To Your RCSU

mathematics biochemistry physics biology chemistry joint maths and computing

to your RCSU \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ CONTENTS A warm welcome from Luke Mascots - discover the 01 Kanczes, President of the 08 peculiar historic traditions of Royal College of Science the RCSU! Union.

RCSU Societies - every sub- There’s more to your RCSU - 02 ject has an academic society, 09 Jiajun Tan explains how the which offer support and RCSU can support you in your socialising in equal measures! studies at Imperial.

What it’s really like - your Keeping Science Sexy -Zoe 04 Dep Reps give a glimpse into 12 Groom gives her guide to this student life at Imperial. year’s hottest RCSU parties!

The Committee - introducing Science Challenge - the 06 your hard-working, fun-loving 14 biggest, most glamourous RSCU enthusiasts, helping to science writing competition make your time at Imperial of the year. Paul Beaumont the best it can be. reveals. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

PRESIDENT’SWELCOME Congratulations on securing a place at Imperial College London and a very big welcome from the Royal College of Science Union (RCSU)! Imperial College Union is made up of four Faculty Unions: the Royal College of Science Union, the City and Guilds College Union, the Royal School of Mines and finally the Medics! As an Imperial Scientist you’re automatically a member of the RCSU. So welcome to what is easily the best Faculty Union! Since its founding in 1881 by science-fiction writer H.G. Wells, the RCSU has aimed to represent your views, broaden your University experience and provide welfare support. The RCSU has a great deal of traditions that are as long as the Union itself. These include singing of the traditional song, the kangela, and protecting our cherished mascot Theta. Made up of a team of student volunteers, the RCSU organise a vast range of events, from Autumn and Summer Balls to Bar Nights and Guest Lectures. Our network of departmental representatives aim to voice the opinions of the student body and our dedicated Academic Affairs and Welfare Officers are there to help you out if things go wrong. So get involved! Run in the forthcoming elections to become a Year Rep, write an article for our Science publication Broadsheet, help raise money for charity with the RCSU Raising and Giving (RAG) team or enter our yearly essay writing competition, ‘The Science Challenge’. University is what you make of it, so don’t miss out and I hope you have a fantastic year ahead of you!

Luke Kanczes President Royal College of Science Union [email protected]

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RCSU SOCIETIES There is an academic society for every subject under the RCSU, but there’s plenty more to these clubs than studying science...

BIOCHEMSOC We’re all about balance: not only will we be organizing tons of fun events such as pub/club nights, dinners, and trips, we aim to provide academic support as well. (Not to mention, we’re one of the few departments which have an equal ratio between boys and girls.) You’ll get help and advice from fellow Biochem Soc members from the upper years, alumni, and staff members. We hope to bring all year groups together to estatblish a solid support network, but also to ensure you enjoy your experience at Imperial as you work your way up to becoming a Biochemistry or Biotechnology graduate. Be sure to look out for our emails to find out about events and talks that will be taking place throughout the year. [email protected]

MATHSOC We organise many events throughout the year, both social and academic, such as the Freshers’ Party, Dinners and legendary bar nights. We also invite globally-known companies for presentations on campus. We are a society that tries to provide another side to maths and university life and we have lots of new events planned this year that we hope you will enjoy. [email protected]

CHEMSOC Throughout the year, ChemSoc offers a great variety of events such as the Chemistry Quiz Night, in which both students and staff frivolously participate; the pub crawl; and the ever-competitive Tug Of War, in which us Chemists have traditionally taken on (and beaten) the Chemical Engineers. Over the course of the year, one-off promotional events by companies; field trips; and even collaborative events with other Societies are constantly planned, organised and offered by ChemSoc. [email protected]

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BIOSOC BioSoc aims to improve interaction and integration between biology students of all years. We organise and hold several social events and trips throughout the year, giving biology students a chance to relax and unwind between all that hard studying. We hold open meeting once a month in order for you to put forward ideas for future events and to get involved. All biologists are automatically members of BioSoc and will receive email updates about upcoming events. However non-biologists arealways welcome. [email protected]

PHYSOC Physoc is a society for physicists at Imperial. It aims to hold events and gatherings throughout the year that allow its members to network with others in the department and many external companies and universities. The society is one of the largest in the country, and has over 800 members, including undergraduates and postgraduates. Physoc arranges guest lectures throughout the year, on some fascinating current research, particularly research that goes on in house. In addition, trips are organised to international conferences and research centres (fingers crossed), as well as BBQs, an Outreach Programme, a Freshers’ Ball, networking events with graduate-seeking companies and bar nights. Non- physicists are welcomed to join the society as well and with no membership fee either! [email protected]

JMCSOC The Joint Maths & Computing (JMC) Society organises events for students of Mathematics & Computing Science. These range from theatre trips and end of term dinners to technology talks and our very successful Ca- reers and Courses event in which students share their experiences of internships and courses.

