“To start my career with this experience, making these international connections is incredible and will certainly open doors in the future.

“I hope to be at the Aquatic Centre when James and Jade compete to cheer on my fellow Bondies,” he said.

Learn more about Bond University!

Be a Bond University alum: apply now to the Bond University Law School

Tags: Bond University, Bond University Law School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Friday, July 27th, 2012

OzTREKK has Olympic Fever!

It’s the official opening to the London 2012 Olympics today! We are so excited for the opening ceremony, we wish we loaded up a television into our car to bring into the office for today and the remaining two weeks. We are in full Olympic mode.

We will be cheering on a couple of countries throughout the Olympic Games. Can you guess which ones? Canucks and Aussies all the way!

We thought we’d take a moment to reflect on the Olympic spirit of both countries and see where we end up on the cheering band wagon.

Medal Count

When we look at the 2008 Beijing Olympic medal numbers, it’s easy to spot the winner. Australia earned 46 medals while Canada earned 18. BUT…there’s no doubt Canada excelled at the Vancouver Olympics, that’s for sure. We are always annoyed when Canadian athletes are criticized during the Summer Olympic Games – the competition is so much bigger. We’re rooting for them big time as they’re the underdogs and we know the Aussies will hold up well.

Official Country Uniform

There’s always anticipation to see what uniforms the athletes will sport for the opening and closing ceremonies. When it comes to Australia’s and Canada’s look, think: travel. Australian athletes look like flight attendants while Canadians look like tourists. The Aussies just need a drink cart while the Canadians need a fanny pack to finish it off. Take a look for yourself.

Source

The jury is still out on which one is better. The Canadian athletes will be sporting the Canadian tuxedo throughout the Olympics, as the jean jacket is part of the official clothing line. That’s pretty cool.

Regardless of performance and outerwear, we wish all the athletes all the best and can’t wait for the opening ceremony this afternoon!

Interested in sports? Find out how you can apply to the Bond University Health Sciences Programs.

Tags: Bond University Health Sciences Programs, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Thursday, July 26th, 2012

University of Sydney Dental School: Bye, bye, drill!

The University of Sydney Dental School has developed a no-drill clinic and that makes us so excited we’d be willing to travel to Australia for our dental check-ups!

From 2013, University of Sydney Dental School trainee dentists will deliver ‘no-drill’ dental care to patients as part of their clinical training. The ‘no-drill clinic’, will be based within the Westmead Centre for Oral Health, the teaching arm of the University of Sydney Dental School.

University of Sydney Dental School Associate Professor Wendell Evans, a long-time advocate of the regular use of fluoride toothpastes, says the techniques being taught and used will include the application of professional strength fluoride varnish, use of dental sealants, and intensive coaching on tooth brushing techniques.

According to a recent Australian survey nearly 30 percent of us visit our dentist infrequently, if ever. This reluctance and lax brushing habits have led to higher levels of tooth decay across all age groups.

“People fear their dentist despite the profession being ranked as the one of Australia’s most ethical, honest and trustworthy groups,” Evans says.

The root cause of this dread in all likelihood is the ‘drill’.

We imagine the scenes of Steve Martin from Little Shop of Horrors. Anyone?

Professor Evans has dedicated much of his dental research career to finding a way of removing this fear. Together with his research team he has developed the Caries Management System protocols (CMSP). The protocols, if followed, will relegate the dentists’ drill to the bottom shelf, says Evans.

In a study led by Professor Evans and supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Colgate-Palmolive, the protocols were trialled at 11 general practices in New South Wales. The outstanding results after two years were a 40 percent reduction in the incidence of decay, an almost 50 percent decline in the need for first-time fillings, and more than 50 percent reduction in the number of repeat fillings, even in high risk patients.

“If patients conform to a timely dental care regimen tailored to their risk status, we can reverse the decay,” says Evans.

The success of the program inspired the ‘no-drill clinic’ and the teaching of CMSP principles to trainee dentists, says Professor Christopher Peck, Dean of the University of Sydney Dental School.

