Memos for undergraduates

The Elections Committee are looking for volunteers to help out with this years student elections. We're looking for clerks to help out in the elections office, stamping publicity and answering questions. We'd only need a few hours of your time and will work around your schedule. It's good fun and a great way to get involved in the elections, the only condition is that you are not running for a position yourself or actively supporting any campaign. If you're interested please email saelect@st-andrews.ac.uk

This year's student elections are coming up fast – Nominations open Monday 25th Feb and close Friday 1st March, with the voting online from the 7th-8th March. With over 40 positions available from AU President, SRC members to School Presidents, why not see what you could run for? Find out more at www.yourunion.net/elections

Fife Alcohol Support Services provide individual, confidential listening and support services for anyone who has been affected by alcohol or substance abuse, whether that be personally, or if you're worried about a friend or family member. As of next Thursday (14th February) there will be weekly drop in hours from 1-4pm each Thursday, in Student Services on the top floor of the student's Union building. This drop in clinic is open to both students and staff from the university.

The Environment Team will be selling Fairtrade red roses outside the Library on Thursday 14th February from 10am to 2pm.

Due to essential building works we regret to advise that the Butts Wynd Building, including the Computer Classrooms – will be closed from 4pm on Friday 8th February until 8am on Monday 11th February. There will be no access into the building during this time. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

A PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Iain Matthews and Prof. Anne Magurran from the School of Biology is looking for volunteers to help with sorting of arthropod specimens collected using pitfall traps.

Volunteers will be asked to separate spider and beetle specimens from pitfall samples, and to record morphospecies numbers and abundance of these organisms. No in-depth taxonomic knowledge is required, although some basic knowledge of arthropod orders would be useful (e.g. knowing the difference between beetles and ants).

Training will be provided and the PhD student will be in the lab to offer guidance and advice to students. Volunteers are also welcome to attempt species level ID using the available taxonomic keys, and advice and help can be given when available. Additionally, there is scope for students to gain experience in clearing/mounting specimens on slides, examination of fine structures (such as the epigyne of spiders) and carding of adult Coleoptera specimens. We also maintain cultures of various arthropods in the lab so there is scope to gain insight into rearing techniques.

This represents a good opportunity to obtain insight into post-graduate research as well as an introduction to arthropod identification and preservation methods.

Cake, biscuits, tea/coffee will be available. If interested, please contact Grant at grb31@st-andrews.ac.uk

The online Accommodation Application will be available for returning Undergraduates and Postgraduate students from 9.00am on Monday 11 February 2013. The application process will be available for one week only and closes at 11.59pm Monday 18 February 2013. Applications before and after this time will not be accepted. Please read the information on the following links: For Undergraduates: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/ug/current/applyforaccommodation/ For Postgraduates: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/pg/current/applyforaccommodation/

You may have recently left religion behind or you may have left it a while ago and you are finding it difficult to adjust to your new way of life. Perhaps you have not been able to find anyone else who understands what you have been going through, this is why Recovering From Religion groups exist; in order to help you meet with other people who have been through a similar situation who understand what you are going through.

This support group is designed for anyone who is interested in exploring a life outside of religious beliefs. This group is safe, non-judgemental and you don’t have to worry about people telling you to pray harder as proselytising and evangelising are not allowed at these groups !

If you are interested in this support group please contact Ruth at rjh58@st-andrews.ac.uk

On February 27th, 2013 (Wednesday), Greenpeace St Andrews is planning to host a set of Arctic talks. We are currently looking for speakers, students or lecturers, who are passionate about climate change, the Arctic, or has something interesting to say about making the Arctic a global sanctuary or drilling for oil in the Arctic. If this sounds like something you are interested in, please get in touch at mw46@st-andrews.ac.uk!

For the purposes of your academic record and for producing an accurate exam timetable, the University requires all Registered students on modular programmes to check and confirm their module enrolments through a “Module Confirmation” process in eVision (from the University website follow the link to Current Students and then choose the eVision tab on top of the page) https://e-vision.st-andrews.ac.uk/ <https://e-vision.st-andrews.ac.uk/> .

The facility will be open from Monday 11th February and should be completed by Friday 15th February at the latest. You will be emailed when the facility is ready for use.

You are required to confirm, by clicking on the appropriate button, that the modules (numbers and names) we hold on our records are those that you are attending in Semester 2. If there are any problems with the module list, you should inform Registry by clicking the appropriate button, in some cases, an appointment with a Pro Dean may be necessary and Registry will inform you if this is needed.

Failure to check the modules properly may lead to exam timetable clashes and result in you not being able to complete the assessment requirements for your modules in this semester.

Best Wishes

Dr Laurence Lasselle, Pro Dean of Arts and Advising (Advising) Dr Ian Matthews, Pro Dean of Science (Advising) Dr Tom Jones, Pro Dean of Arts & Divinity (Postgraduate) Dr Colin Alison, Pro Dean of Science (Postgraduate)

In this NEW experiment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire assessing personality dimensions and will then be asked to alter faces to make them appear most attractive. The whole experiment should take about 5 minutes to complete and can be found by using this link: http://perception.st-and.ac.uk/expt/Carlota/PhD/PDAPFFC/Carlota_PDAPFFC_Page0.html

Have you been feeling down or depressed over the last few weeks? We need participants who currently experiencing low mood or feeling depressed.This project examines the relationship between the thought patterns resulting from response styles and cognitive abilities, particularly autobiographical memory and executive functions. This study examines how varying levels of response styles and mood impact these cognitive abilities in order to determine the impact of response styles on thinking and memory. We are also still looking for control participants who have no history of mental ill health in addition to the age and language requirements listed below.

You will be given £5/hr for your time. We need students age 18-25 only and native English speakers only (due to task requirements). To sign up, please go to the online Research Participation System and look at the study 'Cognition & Thinking Styles PAID' http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=428. Please contact Melissa Lent Schapero at mal33 to get more information or if you have any questions.

Have a money question/query come along to the Drop in Sessions in the ASC 10-12.30pm & 1.00-3.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No question is to large or too small. If you can’t drop by E: money.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk Money Trees are out and about in Halls, the ASC and Student Services to add your good tip. Best tips winning prizes.

Now it’s the start of semester 2, spring clean your money/finances and take the Personality Challenge – and Max Your Money Skills for this link and many other money information check out - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/moneyweek/

As part of my Honours degree I am interested in attention-allocation during a walking and reasoning dual task. I am looking for participants of ages 18 to 30, who are able to walk unassisted and who speak English as their first language. The study involves completing a short questionnaire and some problem-solving and puzzle-like tasks. Once that has been done, participants will be asked to walk and carry out a reasoning task separately and together. Overall, the study should take no longer than 40 minutes. Participants will receive an ice-cream voucher from ‘Jannetta´s’ as a token of appreciation for having taken part in the research. For more information please contact Lin Maclean, School of Psychology and Neuroscience: lmm18@st-andrews.ac.uk

Owl Eyes is looking new writers! From reviews to interviews, recipes, travel, we cover everything arts and culture related inside and outside St Andrews, To get involved, pitch article ideas, or find out more, email MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "editor@owleyesmagazine.com" claiming to be editor@owleyesmagazine.com <http://editor@owleyesmagazine.com> No experience necessary! More info at www.owleyesmagazine.com/content/jobs <http://www.owleyesmagazine.com/content/jobs> <http://www.owleyesmagazine.com/content/jobs>

The At Home and Abroad Society will be holding Drop In Sessions every second Thursday from 4-5pm in the Main Union Bar starting this week! This is a place where students who are thinking of going abroad as part of their studies can ask questions and figure out their options. We have very knowledgeable country reps more than willing to help you with anything you've got on your mind! And what's more, we like to help JSAs make the most of their St Andrews experience too! For those of you on your year or semester abroad in St Andrews and have any general questions to ask, we are here to answer then and help you connect with others, making sure that you feel at home, while you're abroad!