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WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE Forget the shiny prospectus and buzz of the open day - the Dep Reps (Departmental Representatives) offer their insights into real student life at Imperial.

MATHS - Jacklyn Nagle To put this into a nice friendly equation: maths at imperial = fun times. But seriously, in first year you’ll get weekly tests, they forget to tell you they count for nothing, but you’ll take them seriously and feel heart broken when you realise a good mark is 12/20. Coursework’s come every now and then. Having smart friends is recommended. Problem classes are useful, the first few will be rammed but they die down after the 3rd week and start becoming helpful. Finally just try to remember one thing, there’s more to life than equations! So try to mix and match analysis with absinthe.

BIOLOGY - Philippa Skett & Emma Sherling Biology is obviously the best course at Impe- rial! Contact hours are filled by tutorials, labs and lectures. Lectures can be quick paced and sometimes difficult to follow at first, but you will soon develop a note taking method that suits you. Labs are a lot more interactive; you learn as you go along and with a (luckily) decent lab partner, you shouldn’t find them a problem, especially as they start with the basics. With a broad range of subjects covered in the first year, it really lets you explore what in Biology you enjoy most and may choose to specialise in later.

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CHEMISTRY - Doug Hunt Within the first year of Chemistry you will develop a foundation within a range of fundamental concepts and basic lab techniques which will be prove to be invaluable for the rest of your degree. My advice to all chemists is to start revising early for exams so you will know this essential material within the later years of your degree and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way while studying Chemistry at Imperial College London.

PHYSICS - Victor See Physics at Imperial College - It’s a lot of hard work. You shouldn’t turn up here with the impression that it isn’t. Don’t let this scare you though! You will also find that it is immensely satisfying and the lecturers are (usually) quick to help if you ask. During your first year, there is also a certain amount of leeway as you ease into university life. You are, of course, always welcome to ask me about anything to do with physics!

BIOCHEM - Faris Mustafa The course is much more diverse than its name suggests and touches on various life science fields at the various molecular, genetic and cellular levels. Lab techniques and probing methods constitute a considerable element in the course with more emphasis placed on showing how you obtained results rather than the results themselves. You’ll find the lecturers dedicated and approachable but in times difficult to follow so don’t shy from asking them to repeat or explain.

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RCSU COMMITTEE LUKE KANCZES PRESIDENT Hello! I’m Luke, a fourth year mathematician and RCSU President! Once again congrats on getting into one of the best Universities in the World. But being 3rd in the League Tables comes at a price, you’ll soon figure out that Imperial is one word. Difficult. It’s pretty likely you’re not going be top of the class anymore and the days of walking into exams with no revision and still getting an A* are all but gone. But don’t despair! That’s what we’re here for! You’ll find me around campus, in the RCSU Office and without doubt down the Union most nights, so feel free to come and say “hello”! The RCSU is your Faculty Union, so talk to us. If there’s an event you think we should hold, then tell us! Finally, I wish you all the best of luck with starting University. You are truly about to embark on one of the most SCOTT HEATH UNION PRESIDENT fantastic journeys of your life.

