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Undergraduate Biology

Announcements - October 22-29, 2007

1)         ACTIVITIES
2)         ADVISING…this is important information for you!
3)         HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT TEACHING?
4)         COURSES OFFERED IN SPRING 2008…check these out!!!
5)         PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
6)         INTERNSHIPS
7)         CAMPUS JOBS
 
 
1)         ACTIVITIES
 
October Workshops presented by KU Career Services (additional workshops and more information at: http://www.careerservices.ku.edu/):
*Dynamic Interviewing Skills; also October 31, 3:30–4:30 pm, 149 Burge Union.
*Around the World with Peace Corps; October 31, 12:00–1:00 pm, International Room, Kansas Union.
 
October 23, Tuesday – The PRE-OPTOMETRY CLUB has scheduled a representative from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to come and speak at 7:00 pm in the Walnut Room of the Kansas Union. (NSUCO is one of the schools that has an in-state tuition contract program for some Kansas residents.)
 
October 23, Tuesday - The PRE-MEDICINE CLUB will be meeting at 7:00 pm; location to be announced. Our guests will be a panel of students from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, http://www.kcumb.edu/. (KCUMB is an osteopathic school, and they accept more KU graduates than any medical school other than the KU School of Medicine. The education and training at DO medical schools is very similar to that at MD medical schools. So, even if you're planning to go to MD medical school, this event is well-worth attending.)
 
October 24, Wednesday – Dr. Stuart Ravnik, Assistant Dean, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center will be speaking about UT Southwestern’s graduate programs; 2025 Haworth, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Event coordinated by Biology Club—OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS.
 
October 24, Wednesday – Immediately following Dr. Ravnik’s presentationTRI-BETA (short) meeting…all members please try to attend!!! New members always welcome!

October 25, Thursday – BIOLOGY CLUB, Haworth Room 1005 Haworth, 5:30 pm.  “Dr. Kevin Latinis, M.D. PhD, in Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at KUMC will be speaking on his experiences obtaining the M.D. PhD degree and his accomplishments afterwards."

October 25, Thursday – PEACE CORPS GALA, 7:00–9:00 pm, Kansas Room, Kansas Union. Come to the Peace Corps Gala, and speak with representatives and returned volunteers. Learn how the Peace Corps can open doors in your career which you never thought possible.
 
2)         ADVISING…this is important information for you!
 
Advising in KUUB continues through Friday, 9 November. NOW is the time to make contact with your advisor and set up an appointment, especially if you plan to graduate in May 2008. Current KUUB's advisor contact information is available at http://www.kuub.ku.edu/~kuub/cgi-bin/advising.shtml. Tentative beginning enrollment dates are: Seniors - 23 October; Juniors - 26 October; Sophomores - 31 October; Freshmen - 6 November.

SENIORS: Now is the time to conduct a graduation check before enrolling for your final semester at KU.  Please meet with a biology advisor to make sure you will successfully complete all of your graduation requirements next Spring.

Successful advising sessions require that both students and advisors are prepared.  Know your graduation requirements, including general education requirements, courses for your major, overall and Jr/Sr credit hours needed, and overall and Jr/Sr. GPA minima.  Make sure you discuss these requirements with your advisor.  Check out the Advising Preparation form at http://www.collegesas.ku.edu/forms/FACULTY%20ADVISING%20PREPARATION.pdf before meeting with your advisor.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You will need to clear all holds before you will be able to enroll (check Enroll & Pay).  Freshman will have advising holds placed on their enrollment and any continuing students who have not officially declared a major will have non-declared advising enrollment hold.  Advisors in the University Advising Center (126 Strong Hall) or CLAS Student Academic Services office (109 Strong Hall) will be able to remove advising holds.  Students submitting a completed Declaration of Major form to 109 Strong will have their non-declared hold removed.

The following are some links you might find helpful during the enrollment process:
* Links to open sections, searchable timetable - http://www.opensections.ku.edu/
* Retrieving an ARTS form - http://www.artsform.ku.edu/
* CLA&S Student Academic Services main enrollment information page - http://www.collegesas.ku.edu/

3)         HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT TEACHING?
 
Dear students— Have YOU Ever Considered Teaching Secondary Science or Mathematics? KU has started a new program, the UKanTeach Program (open to freshmen through seniors), which will allow you to earn a degree in your field and a secondary teaching license in four years. The first course of the UKanTeach sequence, LA&S 290, is a one-hour course that will allow you to explore teaching as a career. We will even reimburse you for one-hour of in-state tuition. This course will prepare you to teach three science/math lessons in local schools during the semester. It is offered from 1–2:20 pm on Tuesdays next Spring in 142 JRP. Please consider teaching as a career and sign up for this course. If you have questions, please contact Jan Lariviere at jlariviere@ku.edu. Hope to see you next semester.—Jan Lariviere (For more information, go to: http://ukanteach.ku.edu/.)