Dance down to the Gateway Galleries for a night of swing, ballroom and ceilidh madness. Enjoy late night entry to our exhibition 'Mathematical Beauty: the Science & Art of Form'. Get crafty with our activities and munch on some tasty treats from local suppliers. Cosy up to our model skeleton for some photo fun and get woozy on our loved-up valentines themed cocktail. Tickets £10. Includes all of the above and a complimentary cocktail on arrival, cash bar thereafter. Tickets on sale outside the Main University Library Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th February 10am-2pm or buy them online at http://tiny.cc/h53trw. Visit http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum/gateway/whatson/ or email neem@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information and watch out for posters.

We are planning a trip to the only Tibetan Monastery in Scotland- Samye-Ling Monastery on 2nd March 2013. Located in a peaceful valley on the banks of the river Esk in Scotland, Kagyu Samye Ling was founded in 1967 and was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West. Here is the link for more information about the monastery http://www.samyeling.org/

It will be a one day trip. If you like to explore more about the Tibetan Monastic tradition, its temple, shrines, retreat centers and even to experience the peaceful environment, contact us at tibetsocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information about the trip.

I am an undergraduate looking to record an acoustic demo. I have my own guitar. If there is anyone who has recording equipment and who would be interested in helping me please, please get in touch. I would be very, very grateful! Evelyn Blacklock (esb4)

We are running another 5 week block of tai chi classes at the sports. This commences on Wednesday the 13th of February at 7.45am – 8.45am at the University sports centre. This class is open for both members and non-members for all staff, students and community. For fitness + members the class is inclusive of the membership price. For non-members you can block book this class for the 5 weeks for £21. Please contact reception on 01334 462190 for any bookings or enquiries.

The University of St Andrews Saxophone Ensemble, conducted by Sue McKenzie, meets every Monday 5-6pm upstairs in Younger Hall. We are currently working towards a gig and are keen to attract new members. We play jazz, contemporary, and classical pieces for the full range of the saxophone family and no audition is necessary. For further information please contact music@st-andrews.ac.uk <mailto:music@st-andrews.ac.uk> .

Impact St Andrews is looking to expand its website. We are looking for writers that want to write about any aspect of sustainability within St Andrews or beyond. We are open to new and creative ideas. If interested, contact us!

We invite you to participate in a study designed to investigate the nature of human facial sexual dimorphism, i.e. female femininity and male masculinity. How, for example, does height affect male and female facial shape? You will have taken a 3D image of your face, and will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on your age, gender, ethnicity, self-perceived health, dominance and other items. In addition, we will take the following measurements: your weight; your height, elbow breadth, as well as wrist and head circumference, to measure your body frame size; a photo scan of your hand, to measure your second-to-fourth digit ratio; and your biceps circumference and handgrip strength, as a proxy of your overall strength. You can omit any question or measurement you feel uncomfortable with. Your data will be kept strictly confidential.

Overall, the whole study should not take longer than 45 minutes. In addition to payment, we can e-mail you the 3D image of your face in the form of an .obj file (readable by programs such as Photoshop). Sign-up and more information: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=489 <http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=489>

Evening languages have now begun but space remains in a few classes. For further information go to www.st-andrews.ac.uk/eveninglanguages <http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/eveninglanguages> . There is a link to the enrolment form and timetable where there is information on languages and levels still available.

The University of St Andrews Music Society are commissioning a piece of orchestral & vocal music from their composer in residence, Mark David Boden. They are looking for submissions from students and staff of text to be sung and featured in the piece. The focus of the piece is celebrating St Andrews, and this is a great opportunity to get involved with the 600th celebrations. Texts can be in any language, or even a mix of languages, original or already published but should be no longer than around 50 words. You might even find a single sentence appropriate.

If you are submitting a text in another language, an indication of phonetics and a translation would be very helpful. All entries should be sent as soon as possible via email to mussocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk

Report of Thefts

Police advise that there has been a number of thefts of laptop computers and mobile ‘phones from various locations in and around the town during the past few weeks. Can we remind everyone that they should not leave valuable electronic equipment or any other personal possessions unattended and if in a hall of residence – or private flat - please also ensure that you lock your room or flat when leaving, even if only for a few minutes. If you do see anyone acting suspiciously in any University building contact University security on extension 3999 (Estates helpdesk) or 3985 at night and weekends. The police also ask that you contact them if offered any electrical items for sale either on email to kevin.payne@fife.pnn.police.uk or anonymously to Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Stewart Davidson Security Manager 07990 784356/sgd1@st-andrews.ac.uk

Places still available on the courses below:

Feedback: What is it? Who is it for? How do we make the most of it?, Wednesday 13th February, 1400 – 1500 https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3316 <https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3316> Feedback is a powerful tool that can be used to improve your work. This course will help you understand the function of feedback, how to use feedback and ‘feed-forward’ into your next assignment / coursework.

Academic Integrity v. Academic Misconduct, Wednesday 13th February, 1530 – 1630 https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/index.php?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3320 <https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/index.php?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3320> This course raises awareness of the Academic Misconduct Policy and shows students how to maintain their academic integrity within their reports.

CompSci students preferred. Knowledge of HTML coding necessary and familiarity with Drupal system preferred. General manager for website, would need to be good at solving technical issues quickly and efficiently.

Please email editor@stand-news.co.uk to apply.

Are you an International Student who requires a National Insurance Number to work in the UK? A team of National Insurance Number (NINo) officers will be visiting the Careers Centre on Wednesday 27 February 2013 to carry out identity interviews.

Please call into the Careers Centre to complete a green form prior to Wednesday 27 and to select a time slot for the interview.

This unauditioned chorus meets Mondays at 7.30pm in the Younger Hall. Repertoire for this term will include: Wherever You Are (the Military Wives), Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Lion King), And So It Goes (King's Singers), Don't Stop Believing (Glee!)

If you enjoy singing and would like to be part of this easy-going group, we would love to meet you! Drop by at any rehearsal, and do get in touch with any questions.

Find us on Facebook as The University of St Andrews Music Society or email mussocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk .

ST.ART Magazine have recently created its musical offshoot, ST.ART Music.

We hope to consolidate all the music talent in and around St. Andrews under one roof, as well as providing the means to exploring as many musical genres as we can, and keeping the student body up to speed with music events in St. Andrews, and beyond.

If you would like to join our journalism team, become the resident representative for your music genre (however diverse) or if you want to showcase your talent, get in touch ASAP! Contact eq4 or come to a meeting this Wednesday (6th) at 6pm in the Vic's Social Club.

It all kicks off this semester. ST.ART Music, Press Play.

People who consider themselves as British are sought to participate in a study looking at the perception of visual versus written material. The study takes 45 minutes and participants will be asked to watch a short video, read a short text and then complete a questionnaire. Participants will take part in a draw and can win one of two £50 vouchers. If you have any questions or would like to take part, please email Gosia Irminska (mbi@st-andrews.ac.uk). Thank you!

St Andrews Microfinance Society's Textbook Market, Thursday 7th February in the Main Library from 12.30pm to 14.30pm.

On behalf of the St Andrews Microfinance Society Contact information: mfsoc@st-andrews.ac.uk

If you are interested in becoming a listening volunteer for Nightline then please come along to our information talk on Thursday 7th February at 7pm in the Salad Bowl (top floor of the union), here you will hear a bit about what it's like to be a listening volunteer from our public faces and have a chance to ask questions. You will also be able to fill in and hand in application forms at the end of the meeting.

If you can't make the meeting, don't worry, you can fill in an application form online at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/nightline/recruitment.html, the deadline for all applications is 8pm on Thursday 7th.

Is the use of ultrasound beneficial to the placement of chest drains in trauma situations? I am looking for participants to take part in my study, which will aim to answer this question.

Using a set of current guidelines, surface markers would be placed on the side wall of your chest and ribs identified using ultrasound. The study, taking place at the end of February, will only take 20 minutes and also give you a chance to see how an ultrasound machine works. Squash and biscuits provided. For more information please contact Kate Nicholls, kaen@st-andrews.ac.uk

Experiential evenings exploring prayer: Including ways of praying with scripture; praying with icons; music, movement and body prayer; fantasy prayer; healing touch. Co-sponsored by University Chaplaincy and Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy.

First meeting: Ash Wednesday 13 February 2013, 8.30pm. Thereafter, four Thursdays 21, 28 February, 7, 14 March, at Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy, The Scores, 7.30pm.