ROSALYN FLOWER ACADEMIC AFFAIRS PAUL BEAUMONT VP0 Hey everyone, I’m Rosalyn and I’m a third Hi guys, I’m a third year Mathematician and year Biologist. I am your academic affairs as VPO I ensure the Departmental Societ- officer and deal with various academic ies are running well, represent them on the issues of the RCSU from a Clubs and Societies Board in the Union, and departmental to faculty manage sponsorship for the RCSU Exec. level. When not in lectures As Science Challenge Chair I’m in charge or labs I enjoy playing the of organizing and running that – this year’s violin, cooking and a bit of competition is going to be awesome: get involved! art now and again! If there are any aspects of your course you are unhappy about, feel free to drop me an email! Have a fantastic year! \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

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VICTOR SEE PHYSICS DEP REP

WILL PRINCE RAG CHAMPION

DOUG HUNT CHEMISTRY DEP REP

KARMEN CHUI TREASURER Hi! I’m Karmen, a third year Physicist. I enjoy Tae Kwon Do, learning new languages (Mandarin and German) and every girl’s favourite; shopping. I’m also a Hall Senior at the best hall, Wilkinson Hall, so those of you lucky enough to be living there this year will also see me roaming around. I hope to see many of you at our upcoming RCSU events, enjoy your year; it’s guaranteed to be a great one!

VANESSA HUME HONSEC Hi, I’m Vanessa Hume and you may know me from other such roles as Biology De- partmental Representative. During my 4th ZOE GROOM VPA consecutive year at Imperial, I will be doing Hi, I’m Zoe! This year I’m one of the two an MSc in Science, Technology, Medicine RCSU Vice-Presidents and my particular and Society. As your job is to look after the entertainments! I new RCSU Honor- was last year’s Events Officer as well. This ary Secretary I year the RCSU is gonna do some amaz- aim to provide ing stuff so do your best to get involved! In amazing station- particular keep your eyes peeled for the ary, beautifully Autumn Ball, it’s gonna be awesome!! composed emails and minutes like you’ve never seen before. Find me in the RCSU office. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

THE MASCOTS The RCS Motor Club was set up in 1955 to maintain “Jezebel”, a 1916 Dennis N type fire engine and a mascot of the Students of the Royal College of Science. One of the three Faculty Unions which make up Imperial Colege Union. Jezebel is still maintained by students of Imperial College, London, in South Kensing- ton. She is lovingly looked after by a motley collection of current and past students to keep her in good mechanical condition, and to ensure that her 55 square feet of brasswork is kept highly polished. Jez attends all sorts of rallies and shows throughout the year, as well as many pub- crawls and charity events. The Motor Club philosophy is that she is there to be run (she travels everywhere under her own power, never on a transporter) and her reason d’etre is to amuse and delight both students and the general public. So if you want to get involved with a unique piece of motor- ing and Imperial College history drop us an email or find us at Fresher’s Fair! [email protected]

Arguably one of the stranger parts of RCSU history is our second mascot, Theta, a giant steel Thermometer. The RCSU and the other Faculty Unions take part in the sport of Masco- tary, where we try to steal each others mascots and hold them ransom!

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THERE’S MORE TO YOUR RCSU JIAJUN TAN WELFARE OFFICER This year I hope to maintain and continue to improve the quality of science courses at Imperial, as well as the availability of study resources, guidance and academic support. One of my efforts will be to focus on an increase of communication between students and staff members and ensure that our feedback in Student On-Line Evaluation (SOLE) surveys we fill in each term is heard! In your first week you will meet your allocated personal tutor, whom you are likely to be taught by at least once during your studies here! They are there for any of your worries or queries and will also be responsible for writing references for any internships or job applications. A similar buddy system provides a more informal level of support as you will have a ‘mum and dad’ from an older year. They provide more honest (!) information about your course and if you’re lucky they may even help you with any tricky coursework that comes your way! Departmental social events including buddy bar nights at the start of the year will allow you to get to know them. I will also be holding weekly academic drop-in ses- sions at the RCSU office and there will be a study skills week during the first term, where tips on how to study and manage a hectic student life (and freebies!) will be available!

NATHAN HOLFORD BROADSHEET EDITOR Broadsheet is your once-a-term print and web publication covering cutting-edge research, student life and the lat- est news and events from the RCSU. As editor I’m always looking for enthusiastic writers, graphic designers and photographers to get involved so please get in touch - no experience necessary!