4)         COURSES OFFERED IN SPRING 2008…check these out!!!

(BIOL 560 (#83663), Histology, 9:30–10:45 Tuesday/Thursday, 1007 Haworth, taught by Richard Galbraith.) Histology is the microscopic study of tissue. The goal of the course is to teach students to recognize the microscopic features of basic tissue types, as well as specific organs. We will initially cover general histological principles and basic tissue types, and then spend most of the semester studying the organ systems, with a strong emphasis on human tissue. Correlating examples of basic disease processes will also be demonstrated. For the course to be most meaningful to students, students should already be familiar with anatomy and physiology. The course will be held in a laboratory classroom, and sessions will consist of lectures, followed by time spent using microscopes. This course will provide an excellent bridge between anatomy and physiology. It will benefit students interested in tissue-based research, by providing a solid understanding of tissue/organ architecture with functional correlations. It will also benefit medical students as a course in histology is a staple first-year course in medical school. Space in this course is limited, so ENROLL NOW.

Dr. Thomas N. Taylor will be teaching “The Art of Becoming a Professional Scientist” (BIOL 802/694, 3  credits, Mondays 5:00-6:30 pm). This class is open to graduate students and undergraduate seniors planning on a career in science. Some of the topics include: long- and short-range career goals, career trajectory, networking, research and teaching philosophy, résumé and cv, both sides of the interview process, professional and personal choices, ethics in science, increasing accountability, tenure, professional presentations, grantsmanship, professional maintenance, dual career couples, postdoctoral position or a job, measuring success, professional demands, other points of view, etc. The course will utilize current literature as a basis for discussion. Dr. Taylor, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, offers this course from the perspective of a 40-year academic career that includes continuous research support from the National Science Foundation, teaching and administrative positions at several universities, and teaching and mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students and faculty.

5)         PRE-HEALTH NEWS from Paul Crosby …
 
KU School of Medicine Open House, Friday, November 9, register now! (From http://www.kumc.edu/som/openhouse.html): "The University of Kansas invites you to the KU Medical Center to attend an open house to learn more about the School of Medicine. All open house programs will take place at the KU Medical Center and begin at 3:00 pm. If you plan to attend, please arrive promptly. This event provides prospective medical students with information about preparation for medical school, the application procedure, a question-and-answer forum, and a walking tour of the Medical Center. In addition, a panel of medical students will be available to answer your questions. The next scheduled date for the School of Medicine Open House is Friday, November 9 in 1023 Orr-Major. There is no fee to attend but advanced registration is required. You may register on-line [http://www.kumc.edu/som/regform.html] or by calling 913.588.5280. Registration is limited to 60. Prior to the Open House, a confirmation letter and campus map will be emailed to you."

KU School of Medicine Primary Care Workshop, Saturday, January 12, register now! (From http://www.kumc.edu/som/primarycareworkshop.html): "This one-day workshop prepares select Kansas students to shadow physicians, observe doctor-patient communications, learn about the roles other healthcare professionals play, participate in community health programs, and write patient case summaries. Selected students will participate in breakout sessions during which they learn sterile techniques, the fundamentals of taking a medical history, and learn about professionalism and patient confidentiality. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants for this program must be permanent Kansas residents or students of a Kansas college or university who have attained sophomore standing as of the date of application. Applicants who are permanent Kansas residents are not required to be enrolled in a Kansas college or university in order to participate in this program. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average. Approximately 40 students will be accepted to participate in each workshop. Acceptance will be based on fulfillment of eligibility requirements and first-come, first-serve basis." (You can get more information at http://www.kumc.edu/som/primarycareworkshop.html, and download application materials from http://www.kumc.edu/som/primarycareworkshop.pdf.)

Enrollment Information. Premedical Course Requirements:
Pre-Chiropractic at www.medadvising.ku.edu/chiropractic
Pre-Dentistry at www.medadvising.ku.edu/dentistry/denthandout.shtml
Pre-Medicine at www.medadvising.ku.edu/medicine/medplans.shtml
Pre-Optometry at www.medadvising.ku.edu/optometry/opthandout.shtml
Pre-Physician Assistant at www.medadvising.ku.edu/pa
Pre-Podiatry at www.medadvising.ku.edu/pm
Pre-Veterinary at www.medadvising.ku.edu/vm/vethandout.shtml

6)         INTERNSHIPS
 
Information on these and other internships can be found in the Internship/Opportunity book in the Biology Office, 2045 Haworth, and in BTRC, 1004 Haworth.
 