Cost for the whole course: £10 for students; £20 for staff. For more information see http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chaplaincy/events/whenyoupray/ or contact the Chaplaincy, chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk

Like Great British Bake Off? Then you'll love our Great Fairtrade Bake Off! We need 6 volunteers (in teams of 2) to bake 6 sweet and 6 savoury muffins using Fairtrade ingredients (which we'll provide), the muffins will be judged by our panel and the winning team will receive some fab Fairtrade goodies AND all of this will be filmed by studentcooking.tv just like GBBO! If you want to get involved or for more information please email fairtrade@st-andrews.ac.uk ASAP. Filming and baking will take place on 12th Feb at 11.30am at Agnes Blackadder Hall so you'll need to be free then.

People currently experiencing negative involuntary memories are sought to participate in a study looking at ways in which learning to be mindful and self-compassionate can help alleviate distress associated with the memories. Three sessions will take place over three weeks and participants will also be required to take part in a psychological interview and to complete some questionnaires about mood and their memories. If you have any questions or think you would like to take part, please email Steph Hunter (slh52@st-andrews.ac.uk). Thank you!

An Informal new book club set up and hosted by three students requires those with an interest in reading to join. Books discussed will be of a variety of genres selected by members on a monthly basis. There is no requirement for members to be studying literature, as a diverse range of people with varying interests are welcomed. There may even be the possibility of snacks and beverages. For more information email rw426@st-andrews.ac.uk or hm457@st-andrews.ac.uk

If you are you interested in planning Green Week, starting an environmental project or finding out more about Transition’s long term vision please see here for more information http://transitionuniversityofstandrews.com/2013/01/february-open-forum/

This is a Town and Gown event taking place in Younger Hall from 11-5 on Sunday the 3rd, we welcome families with our offer of 'under 16s go free', and tickets cost £3 for anyone over that age. We have an incredible luxury Raffle taking place at the event with the prizes amounting to around £1,500, a relaxing cafe area with acapella and jazz throughout the afternoon, a kid's creative station, and exciting cookery demonstrations. We will be showcasing the wonderful businesses and producers local to St Andrews and Fife, in celebration of the wonderful produce available on our doorstep.

SAEF is a platform of stimulating discussions, workshops and presentations about current issues for students from St Andrews, the United Kingdom and beyond, sponsored by the Royal Economic Society.

The theme for this year is 'Inclusive Innovation - Breaking with Traditional Development '.

We have invited world-leading speakers to give presentations and workshops with many opportunities for engaging discussions. The speakers include:

• Jonathan Feinstein, the John G. Searle Professor of Economics and Management at Yale University
• Norman Scott, Emeritus Professor of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University
• Pierre Mohnen, Professor of Microeconometrics of Technical Change at Maastricht University
• Jaideep Prabhu, Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Indian Business & Enterprise, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
• Prof Yuko Harayama - Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University

Check out our website: http://www.standrewseconomicforum.com/ Or our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/StAndrewsEconomicsForumsaef

Friday 15 February, from 7.30pm Gateway Galleries, North Haugh, St Andrews Dance down to the Gateway Galleries for a night of swing, ballroom and ceilidh madness. Enjoy late night entry to our exhibition 'Mathematical Beauty: the Science & Art of Form'. Get crafty with our activities and munch on some tasty treats from local suppliers. Cosy up to our model skeleton for some photo fun and get woozy on our loved-up valentines themed cocktail. Tickets £10. Includes all of the above and a complimentary cocktail on arrival, cash bar thereafter. Come to the Library Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th February 10am-2pm to buy tickets. Visit http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum/gateway/whatson/ or email neem@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information and watch out for posters.

Do you have a bike in needing of repair? Would you like to learn some basic ways to keep you're bike in better condition?

If yes, please bring you and you're bike along on this Sunday, February 3rd between 12-2 in the Nesbit room (main building) at DRA for a bike repair workshop hosted courtesy of the St Andrews Bike Pool team. We will help assist you in improving gear shifting, tuning brakes, and basic winter maintenance. It's time to get those bikes working again! So come along this Sunday and meet our team. For more information see our poster.

If you are also a keen bike enthusiast with repair skills/or tools and a willingness to get involved with our mission to get more bikes in St Andrews working again we'd love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us at standrewsbikepool@gmail.com, or find us on facebook (search 'St Andrews Bike Pool').

We hope to see you soon - The Bike Team

The IPA is accepting applications for new committee members. We are looking for general committee members, an assistant press officer (who must be adept at Photoshop and website design), and a sponsorship officer. To apply please send your CV and a cover letter to ipastandrews@gmail.com by 12pm Friday 8 February. Also don’t forget about our upcoming event: ‘After the World Spring: Global Power or Global Law. What will prevail?’ with HRH Basmah Bint Saud.’

Kind regards, The IPA Committee.

his semester, the Xavier Project society are looking to establish a Rafiki Fabrix distribution centre here in St Andrews. Rafiki Fabrix is part of Xavier Project's micro-finance programme which produces top quality fabrics and clothing items that are hand dyed and tailored by refugees.

We are looking for a team of 3-4 people to fill roles covering accounts, communications, marketing and stock taking. This is a great student enterprise opportunity that also supports a very worthy cause.

For more information on Xavier Project please visit http://xavierproject.co.uk/

If you are interested or have any questions please email Katie Yule ky62@st-andrews.ac.uk

The IT Front Service Desk in the main library will be closed on Saturday 2nd February. The service desk will however be open during normal working hours on Sunday 3rd February between 11.00 – 18.00. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Tour to Spain – CD recording – broadcasts on TV and radio – services in St Salvator's Chapel Email the organist, Tom Wilkinson <taw21@st-andrews.ac.uk> as soon as possible.

With a screening at the prestigious Glasgow Film Festival on 16th, and exclusive screenings in the unique settings of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and BAFTA, the home of British film in London, on 21st and 28th respectively, the film Ever to Excel, starring St Andrews Unievrsity (as well as Sir Sean Connery) is making big waves during February. Tickets are still available and we hope as many past and present students, parents, friends,and associates will be able to make it to one or other of these. So, if you have family or friends in easy reach of Glasgow, Edinburgh or London, who loves film and wants to see inside three of the most exciting film venues around, refer them to www.st-andrews.ac.uk/alumni/evertoexcel where they will be able to purchase tickets – provided they hurry.

Nightline is recruiting! If you are interested in becoming a listening volunteer then please come along to our information talk on Thursday 7th February at 7pm in the Salad Bowl (top floor of the union), here you will hear a bit about what it's like to be a listening volunteer from our public faces and have a chance to ask questions, at the meeting you will also be able to hand in and fill in application forms. If you can't make the meeting don't worry you can fill in an appplication form online at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/nightline/recruitment.html, the deadline for all application is 8.00pm on Thursday 7th February.

£10 (£5 per session) We are seeking students aged between 18-25, who are native English speakers to participate in a experiment on autobiographical memory recall. The study involves attending the Psychology Department for two hour-long sessions, one week apart, and requires the recall of events from your time at school and university. If you are interested please contact: Kate Smith, ks39@st-andrews.ac.uk or sign up on the SONA site: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/default.aspx

The Baking society, feels it is our responsibility to show talented individuals that they are appreciated! So why don't you send us photos of your beautifully decorated goodies. Anything is allowed, from cakes, to cookies! Entry is open to both members and non members, and is from the 28th of January till the 3rd of March, after which prizes will be awarded. Current prizes include £25 worth of baking equipment from pots and pans, afternoon tea for 2 at the Old Course Hotel, a celebratory cake from Fisher and Donaldson and a £15 voucher from Bibi's Cafe. Need to know more? Pop us an email at bakesoc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Two slots have become available in the University of St Andrews Music Society's series of Friday lunchtime recitals this semester. The lunchtime recitals are free half-hour concerts taking place weekly at 1-2pm on Fridays, held with the intention of encouraging the performance and appreciation of music in both the university and town. Performances may be from the largest and most well-established ensembles to previously unknown soloists, and all in between, covering any genre of music.