“Our ambition is to reverse the rate of dental decay in Australia and keep the incidence to minimal levels for future generations. By training our future dentists on how to work with their patients using tooth brushing coaching sessions and a program of motivational interviewing, we hope to instil a life-long commitment to oral hygiene for our patients.”

“This ‘no-drill clinic’ component of our study program/curriculum is a demonstration of how research can inform our clinical training and lead to improved outcomes for the Australian community. It also reminds us to challenge the clinical practice as we were previously taught.”

“As long as tooth decay is identified before actual cavities have dug into the teeth, they can be stopped, reversed, and future occurrences prevented,” says Professor Peck.

Learn more about the University of Sydney Dental School

Apply now to Australian Dental Schools in Australia.

Tags: Australian Dental Schools in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Sydney Dental School
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Program of the Month: Australian Pharmacy Schools

Pharmacy is gaining popularity in the health sciences fields, and for good reason. Pharmacists are key members in the health care team, because of their specialized knowledge in the use and application of medications and also in their communications with patients. They are in a great position to provide valuable information on the formulation of dosage forms and this relates to drug product efficacy. Pharmacists are also able to provide patients with information on the appropriate storage of medications. Their understanding of the functioning of the body systems and the impact of disease on these systems allows them to provide insight into disease state management. Accessibility often makes pharmacists the first members of the health care team contacted by patients and thus are important primary health care providers. In this role in both community and hospital pharmacy, pharmacists are able to provide health advice to patients. The following Australian University Partners offer a pharmacy program:

University: James Cook University Pharmacy School
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Duration: 4 Years
Description: James Cook University Pharmacy School’s Bachelor of Pharmacy program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, practice, skills and attitudes they will require to practise as pharmacists and effective members of the health care team within the community. Professional placements form a key component of the course, with students based in hospital and community pharmacies in rural and urban locations throughout northern Queensland in their third and fourth years of study. This practical experience is vital for developing effective interpersonal and patient-counselling skills as well as cross-cultural awareness. Professional placements allow students to develop their focus within the pharmacy field. The School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences ensures that graduates are prepared for careers in hospital or community pharmacies, regulatory and drug management facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, armed forces and public service.

University: Monash University Pharmacy School
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Duration: 4 Years
Description: The Monash University Pharmacy School Bachelor of Pharmacy program produces graduates with a sound knowledge and understanding of the science, technology and practice behind pharmacy as a profession. It comprises four major areas of study: medicinal chemistry (the chemistry of drugs); pharmacology (the action of drugs); pharmaceutics (the presentation and delivery of drugs); and pharmacy practice (the application of all these to the professional practice of pharmacy). During the later years of the course, students undertake work placements in hospitals and community pharmacies through the Advanced Practical Experiences (APEs) program. The program provides an understanding of the processes involved in, for example, providing primary health care, drug information, and clinical pharmacy services in different practice environments.

University: University of Newcastle Pharmacy School
Course: Master of Pharmacy
Duration: 2 Years
Description: The University of Newcastle Pharmacy School Master of Pharmacy program’s focus is on material that specifically provides the skills required to practise as a pharmacist and contains two elective courses, allowing students to further tailor the program to suit their particular interests. The main study program focuses on areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy management and epidemiology. The Master of Pharmacy program consists of lectures, practicals, tutorials and experiential learning through clinical placements. The courses offered build upon the knowledge base gained from the student’s previous undergraduate coursework and focuses on material that specifically relates to the skills required by a pharmacist.

University: University of Queensland Pharmacy School
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Duration: 4 Years
Description: The University of Queensland Pharmacy School Bachelor of Pharmacy program prepares graduates for the contemporary role of the pharmacist in society, ensuring that patients optimise medication usage. Initial courses on chemical, physical and biological studies lead to professional specialties in later years. Practical and clinical science studies begin in first year, providing students with a strong background in professional practice. The program integrates six streams of study: quality use of medication; dosage form design; social and professional aspects of pharmacy; drug discovery; biological fate of drugs; and data analysis in pharmacy.