These are abbreviated versions of internship postings in KU Career Connections. If you would like a complete description or information on how to register for KU Career Connections, please let me know. Erin (ewolfram@ku.edu).

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge - Horticulture Intern (Spring). Description: The Horticulture Intern will assist with the maintenance and improvement of the landscaped areas of the Refuge, including the planting, pruning and watering of trees, shrubs and perennials, spreading mulch on landscaped areas, labeling of plant displays, mowing; weed, undergrowth and plant litter removal. Also, responsible for the identification and removal of toxic plants; as well as the development of browse for environmental enrichment. This internship requires the completion of an Independent Project developed under the guidance of the Intern supervisor and will coordinate volunteers in support of project goal. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs. Requires the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field involving horticultural and landscaping practices. One position is opened each internship. Internships run every six months. Applications accepted until: November 15, 2007.
 
Patuxent Research Refuge - Environmental Interpretation Internship (Spring/Summer). Description: Want to make a difference in a wild setting this spring? Then look no further than the Environmental Education/Interpretation internship at Patuxent! We are currently looking for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to teach others about wildlife through: Developing and Conducting Creative Nature Programs; Leading Wildlife Conservation Tram Tours; Conducting Puppet Shows; Working With Scout and School Groups; Operating the Visitor Center. Applications accepted until: January 1, 2008.
 
Patuxent Research Refuge - Wildlife Biology Internship. Dates of employment: March 7, 2008 – June 27, 2008. Qualifications: Must have well-developed communication skills and leadership ability and be able to work independently and as part of a team; experience collecting biological data in the field preferred. Bachelor’s degree (or pursuing) in wildlife management, natural resources, or related field, and field work experience desired. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have personal vehicle, though a vehicle will be provided for official duties. Duties: Interns work closely with a staff Wildlife Biologist and Volunteer to collect biological data on the nesting success of wood ducks using several hundred artificial nesting structures. Hens and young may be banded. Determines nesting success of other species of waterfowl such as black ducks, mallards and Canada geese on the Refuge. Determines nesting success of other bird species such as bluebirds, tree swallows, prothonotary warblers, purple martins, kestrels and screech owls using artificial nesting structures. Participates in various other Refuge surveys, including frog calling surveys, woodcock and whippoorwill surveys, waterbird surveys and vegetation surveys. Assists biologist with various other responsibilities, including data entry, data analysis, invertebrate and vegetation sampling, and invasive species control. Must interact effectively with staff and volunteers to assure quality data is collected. On rare occasions, interns may be required to assist with various visitor services at the Visitor Contact Station. Work schedule will be standard Monday through Friday with federal holidays off. Salary: $150 per week stipend with dormitory housing; OR $175 per week without housing. Please visit: http://patuxent.fws.gov/. How to apply: Send letter of interest, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers or email addresses to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Research Refuge, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4036. Applications accepted until: January 1, 2008.

7)         CAMPUS JOBS
 
Undergraduate Computer Programmer (deadline extended!)--The program Syngraph (http://web.nhm.ku.edu/inverts/syngraph/beta/index.htm) is used in my laboratory for research on biodiversity. It links information about animals, including contributing to a map display of places the animals have been found. I seek an undergraduate student to: (1) modify it for use with any RDB application, (2) make it downloadable, (3) write documentation for it, (4) write instructions for its use. Work will begin November 5, 2007, and extend through Spring 2008. This position is half-time (scheduled around classes); work hours will be during the regular workday (8-5). Required Qualifications: Undergraduate standing for academic year 2007-2008; knowledge of and experience in programming; knowledge of and experience in use of Visual Basic and ActiveX data objects; experience in web development; excellent command of the English language; ability to work as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ColdFusion; experience with Oracle; experience with GIS, especially ESRI products; interest in biodiversity informatics; major in computer science or biological science. Contact: Daphne Fautin, Professor, fautin@ku.edu, phone 864-3062, office 3002 Haworth. Application: Send letter that includes: (1) Description of how each required qualification is met, and information on preferred or other qualifications. (2) Names and contact information for three references who are reachable (at least two must be in the US) by October 25. (This position is supported on a stipend; it is not an hourly position.)
 
Jan
 
 
Jan Elder
Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Biology