For enquiries and applications, please email Alexander Qiu at awxq@st-andrews.ac.uk. To apply, include the name of the performing group and a suggestion for the content of your recital.

The online Accommodation Application will be available for returning undergraduates and Postgraduate students from 9.00am on Monday 11 February 2013. The application process will be available for one week and closes on Monday 18 February 2013.

Carnegie Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships 2013

This is to make sure that you are all aware of the Carnegie Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships, as the deadline for the Deans to receive the applications for these prestigious awards is Friday 8 March 2013.

These awards are to enable outstanding students, of Scottish extraction, to engage with full-time study or research which will be of benefit to their academic work during the summer vacation.

These are highly competitive awards. In order to secure a successful application, students must demonstrate performance indicating that they have at least a reasonable prospect of gaining a First-class degree.

The awards are typically for six weeks (projects of up to eight weeks will be considered if there is a strong case) and the weekly stipend is between £100 and £175 depending on whether the student is living at home, away from home in the UK, or away from home and abroad.

Candidates should have identified a programme of study/research with their School or Department before applying, and indeed the application is via the Head of the relevant School/Supervisor (written application being made to the School by 24 February 2013 at the latest).

Interested students should contact their Head of School or Director of Teaching for more detailed information.

The Rascals sixes runs throughout the year. This year the partnership with Rascals bar St Andrews sees the winners of each leagues receive a meal voucher for their team. The entry Fee is £140, New and Old Teams Welcome, 10 Weeks Football. All abilities welcome, open to Students, staff and community members! Dates: Monday Leagues: Monday 4th Feb – 22nd April 2013 Wednesday Leagues: Wednesday 6th Feb - Wednesday 24th April 2013 Thursday League: Thursday 7th Feb - Thursday 25th April 2013

Pick Up an application form from the sports centre today!!!! Organiser: Gillian Thomson (gt18@st-andrews.ac.uk) Closing Date Friday 10pm 1st February 2013.

This project examines the relationship between the thought patterns resulting from response styles and cognitive abilities, particularly autobiographical memory and executive functions. This study examines how varying levels of response styles and mood impact these cognitive abilities in order to determine the impact of response styles on thinking and memory. We are looking for control participants, who are people who have no history of mental ill health in addition to the age and language requirements listed below. Participants who have been experiencing low mood are still needed.

You will be given £5/hr for your time. We need students age 18-25 only and native English speakers only (due to task requirements). To sign up, please go to the online Research Participation System and look at the study 'Cognition & Thinking Styles PAID' http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=428. Please contact Melissa Lent Schapero at mal33 to get more information or if you have any questions.

Academic Integrity & Academic Misconduct, Wednesday 6th February, 15.30 – 16.30

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/index.php?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3319

Academic Integrity has 5 fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility which we should all uphold in our academic writing. Acts of academic dishonesty compromise academic integrity. The University takes very seriously any acts of academic dishonesty and implements its Academic Misconduct Policy. This course raises awareness of the policy and shows students how to maintain their academic integrity within their written work.

New Course: Feedback: What is it? Who is it for? How do we make use of it?, Wednesday 13th February, 14.00 – 15.00

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/?Mode=Search&AudienceID=4&CourseID=3315

Feedback is a powerful tool that can be used to improve your work – everyone gets feedback at University. Most of us know that the main reason we are given feedback is to help us recognise our strengths and challenges. Using your feedback should help build your confidence as well as alert you to ‘gaps’ in your knowledge.

This course will help you understand the function of feedback, how to use feedback and ‘feed-forward’ into your next assignment / coursework.

For further information and to book your place on either of the courses see: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms/index.php

Last chance to sign up for Semester 2 golf lessons. These weekly group lessons are open to all staff and students at the University and cater for beginner, intermediate and advanced golfers. We are also offering on course lessons for intermediate and advanced golfers. Theses 3 hour lessons give you a chance to hone your skills on the course with a PGA professional coach.

For the full timetable of the lessons that are available please click here - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/news/2013/headline,97136,en.php or for more info contact Gary Brankin gb50@st-andrews.ac.uk

We invite you to participate in a study designed to investigate the nature of human facial sexual dimorphism, i.e. female femininity and male masculinity. How, for example, does height affect male and female facial shape? You will have taken a 3D image of your face, and will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on your age, gender, ethnicity, self-perceived health, dominance and other items. In addition, we will take the following measurements: your weight; your height, elbow breadth, as well as wrist and head circumference, to measure your body frame size; a photo scan of your hand, to measure your second-to-fourth digit ratio; and your biceps circumference and handgrip strength, as a proxy of your overall strength. You can omit any question or measurement you feel uncomfortable with. Your data will be kept strictly confidential.

Overall, the whole study should not take longer than 45 minutes. In addition to payment, we can e-mail you the 3D image of your face in the form of an .obj file (readable by programs such as Photoshop). Sign-up and more information: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=489

The University of St Andrews Music Society are commissioning a piece of orchestral & vocal music from their composer in residence, Mark David Boden. They are looking for submissions from students and staff of text to be sung and featured in the piece. The focus of the piece is celebrating St Andrews, and this is a great opportunity to get involved with the 600th celebrations. Texts can be in any language, or even a mix of languages, original or already published but should be no longer than around 50 words. You might even find a single sentence appropriate. If you are submitting a text in another language, an indication of phonetics and a translation would be very helpful. All entries should be sent as soon as possible via email to mussocmail@st-andrews.ac.uk

Applications are invited from undergraduates of Scottish Birth or Parentage studying Languages, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, the Performing Arts and other Arts subjects.

The purpose of the awards is to extend vacation support for a programme of work in Libraries, Museums, Galleries, Workshops, Master Classes and Centres of Excellence either in this country or abroad. Students spending the 2021-2013 academic session overseas may use the award to extend the experience of study abroad over summer 2013.

Further details and application forms are available from School Offices or from Jane Williams, PA to the Dean of Arts, Proctor’s Office, College Gate, North Street.

Completed forms, together with a Confidential Reference from your Head of School, should be returned to the Dean of Arts, Proctor’s Office, College Gate, North Street by Wednesday 13 March 2013.

Professor Nic Beech Dean of Arts

St Andrews Chorus welcomes new student members for the first full rehearsal of the new semester -- on Friday, 7pm to 9.15 pm -- in the main lecture theatre of the Physics Department. We shall be rehearsing Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Britten’s St Nicholas and Festival Te Deum. We employ top quality UK soloists and a professional orchestra, and our conductor is Michael Downes, director of music in the University. For more information see our web site at http://saint-andrews.net/sac/ or email eric priest at eric@mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk

The Interpreter Magazine is back for semester two and looking to hear all about your holiday adventures! Check out week one's articles online at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~theinterpreter/ and get in touch with your French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, German, English and Arabic articles at theinterpretermail@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Polish Society is looking for students willing to spend a week in a town in southern Poland (1-8 June 2013), teaching English in a primary school. The participants will be hosted by local families. Trips to the nearby places of interest (ie Krakow) will be organised. English native speakers/ people with experience preferred. Interested or have questions? Send us your CV (max 2 pages) and a paragraph describing your motivation (max 300 words) at ak635 until next Wednesday (6.2).

Native English speakers are sought for a study on moral decision making. Participants will be asked to provide some background information, complete 2 questionnaires on how they typically behave in social situations and make two moral decisions involving a fictitious culture, the Mildaks. You will be compensated £2.50 for your time. The study should take approximately 25-30 minutes. Slots are available through the SONA system (http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=481) or please contact Sarah Essak (moraldecisionstudy2012@gmail.com) if you are interested and/or have any questions.

The University will again be running its very successful Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (URIP) which is aimed at giving undergraduate students experience of research during the summer vacation. The programme is open to all St Andrews students, typically those who are about to enter into their final year. Students who will have completed their undergraduate studies by the start of the summer vacation cannot apply. Twenty internships will be awarded this year, with each student receiving funding of £220 per week for up to ten weeks of research. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the value, academic and otherwise, of their proposed project.

Applications are made direct to Faculty Deans, who will judge each application on the quality of the research and merit of the student. The deadline for submission is 12 March 2013 and applicants will be notified of the outcome by 5 April 2013.