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KEEPING SCIENCE SEXY we are a very caring faculty union! Thrilling sledging races took place despite the severe Zoe Groom, VPA lack of snow and we welcomed in the Christ- introduces the mas holidays with a chilled out Jazz band RCSU’s jam- evening at the union. packed year The New Year marked our 130th anniversary and we celebrated in style with our 130th of unmissable Birthday bash held at the union. Special guest entertainment! Nihal from Radio one made an appearance and over 400 purple balloons were painstak- 2011 marks the 130th birthday of the Royal ingly blown up. The celebrations will surely College of Science Union- meaning our events continue with our new academic year and we just got a whole lot bigger and better this year! If you are reading this- you are about to become one of those lucky scientists who is part of the RCSU. We can’t wait for you to join us in October as we start our celebrations and events! Here is a quick summary of all the fun we had last year - just to get you excited - and a little bit about what you can look forward to when you start at Imperial in October! We kicked off our new academic year by partying the night away at the annual RCSU autumn ball. This event is held right in the heart of London amongst all the hustle and bustle you will surely come to love! This year we hope you will not be let down and guarantee you a glamorous soiree - the perfect place to meet your future friends and members of the committee who are always on hand to help you through whatever trials and tribulations you may have whilst at Imperial. As Christmas approached the RCSU laid on two weeks’ worth of festive ents - committee members were often found in the union giving out mulled wine and minced pies - after all

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hope all our new fresher’s will help join us Held in one of the trendiest clubs in Covent with our partying- Keeping Science sexy! Garden with a £7500 bar tab, professional As well as club and bar nights for you guys, photographer and tours from our lucky mas- the RCSU also plays a part in raising money cot Jez the fire engine- this year’s ball did for charity through RAG (rais- not disappoint. All this will be ing and giving). We hope you we hope you will yours- you just have to make will all show your support not be let down and it through the year: easy when for our chosen charities and guarantee you a you’ve got a faculty union like with the RCSU this couldn’t glamorous soiree - the the RCSU providing all your be easier! Last year we held perfect place to meet entertainment and welfare cake sales every Thursday, your future friends needs!!! organised an online auction Come and find us at Fresher’s and had yet another ball with everyone getting fair to hear all about our upcoming events: glammed up for a good cause - what better The Autumn Ball, Made in Chelsea pub crawl an excuse? and Union Beer Fest are all waiting for you If we haven’t tired you out enough already, we when you arrive!!! We can’t wait to meet you conclude our year with our famous Summer all and if you’re really excited by the sound Ball- our biggest and best event of the year- of all our events join the new entertainments perfect for letting of all your exam steam! committee by signing up at fresher’s fair!

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THE SCIENCE CHALLENGE ments for this year are all hush hush for now, but judging by previous year’s prize pots of £20,000 shared between only a few deserving people, I can promise you won’t be disap- Paul Beaumont, pointed by what’s lined up for this year. In VPO fact you can’t even put a price on this years’ prizes… ‘Why do we do this?’ …you may be asking. Part of my job this year is to organise the Well, we like to challenge you occasionally. RCSU’s annual national essay competition: Some of the entries we receive each year are The Science Challenge. This is our longest outstanding, and we think that any scientist (and most extravagant) event of the year, ef- who is capable of arguing a scientific point fectively lasting from the Launch in January to in such a way that any member of the public the Finals in March. could understand – this is a ‘science commu- The Science Challenge was founded in 2006 nication’ competition remember – deserves when the Faculties re-merged and the RCSU recognition. Far too often do scientists fail to was reformed. Essentially it is a competition win over the public opinion because, whilst we run for both Imperial students and school their ideas are briliiant, they suck at PR. Take students – with six hundred schools antici- CERN and the belief they’re risking destroy- pated to take part this year – that focuses on ing the earth for example. Total rubbish. But the importance of ‘science communication’. because they weren’t able to quell to rumours Our panel of four guest judges – which this some fool started by explaining themselves year includes famous faces from the BBC properly to the media, the media ran with the and the Times, all top secret however until ‘end of the world’ story. December – set a question each, which is This whole competition wouldn’t be possible normally very open ended and intended to without the generosity of both the College and spark debate. Entries can only be eight hun- our sponsors, who this year are Accenture. dred and fifty words maximum, so space is Each year the Faculty of Natural Sciences do- short and words must be chosen carefully to nates to this competition, which I hope you’ll have maximum impact. The very best entries agree is testament to its worthiness, and an in the Imperial students competition (and the indication that this year’s Science Challenge is school’s competition – they’re marked sepa- something you should be getting involved in! rately) will be invited along (free of charge, as always) to our exclusive Final. VPO & SciChall Obsessive Part of the reason why the Challenge is so Paul extravagant is the prizes. Again, the arrange-

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