University: University of Sydney Pharmacy School
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Duration: 4 Years
Description: The University of Sydney Pharmacy School Bachelor of Pharmacy covers the study of the chemical, physical, pharmaceutical, and pharmacological properties of medicinal substances and the application of these in the pharmacy profession. The first year is a foundation year in which students study biology, chemistry and basic pharmaceutical sciences, and are introduced to pharmacy. The remaining three years are devoted to higher levels of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, together with specialized clinical pharmacy studies. During third and fourth years, considerable time is spent in clinical placements in community and hospital pharmacies, where valuable practical experience is gained.

If I complete a pharmacy degree in Australia, can I practise in Canada?

Upon graduation, you are eligible to apply to become a pharmacist in Canada. Canadian students who wish to practise as pharmacists upon their return to Canada should visit the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada website for accreditation and certification information at http://www.pebc.ca/.

It is imperative that you understand the requirements and procedures associated with entering the pharmacist profession in Canada. It is your responsibility to meet the necessary requirements to become a member of a college of pharmacists in your province.

Learn more about:

Australian Pharmacy Schools

James Cook University Pharmacy School

Monash University Pharmacy School

University of Newcastle Pharmacy School

University of Queensland Pharmacy School

University of Sydney Pharmacy School

Tags: Australian Pharmacy Schools, James Cook University Pharmacy School, Monash University Pharmacy School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Newcastle Pharmacy School, University of Queensland Pharmacy School, University of Sydney Pharmacy School
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Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

University of Melbourne Professor Awarded Royal Medal!

University of Melbourne Professor and internationally recognized chemist Professor Andrew Holmes has been awarded the 2012 Royal Medal – the only Australian in 10 years to receive the award.

Three Royal Medals, also known as the Queen’s Medals, are awarded annually for the most important contributions in the physical, biological and applied or interdisciplinary sciences. Former recipients include Charles Darwin, Francis Crick and Suzanne Cory.

Professor Holmes is a University of Melbourne Laureate Professor of Chemistry at the Bio21 Institute, a CSIRO Fellow and a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Imperial College London.

He is recognized for his contributions at the interface of the materials and biological sciences that will lead to outcomes that will benefit society. He played a pioneering role in the field of applied organic electronic materials.

In the late 1980’s he established a collaboration with University of Cambridge physicists that in 1990 led to the discovery of light emitting polymers. Professor Holmes led the Chemistry team in that collaboration for 14 years. These polymers have applications in solid state (LED) lighting, flat panel displays, transistors and solar cells.

In Australia, Professor Holmes leads the Victorian Organic Solar Cells Consortium involving the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, Monash University and industry partners. The Consortium aims to deliver efficient flexible printed solar cells for low cost applications in electricity generation and benefits from a strong collaboration with the Imperial College Doctoral Training Centre in Plastic Electronics.

Professor Holmes said it was an honour to receive this award and be recognized in the area of organic electronic materials and for collaboration with cell biologists.

“It’s exciting to work in polymer chemistry, an area that can lead to a diverse range of applications from the development of more energy efficient products to the greater understanding of biological processes. Having a strong international collaboration at Imperial has also strengthened our opportunities abroad,” Professor Holmes said.

The Royal Medals were founded by His Majesty King George IV in 1825 and are awarded annually by Her Majesty The Queen on the recommendation of the Council of the Royal Society. Professor Holmes will be presented with the Medal at the Royal Society’s Anniversary Day meeting in November 2012.

In addition to his current appointments, Professor Holmes is a Director and Innovation Fellow of VESKI (Victorian Endowment for Science, Knowledge and Innovation) and Foreign Secretary of the Australian Academy of Science.

Learn more about the University of Melbourne

Find out how you can apply to University of Melbourne Graduate Science Programs!

Tags: Monash University, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Melbourne Graduate Science Programs
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Monday, July 23rd, 2012

James Cook University Welcomes New Students

James Cook University welcomed new students to campus last week, as they were to begin their studies this week for the Semester 2 intake at the Townsville, Queensland university.

It is a great time to meet fellow students, future lecturers and to explore the James Cook University campus.