At the end of the project, students must submit a report and present their research at a special event later in the year – with the University awarding a prizes to the best presentations. To take part in this scheme, students should, in the first instance, talk to any members of academic staff whose work interests them, with a view to developing a proposal for submission. Full details of the application process visit: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/academic/internships/

Professor Alan Dearle, Dean of Science Professor Nic Beech, Dean of Arts

Student Accommodation Services are currently running a photo competition to which all current students and staff are invited to submit photos.

We are looking for photographs that represent student life in University accommodation. This is not limited to photographs of the actual buildings. The photographs can represent any aspect of student life that you feel captures student experience in University accommodation, whether that is dancing at the hall ball, partying on raisin weekend, eating in the dining room, hanging out with friends in the kitchen or bedroom or even doing some studying!

Staff and student submissions will be judged separately and a winner picked from each category. Both the student winner and the staff winner will receive a fantastic £100 Amazon voucher! To enter please see further details here: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/photocompetition/

Many thanks to those students who took the time to complete our IT Services Survey last year (7-20 December 2012). Student feedback is extremely valuable and the information you have provided will allow us to review our service provision. Those who added their contact details were entered into a prize draw to win a Kindle Fire. Congratulations to our winner - Simon Fowler, a 3rd year Computer Science student. Simon was presented with his prize on Monday 28th January, by Steve Watt, Chief Information Officer.

As part of my Honours Degree, I am running a research project that is investigating decision-making. Participants of all ages are encouraged to participate in this 60 minute computer-based experiment, at the end of which you will receive £5 in cash. To sign-up, please log on to SONA (http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/) and select available time-slots of the experiment called 'Decision-Making' or contact me at jj292@st-andrews.ac.uk to arrange a time for participation.

Our daily lives are full of situations in which we must make fast and accurate choices in response to a variety of scenarios, including those where things don't turn out as expected. This study looks at how various dilemmas promote different responses, and how these differences may be related to cognitive control abilities. You will be asked to complete 3 simple computerized 'dilemma' tasks and some paper questionnaires; full instructions will be provided. Data will be kept strictly confidential. Participants must be either native English speakers or fluent in English.

The experiment will take between 1-1.5 hours and you will be reimbursed at a rate of £5 per hour. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lizzie Bradford at eefb@st-andrews.ac.uk

Following the success of this scheme over the past two years, 21 challenging, interesting and worthwhile internships will be available within different units of the University of St Andrews during the 2013 summer vacation. The St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme has been set up to provide experience of graduate-level work for 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates (or 3rd and 4th years on five year degrees).

As well as the work experience, each intern will receive an induction and introduction to the unit, and feedback on their performance for future development. The main intention is to give a good quality challenging experience which will help students to apply later and successfully for graduate positions.

To find out more, including how to apply, visit: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/wiki/St_Andrews_Summer_Internship_Scheme

The closing date for applications is Friday 1 March 2013.

STAR: standrewsradio.com is looking for enthusiastic presenters, music aficionados or news junkies to join our team. There’s opportunities both on and off air; writing for our music blog or news section. If you are interested in getting your own show contact Jasper (programming@standrewsradio.com), music team contact Kelly (music@standrewsradio.com) or news team contact Francesca (news@standrewsradio.com) by Friday 1st February at the latest.

Families First are looking for new volunteers to help with various exciting youth projects this semester and, in particular, next academic year. Volunteers can offer their support to any of a wide range of projects, such as youth clubs, holiday activities, individual and group befriending and family support projects. An information session is being held on Thursday 21st February 7-8pm in the Fellowship Room of St Andrews Baptist Church on South Street. Everyone is welcome and If you would like to come along please contact Jane Fraser, office manager, by emailing enquiries@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk or phoning 01334 208086. This is in cooperation with the St Andrews Voluntary Service and so if you would like more immediate information or if is interested but cannot make the meeting, please contact the SVS Youth Project Officer Chloe Smyth (cs215) or Families First Student Volunteer Manager Camille Hayes (ch663).

A reminder to all sports clubs that the Environment Team are launching a Green Sports Club Award for 2012/13. Nominations will open during the University Green Week in mid-March so there is still plenty of time to exercise your green fingers. For the criteria see here: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/environment/news/

Participants are sought for a two-part study on cognitive control and the experience of intrusive (involuntary) memories. Participants will be asked to complete a computer task and complete various questionnaires during the first session, then keep a diary of any intrusive memories experienced over a 1 week period and come back to the research lab after the 7 days to redo the original questionnaires. You will be paid £10 total for your time. Slots are on the SONA system

http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f or please contact Steph Hunter (slh52@st-andrews.ac.uk) if you are interested and/or have any questions. Thank you

Following student feedback we at the Library have changed weekend Short Loan borrowing. Books are now due at 11.00 am the next day if borrowed on Friday or Saturday after 5pm. Please be aware that fines for overdue Short Loan books are set at £0.50 per hour. We have changed the system to make these high demand books easier for more people to borrow and to make the system is fairer.

Kicking off on the 1st of February, RAG Week 2013 is set to be a fun-filled week of great events, silliness and lots of purple! With all the proceeds going to the St Andrews University Charities Campaign (and RAG Week's) six nominated charities (more information available at http://www.charities-campaign.gb.net), there is no excuse not to get involved with RAG Week 2013!

However, not only is there a jam-packed week of events to attend, there is also the opportunity to get directly involved with RAG Week 2013 yourself. D.I.Y RAG allows you and your friends to directly support RAG's six worthwhile charities by undertaking your own charitable ventures. Whether it be a bake sale, a sponsored run, a pier jump or dying your hair, D.I.Y RAG is a brilliant way to raise money for charity and have a laugh with your friends. And remember, the sillier, the better!

To find out more, or express an interest in getting involved with D.I.Y RAG, please contact Alison Adams at aa637@st-andrews.ac.uk.

A quick message from Organ Donation Society! We have been working hard with NHS Blood and Transplant over the past few months and finally have our own page on their website for registering students. We are really enthusiastic about encouraging the younger generation to join the register and this is a great way for you to help!

The link is http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/students.asp It would be so helpful if you could send this link to as many people as you know.

It takes less than 2 minutes to register yourself and could not be simpler!

Experiential evenings exploring prayer: Including ways of praying with scripture; praying withy icons; music, movement and body prayer; fantasy prayer; healing touch. Co-sponsored by University Chaplaincy and Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy.

First meeting: Ash Wednesday 13 February 2013, 8.30pm. Thereafter, four Thursdays 21, 28 February, 7, 14 March, at Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy, The Scores, 7.30pm.

Cost for the whole course: £10 for students; £20 for staff. For more information see http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chaplaincy/events/whenyoupray/ or contact the Chaplaincy, chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk

The University has entered into a partnership with BT to deliver a wifi service throughout our University buildings, which can be used by visitors who have no legitimate access to our educational network, Eduroam. BT wifi will be rolled out across all university buildings next week. BT wifi is NOT a free public wifi service, however BT broadband subscribers and some BT partners will be able to use the service for free. University staff and students - and visitors from other educational institutions - should continue to use Eduroam.

For further information, go to: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/itsupport/network/ <http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/itsupport/network/> or www.btwifi.co.uk <http://www.btwifi.co.uk>

We invite you to take part in a 6-week study on the long-term psychological effects of meditation training. You will be able to attend 4 free secular meditation sessions with an experienced and certified meditation instructor in February 2013, taking place at 730-830pm once a week, for 4 weeks (either 4 Mondays or 4 Thursdays, and you will be assigned randomly). Further, you will be asked to keep a short daily practice with the help of a free audio recording provided during these 4 weeks. You will be asked to attend two testing sessions at the beginning and at the end of the study. You will be compensated £5 for the first testing session, 30p for each Daily Questionnaire you fill up (totalling £12), and £8 for the last testing session, for a total of £25 if you complete the whole study. Whilst meditation is generally experienced positively, there is a possibility that past problems, issues or traumas can arise due to the contemplative methods mediation practice employs. Hence, we do not encourage people with past traumas or a history of mental health problems to participate in this experiment. If you are interested, or if you have questions, please contact stameditation@gmail.com <mailto:standrewsmeditation@gmail.com> by Sun, 27th Jan 2013.

As part of my Honours degree I am interested in attention-allocation during a walking and reasoning dual task. I am looking for participants of ages 18 to 30, who are able to walk unassisted and who speak English as their first language. The study involves completing a short questionnaire and some problem-solving and puzzle-like tasks. Once that has been done, participants will be asked to walk and carry out a reasoning task separately and together. Overall, the study should take no longer than 40 minutes. Participants will receive an ice-cream voucher from ‘Jannetta´s’ as a token of appreciation for having taken part in the research.

For more information please contact Lin Maclean, School of Psychology and Neuroscience: lmm18@st-andrews.ac.uk (the first letter is an ‘L’ not a 1).

The Tribe Magazine is looking for writers across all its sections; whether your interests lie in the arts, fashion, current affairs, science or you want to give us your perspective, we're here to publish your articles. This is a fantastic opportunity for any students who enjoy writing or journalism to gain valuable experience in the media sector. You need not have any prior experience, just a passion for writing about your chosen subject, so get in touch (see below) to get started.

To join our Tribe, contact the section you are interested in writing for at www.thetribeonline.com/contact-us or email editor@thetribeonline.com.

Looking for something to do next summer? Then come join the Childreach International team and trek the Great Wall of China next August!

This challenging but rewarding 11 day trek will allow you to sample the tastes, sights and sounds of rural China along with stunning forests, ancient tombs and historic temples.

Childreach International is an international development charity that believes all children should have the opportunity to unlock their full potential in life. They start from the bottom up, working in partnership with local communities in the developing world, addressing children’s most immediate needs by improving access to education, improved health, and greater child rights and protection.

The fundraising target for this fantastic trip is £2450 but don’t let this put you off! Not only are all of your flights, transfers, accommodation and trekking costs (i.e. fees, accommodation, meals, etc) included, experienced group leaders will help you through every step of the challenge, and you will have an award winning comprehensive online fundraising support network at your fingertips.

Here is the student information pack:

http://www.childreach.org.uk/images/AGWInformationPack2012-13.pdf

Email lm203 or plf2 for more information or alternatively contact our dedicated student fundraising manager for St Andrews on 07595023265 or jezebel.horsell@childreach.org.uk, She will be more than happy to answer any questions!

Sign ups are open now! Only limited places! You'd be a fool to miss out! https://supporter.childreach.org.uk/index.php?q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Fregister&id=507&reset=1

Information on undergraduate summer travel scholarships is now available. Please see the link below for more information. Deadline for applications is Friday, 8 March 2013.

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/bursariesandscholarships/travelscholarships/

Please contact Julia Griffiths [ jg81@st-andrews.ac.uk] in the Proctor’s office for additional information.

Thursday 31 January @ 1pm-2pm – Seminar Room 1, Arts Building

Interested in postgraduate study in the US in 2014-15 or beyond?

Join the Fulbright advising team for an information session on “Postgraduate Study in the USA”. This talk will cover why study in the US, the application process and funding options.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the US government’s official source of information on studying in the US, offering a free advisory service for interested students and scholarships (in any field, at any US university) for postgraduate study and research in the US.

More Information: www.fulbright.org.uk <http://www.fulbright.org.uk>

Fulbright Awards Application Available: 1 August 2013 Deadline: 15 November 2013

To attend please sign-up via the Careers Centre website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/students/events/eventsinstandrews/ <http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/students/events/eventsinstandrews/>

Students are reminded that Print & Design are ideally set up to help with the printing and binding of their dissertation and thesis material.

For more details, please see our web page: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/printanddesign/dissertation/

The Journal of Sustainability will feature peer-reviewed pieces of work about the environment, development, and sustainability. We are seeking submissions from students of any discipline that fits our scope. Submissions can be coursework or original pieces. Please email sdjournal@st-andrews.ac.uk <mailto:mjc79@st-andrews.ac.uk> if you are interested in submitting or have any questions! February 8th is our second submission deadline.

Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/JournalOfSustainability

Welcome back to students and staff both returning and new. Whether your looking for events to go to, societies to join, or you’ve got questions about your student experience, the Union is here to help! Be sure to check out all the events we’re hosting in Refreshers’ Week at http://www.yourunion.net/events/, and our student shop, http://yourunion.net/shop/, where we’ve got up to 40% off on all the stationary you need.

We’re here to help, so come by St Mary’s Place on Market Street anytime, day or night. If you’ve got questions but can’t come in in person, email as at union@st-andrews.ac.uk or give us a ring at 01334 46 2700.

What would you do with a £15,000 travel scholarship? Hike across the USA? Learn Japanese in Tokyo? Or practice painting in Rome? There’s still time to apply for the inaugural R&A International Scholarship – but hurry, the deadline for applications is noon on Thursday 31 January! For more information and how to apply see http://bit.ly/W59IMK

Join an excellent choir and sing wonderful unaccompanied music. The St Andrews Renaissance Singers rehearse on Tuesday evenings in St Salvator's Chapel, 5.30- 7.30pm, and do a couple of concerts and evensongs per semester. We need sopranos and altos in particular, although any enquiries are welcome. If you join this semester you can come on tour with us to Italy from 2nd to 8th July. You need to do a short, low-stress audition to join the choir.

Please check out our website and/or contact our director Claire Luxford on cel8.

Places are still available on the following courses, go to http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms :

Regression and curve fitting using R, Tuesday 29th Jan 2013 and Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 09.15 - 16.30 (both days) - Must bring a laptop with R, Rstudio and Eduroam installed. The course is suitable for anyone familiar with the basics of statistics, namely simple probability, standard errors, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, to the level covered in the 'Basic Statistics using R' workshop. Previous knowledge of R is not essential but would be an advantage.

Maximising your impact at conferences (Arts), Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 09.30-12.30 - For Postgraduates in Arts. Making sure you make the most out of a conference can make a significant difference to your PhD and future career both in terms of presenting your work and meeting the correct people. This interactive session explores how you can make the best of the conferencing opportunities that you may have.

Maximising your impact at conferences (Sciences), Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 13.30-16.30 - For Postgraduates in Science. Making sure you make the most out of a conference can make a significant difference to your PhD and future career both in terms of presenting your work and meeting the correct people. This interactive session explores how you can make the best of the conferencing opportunities that you may have.

Speedreading, Thursday 31st Jan 2013, 09.30-13.00 - How many hours a week do you spend reading? When did you last learn a new technique to improve your reading? What could you do with the extra time if you doubled or tripled your reading speed? Take some time to learn new techniques and improve your efficiency.

Improve Your Memory, Thursday 31st Jan 2013, 13.30-17.00 - A range of tools will be introduced to help you improve your memory. For most people the problem is not remembering something, it is inputting the information initially. The session will give people practise with using a range of simple mnemonic techniques. Several simple ways of thinking about of how and why people remember and forget will be given.

CAPOD recently completed its evaluation of the one-year trial of the Epigeum Research Skills Master Programme. Overall the materials were highly rated and many of the participants in the trial said they appreciated the ability to access the learning materials from any location, at any time, and to be able work through the materials at their own pace.

It is clear that for some researchers this approach is an effective way to develop research skills and gain a broader understanding of a range of issues including research ethics, publication, intellectual property rights, project management, career planning, research methods and entrepreneurship.

Arrangements have therefore been made to ensure that these resources are still available to those researchers who will benefit most from this approach to learning and professional development. Under the new arrangements, which will come into effect on 4 February 2013, researchers apply for access using a revised application form. Once this is submitted and the application is approved, log in details are provided directly by Epigeum and the materials are then accessed online via the Epigeum website (rather than via Moodle, as was the case during the trial).

Full details and the application form are available on the CAPOD webpages:

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/capod/epigeum/

he student travel survey is still open for responses. Follow this link to have your say about transport and travel at the University and to enter the prize draw! http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/standrews/studenttravelsurvey

Like food, making films or both? We’re looking for an international student to present an internationally themed food film directed by Student Cooking TV (see their other films here: http://www.studentcooking.tv/standrews). You would need to be available for filming on 13th February 2013.