As well as fun activities and entertainment, O Week includes info sessions and workshops that will help with the transition to university life and learn about the support services available. It gives new students a head start, and new students are urged to attend as many of the activities as they can.

OzTREKK has been to a number of Orientation week sessions at all our Australian university partners and here’s some advice that we thought we’d pass along about taking part in O Week:

1. Go to the sessions! The only way you’re going to meet new friends and understand all the university’s offerings is to get out there and attend the orientation sessions.

2. Take part in the extra-curricular activities. Immersing yourself in the fun extra-curricular activities will give you a better idea about what the campus has to offer and gives you a different perspective on campus life other than hitting the books.

3. Explore your new city. It might be tempting to stick close to campus, but it’s important to discover your entire surroundings! The university is located in each city for a reason, and each one has its own special offerings. O Week usually offers city tours and events that get you out in the city. Take the university up on its offer!

Discover all that James Cook University has to offer its students!

The James Cook University Dental School is a popular program for Canadian students. Learn more about the James Cook University Dental School.

Tags: James Cook University, James Cook University Dental School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Friday, July 20th, 2012

OzTREKK’s…One for Friday

Hello, OzTREKKERs!

We’ll usually do a Four for Friday post where we post four items of interest, but when we came across this video this week, we wanted to ensure it remains the center of the post’s attention.

Michelle Jenneke’s pre-race warm-up ritual has turned the Australian runner into the latest YouTube star.

To loosen up and shake off pre-race jitters, Jenneke smiles as she hops up and down and waves to the crowd at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona last weekend. And as soon as she takes off, she soars past her competitors in the 110-meter hurdles event, winning the heat.

Now, fans of Jenneke’s moves have slowed down the footage and added a catchy tune, making the 110-meter race go viral in a video that’s being passed along on multiple sites and has been viewed on YouTube more than 300,000 times.

While Jenneke won’t be competing at the London Olympics, this video deserves a medal. We thought it would be a good way to make you smile while you head into the weekend. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to go cancel our doughnut order at Tim Horton’s.

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

OzTREKK’s Point of View: the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Australia

OzTREKK’s Shannon Tilston has been a devote vegetarian for years, and when she travels to Australia, she likes to discover some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the places she visits. Here are some of the spots that Shannon has on her checklist for her next visit Down Under, as each place has been given top marks by both locals and travellers.

Restaurant: Vegie Bar
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Profile: Vegie Bar is located on the busy Brunswick Street and is well known for its Delicious thin-crust pizzas, tasty curries and seasonal broths, which can be eaten outside along Brunswick Street itself, or in its cavernous, shared-table space inside. The prices are decent, too, with most meals costing between $7 and 15.
Best Eats: Paploma pizza, which has roasted pumpkin, feta and spinach, as well as the lentil burgers and spring rolls.

Restaurant: 20,000 Cows
Location: Lismore, New South Wales
Profile: The Lonely Planet says this vegetarian restaurant delivers international flavours with one-for-all and all-for-one social messages. Far right conservatives need not enter, and everyone else can enjoy the Yemeni pastries, Lithuanian kugelis, Egyptian dips, Thai soups, Indian curries and warm vibes.
Best Eats: Everything on the menu sounds delicious, but the restaurant name itself has piqued Shannon’s interest.

Restaurant: Cardamom Pod
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales
Profile: Popular with the locals, the Cardamom Pod is completely vegetarian, using only fresh, natural ingredients in every single delicious dish, which are all cooked and created on the premises daily. This quality of cuisine provides appetizing, flavourful and nutritious dishes to satisfy the taste buds of every person who walks through the doors.
Best Eats: The Dhal looks amazing as does the dessert specialty, the Byron Bay Bliss Balls.

Restaurant: Kuan Yin Tea House
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Profile: The Kuan Yin Tea House has an amazing reputation across the city, and it’s a great place to bring your meat-loving friends for meat-inspired meals. There are even a number of vegan and gluten-free meal options.
Best Eats: Watermelon juice and mock oysters.

Want to experience Australia for yourself? Find out how to Study in Australia!

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Archive for July, 2012

University of Melbourne Students Celebrate Olympics