Any questions or to sign up email sed32@st-andrews.ac.uk

Native English speakers are sought for a study on moral decision making. Participants will be asked to provide some background information, complete 2 questionnaires on how they typically behave in social situations and make two moral decisions involving a fictitious culture, the Mildaks. You will be compensated £2.50 for your time. The study should take approximately 25-30 minutes. Slots are available through the SONA system (http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/exp_info.aspx?experiment_id=481 or please contact Sarah Essak (moraldecisionstudy2012@gmail.com if you are interested and/or have any questions.

Sign up now for Semester 2 golf lessons. These weekly group lessons are open to all staff and students at the University and cater for beginner, intermediate and advanced golfers. We are also offering on course lessons for intermediate and advanced golfers. Theses 3 hour lessons give you a chance to hone your skills on the course with a PGA professional coach.

For the full timetable of the lessons that are available please click here - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/news/2013/headline,97136,en.php or for more info contact Gary Brankin gb50@st-andrews.ac.uk

The University of St Andrews is hosting a LEAD 2014 conference for young people on Tuesday 19 March. The conference is aimed at developing the leadership skills and harnessing the enthusiasm of young Scots in the build up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The programme invites every secondary school in Scotland to send a selection of young people to take part in the conference. The conference will see university students lead workshops on event management to inspire the younger students to subsequently organise and deliver Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games themed sports festivals within their own school community. Closely linked to existing leadership work in schools, Lead 2014 will encourage Scottish support for the Games while giving young people a unique opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills. In addition to being available on the conference date you must be available to attend an introductory meeting on Thursday 31 January at 17:30 in the University Sport Centre Clubroom as well as attending a weekend training session, again held at the Sport Centre, on Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 February.

We are looking for approximately 20 student volunteers to lead the conference and teach the school children all of the skills that they require to run their own sporting events. If you want to be one of the volunteers and help on this exciting initiative then please register an interest with Gary Brankin gb50@st-andrews.ac.uk detailing the volunteering experience that you have.

You will be shown 3D images of 45 men's faces and asked to rate their attractiveness. At the beginning of the experiment, you will be asked to give information on demographic data such as your age and gender. You will be able to omit answering any questions you feel uncomfortable with, and your data will be kept strictly confidential.

The whole experiment takes about 10-15 mins and can be found here: http://perception.st-andrews.ac.uk/expt/Iris/1_8792_levelsdo/test.php

We invite you to take part in a 6-week study on the long-term psychological effects of meditation training. You will be able to attend 4 free secular meditation sessions with an experienced and certified meditation instructor in February 2013, taking place at 730-830pm once a week, for 4 weeks (either 4 Mondays or 4 Thursdays, and you will be assigned randomly). Further, you will be asked to keep a short daily practice with the help of a free audio recording provided during these 4 weeks. You will be asked to attend two testing sessions at the beginning and at the end of the study. You will be compensated £5 for the first testing session, 30p for each Daily Questionnaire you fill up (totalling £12), and £8 for the last testing session, for a total of £25 if you complete the whole study.

Whilst meditation is generally experienced positively, there is a possibility that past problems, issues or traumas can arise due to the contemplative methods mediation practice employs. Hence, we do not encourage people with past traumas or a history of mental health problems to participate in this experiment.

If you are interested, or if you have questions, please contact stameditation@gmail.com by Sun, 27th Jan 2013.

How do we remember our lives?

Students aged between 18-25, Native English speakers only Contact: Kate Smith, ks39@st-andrews.ac.uk or sign up on the SONA site: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/default.aspx

How do we remember our lives?

Students aged between 18-25, Native English speakers only Contact: Kate Smith, ks39@st-andrews.ac.uk or sign up on the SONA site: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/default.aspx

The new class timetable commence on Monday 28th January. Please click on this link to access the timetable. http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/news/2013/headline,97212,en.php

Participants are sought for a two-part study on cognitive control and the experience of intrusive (involuntary) memories. Participants will be asked to complete a computer task and complete various questionnaires during the first session, then keep a diary of any intrusive memories experienced over a 1 week period and come back to the research lab after the 7 days to redo the original questionnaires. You will be paid £10 total for your time. Slots are on the SONA system

http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f or please contact Steph Hunter (slh52@st-andrews.ac.uk) if you are interested and/or have any questions.

People currently experiencing negative involuntary memories are sought to participate in a study looking at ways in which learning to be mindful and self-compassionate can help alleviate distress associated with the memories.

Three sessions will take place over three weeks and participants will also be required to take part in a psychological interview and to complete some questionnaires about mood and their memories. If you have any questions or think you would like to take part, please email Steph Hunter (slh52@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Experiential evenings exploring prayer: Including ways of praying with scripture; praying withy icons; music, movement and body prayer; fantasy prayer; healing touch. Co-sponsored by University Chaplaincy and Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy.

First meeting: Ash Wednesday 13 February 2013, 8.30pm. Thereafter, four Thursdays 21, 28 February, 7, 14 March, at Canmore Catholic Chaplaincy, The Scores, 7.30pm.

Cost for the whole course: £10 for students; £20 for staff. For more information see http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chaplaincy/events/whenyoupray/ or contact the Chaplaincy, chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk

Groundings Ancients is a brand new undergraduate academic journal in the arts, humanities and social sciences, which will be published in print and online. For Volume 1, we are looking for submissions (either an adapted essay/dissertation chapter or an original piece up to 4,000 words excl. refs.) on the theme of ‘Time and Tradition’, deadline February 1st.

Both ‘Time’ and ‘Tradition’ are universals and can be approached in a variety of different ways. The theme encompasses issues such as the construction of ‘Time’ and ‘Tradition’, and the relationship between them; as well as notions of identity, culture and expression; continuity and change; and questions of hierarchy, insularity, resistance and value. It is perhaps particularly apt given that 2013 marks the 600th anniversary of St Andrews.

Submissions to be send to arts-groundings@glasgow.ac.uk Editorial team: aktr@st-andrews.ac.uk mm275@st-andrews.ac.uk tmp@st-andrews.ac.uk

Berenike, a final year postgraduate student, was tragically killed in a car accident on Sunday 2nd December. Known to considerable numbers of staff and students, her parents were given a sympathetic reception when they joined us for a few weeks in December. They will be returning for a proposed Memorial Service to be held on the 2nd March, the plans of which will be coming out shortly from Rev Dr Donald MacEwan. In the meantime, Berenike's parents would like this message to go out to all the students and staff with whom they have made contact over the past few weeks:

Dear all. Having returned home safely and after having done all administrative issues necessary concerning the death of our daughter, Berenike, there is now a short time of rest before the "normal’ life will start on Monday. We would like to choose this way to reach all of those whom we do not all know personally but who have, with their warm-hearted support expressed in so manifold ways, helped us to get through this hard time. The cordial ‘adoption’ of two totally unknown people impacted by a cruel twist of fate has been an experience we will never forget. We felt embraced by lived friendship and humanity and we had the privilege to talk to so many caring people about Berenike’s life, which occasionally even resulted in a smile or little laughter – an inconceivable comfort.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the 2nd March, which will give to us the opportunity to establish new relations and intensify existing friendship.

Thank you so much! Karin & Reinhold Walburg

Kicking off on the 1st of February, RAG Week 2013 is set to be a fun-filled week of great events, silliness and lots of purple! With all the proceeds going to the St Andrews University Charities Campaign (and RAG Week's) six nominated charities (more information available at http://www.charities-campaign.gb.net), there is no excuse not to get involved with RAG Week 2013!

However, not only is there a jam-packed week of events to attend, there is also the opportunity to get directly involved with RAG Week 2013 yourself. D.I.Y RAG allows you and your friends to directly support RAG's six worthwhile charities by undertaking your own charitable ventures. Whether it be a bake sale, a sponsored run, a pier jump or dying your hair, D.I.Y RAG is a brilliant way to raise money for charity and have a laugh with your friends. And remember, the sillier, the better!

To find out more, or express an interest in getting involved with D.I.Y RAG, please contact Alison Adams at aa637@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Can you see yourself spending next year learning to surf in Australia, or working in a Sri Lankan elephant orphanage? Would you love a career in food and dream of learning traditional recipes in the regions that created them? Or have you been waiting for an opportunity to join an African wildlife conservation programme? Applications are still open for the R&A International Scholarship! Established by a generous gift from the R&A in support of the University’s 600th Anniversary campaign, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is open to all honours-level undergraduate students and is designed to fund up to a year of international travel.

For more information and how to apply see http://bit.ly/W59IMK

People currently experiencing negative involuntary memories are sought to participate in a study looking at ways in which learning to be mindful and self-compassionate can help alleviate distress associated with the memories. Three sessions will take place over three weeks and participants will also be required to take part in a psychological interview and to complete some questionnaires about mood and their memories. If you have any questions or think you would like to take part, please email Steph Hunter (slh52@st-andrews.ac.uk).

The Journal of Sustainability will feature peer-reviewed pieces of work about the environment, development, and sustainability. We are seeking submissions from students of any discipline that fits our scope. Submissions can be coursework or original pieces. Please email sdjournal@st-andrews.ac.uk <mailto:mjc79@st-andrews.ac.uk>

If you are interested in submitting or have any questions! Sunday, February 10th is our second submission deadline. Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/JournalOfSustainability

We are currently looking for participants (aged 18 - 35) to take part in a reaction time experiment. You will be asked to make button-press responses and brain activity will be recorded (EEG) using gel and electrodes on your hair which can easily be washed out afterwards (facilities provided). You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires relating to your current mood.

It will take just under 2 hrs to complete and you will be reimbursed £10 for your participation.

Sign up at: http://st-andrews.sona-systems.com/ (study title: 'Mood and Cognitive Control'. Further information: Blair Saunders (bs242@st-andrews.ac.uk, tel:01334 461985).

We invite you to take part in a 6-week study on the long-term psychological effects of meditation training. You will be able to attend 4 free secular meditation sessions with an experienced and certified meditation instructor in February 2013, taking place at 730-830pm once a week, for 4 weeks (either 4 Mondays or 4 Thursdays, and you will be assigned randomly). Further, you will be asked to keep a short daily practice with the help of a free audio recording provided during these 4 weeks. You will be asked to attend two testing sessions at the beginning and at the end of the study. You will be compensated £5 for the first testing session, 30p for each Daily Questionnaire you fill up (totalling £12), and £8 for the last testing session, for a total of £25 if you complete the whole study. Whilst meditation is generally experienced positively, there is a possibility that past problems, issues or traumas can arise due to the contemplative methods mediation practice employs. Hence, we do not encourage people with past traumas or a history of mental health problems to participate in this experiment. If you are interested, or if you have questions, please contact stameditation@gmail.com <mailto:standrewsmeditation@gmail.com> .

Places are still available on the following courses, go to http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pdms :

Research with Rare and Early Printed Books, Monday 21st Jan 2013, 14.00-16.00 Come along and get up close to some of the most special books ever printed. This session will offer an opportunity to handle some of the rare and precious material held in this University's Special Collections Department.

Voice Coaching (Say What?) Monday 28th Jan 2013, 13.30-16.30 Your voice is one of the most powerful ways you can express yourself. Good vocal control, a clear thought process and the desire to communicate are fundamental to ensuring that you are understood. Through exercise, group work and feedback, this workshop aims to illustrate the ways in which the power of the voice can be harnessed to best effect.

Regression and curve fitting using R, Tuesday 29th Jan 2013 and Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 09.15 - 16.30 (both days) Must bring a laptop with R, Rstudio and Eduroam installed. The course is suitable for anyone familiar with the basics of statistics, namely simple probability, standard errors, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, to the level covered in the 'Basic Statistics using R' workshop. Previous knowledge of R is not essential but would be an advantage.

Maximising your impact at conferences (Arts), Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 09.30-12.30 For Postgraduates in Arts. Making sure you make the most out of a conference can make a significant difference to your PhD and future career both in terms of presenting your work and meeting the correct people. This interactive session explores how you can make the best of the conferencing opportunities that you may have.

Maximising your impact at conferences (Sciences), Wednesday 30th Jan 2013, 13.30-16.30 For Postgraduates in Science Making sure you make the most out of a conference can make a significant difference to your PhD and future career both in terms of presenting your work and meeting the correct people. This interactive session explores how you can make the best of the conferencing opportunities that you may have.

Speedreading, Thursday 31st Jan 2013, 09.30-13.00 How many hours a week do you spend reading? When did you last learn a new technique to improve your reading? What could you do with the extra time if you doubled or tripled your reading speed? Take some time to learn new techniques and improve your efficiency.

Improve Your Memory, Thursday 31st Jan 2013, 13.30-17.00 A range of tools will be introduced to help you improve your memory. For most people the problem is not remembering something, it is inputting the information initially. The session will give people practise with using a range of simple mnemonic techniques. Several simple ways of thinking about of how and why people remember and forget will be given.

The Open Association offer a range of courses and day schools. For full details of all the courses and more please see our website or request a printed copy from the office. The office is situated in St Katharine's West, 16 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AX

Contact 3232 or saep@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/non-degree/openassociation/

CAPOD recently completed its evaluation of the one-year trial of the Epigeum Research Skills Master Programme. Overall the materials were highly rated and many of the participants in the trial said they appreciated the ability to access the learning materials from any location, at any time, and to be able work through the materials at their own pace.

It is clear that for some researchers this approach is an effective way to develop research skills and gain a broader understanding of a range of issues including research ethics, publication, intellectual property rights, project management, career planning, research methods and entrepreneurship.

Arrangements have therefore been made to ensure that these resources are still available to those researchers who will benefit most from this approach to learning and professional development. Under the new arrangements, which will come into effect on 4 February 2013, researchers apply for access using a revised application form. Once this is submitted and the application is approved, log in details are provided directly by Epigeum and the materials are then accessed online via the Epigeum website (rather than via Moodle, as was the case during the trial).

Full details and the application form are available on the CAPOD webpages:

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/capod/epigeum/

Sign up now for Semester 2 golf lessons. These weekly group lessons are open to all staff and students at the University and cater for beginner, intermediate and advanced golfers. We are also offering on course lessons for intermediate and advanced golfers. Theses 3-hour lessons give you a chance to hone your skills on the course with a PGA professional coach.

For the full timetable of the lessons that are available please click here - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport/news/2013/headline,97136,en.php or for more info contact Gary Brankin gb50@st-andrews.ac.uk

ST.ART Magazine have recently created its musical offshoot, ST.ART Music.

We hope to consolidate all the music talent in and around St. Andrews under one roof, as well as providing the means to exploring as many musical genres as we can, and keeping the student body up to speed with music events in St. Andrews, and beyond.

If you would like to join our journalism team, become the resident representative for your music genre (however diverse) or if you want to showcase your talent, get in touch ASAP! Contact eq4.

It all kicks off next semester. ST.ART Music, Press Play.

Cole Matson, a Divinity PhD student, is looking for other students interested in living in a Christian residential community for the 2013-2014 academic year. The level of intentionality can range from simple sharing of a flat or rented house as flatmates, to shared meals and prayer times, to a commitment to a particular outreach or service mission, depending on the interests and desires of the group. The core purpose is to provide a space where Christian students can live in community for their mutual support and encouragement. To learn more, or to express your interest, contact Cole at ccem@st-andrews.ac.uk by 22 Jan.

SRSH St Andrews are putting on a Body Gossip event next semester, which will work around the theme of body image. The production will be made up of student creative writing submissions focused on body image. We will collate and make these submissions into scripts, which will be performed as part of a Body Gossip event. The pieces can take any form you wish- feel free to be as creative as you like. The main thing we want is to get people talking about body image, so any way that allows you to share your thoughts about body image is what we’re looking for!

Please email your submissions to us bodygossip.standrews@gmail.com <http://bodygossip.standrews@gmail.com/> . We will be closing submissions on the 1st of February. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

For more information about SRSH please go to www.srsh.co.uk <http://www.srsh.co.uk/> & for more information about Body Gossip, please see http://www.bodygossip.org/