Islam in Ireland: Past, Present and Future

Islam has grown rapidly in Ireland over the last 20 years with a Muslim population increase from c.4,000 in the early 1990s to estimates of 40-45,000 today. The growing number of Muslims is one of the signs of the cultural and religious diversity of Irish society today, raising important questions about what it means to be Irish in the 21st century. At University College Cork (UCC), the results of a pioneering research project which investigated the development and place of Islam in Ireland was recently presented to the public. At the conference, a special edition of the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs on Islam and Muslims in Ireland was made available to the public. This special edition contains the main research findings of the project and of other researchers from across Ireland and will be an indispensable source for anyone looking for up-to-date and impartial information on Islam and Muslims in Ireland.

The research project was funded by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) and the Department of An Taoiseach and based in the Study of Religions Department at UCC. The research project was led by Dr Oliver Scharbrodt who collaborated with three researchers. Dr Adil Hussain Khan investigated various mosques and other Muslim organisations in Dublin. Dr Vivian Ibrahim, a trained historian, traced the Muslim presence in Ireland before World War II. Dr Yafa Shanneik investigated the activities of various Muslim women groups in Ireland.

Solar Flares En Route to Earth - Dr Paul Callanan

"After an extended period of relative calm, the Sun has recently entered a new state of activity. The most spectacular evidence for this is the increased level of solar flare activity, in which radiation and highly energetic particles unleashed near the surface of the Sun bombard the Earth. These events are responsible for the beautiful aurorae, although they can also interupt telecommunication systems and damage satellites. In this video we will discuss these flares, and their effect on the Earth."

TODOMODO - A Journal of Sciascia Studies

A new, international, peer-reviewed journal was presented at UCC by Dr Charles Burdett, University of Bristol and Chairperson of the Society for Italian Studies, and by Dr Mark Chu of UCC's Department of Italian, Associate Editor of the journal. The event took place in the context of the Italian Studies in Ireland Research Colloquium and the Graduate Conference in Italian Studies (3-4 February 2012). Todomodo, founded by Francesco Izzo of the Amici di Leonardo Sciascia, and published by the prestigious Florentine academic publisher, Leo S. Olschki, is dedicated to the critical study of the life and works of the Sicilian author, Leonardo Sciascia (1921-1989). The journal was officially launched in Florence in November 2011, but the UCC presentation, together with a presentation at the Italian Senate on 14 February and a roundtable at the Annual Conference of the American Association for Italian Studies at the beginning of May, are indicative both of the journal's international vision and of the international significance of Sciascia as a writer and political commentator and activist.

The Culture of the Big House

Cork - Towards a Healthier City

The World Health Organisation has designated Cork as a 'Healthy City'. Cork now joins the Irish cities of Belfast, Galway and Waterford that have been designated already.  Cork City Council, University College Cork, Niche Community Health Project and the HSE have been working together to develop the health profile for the city, which supported the application to the WHO for 'Healthy City'status.  To achieve this designation Cork City has demonstrated to the WHO that health is a core value for the city administration and that the vision, values and strategy for the city are translated into action for health through planning.  'Healthy Cities' celebrates and supports the evidence that health is influenced by where a person lives, their income, their level of education, their culture, and accessibility of public services.  Every 'Healthy City' is unique because needs and economic resources vary from one city to another.

MA in Economics at UCC

The MA (Economics) at UCC offers students a unique bridge between the university and industry. By working with business and government on real problems in the areas on innovation and competitiveness, students acquire valuable skills that give them a competitive edge for finding employment. For further information about the programme contact Dr Eoin O'Leary, School of Economics, University College Cork, Ireland
Email: eoin.oleary@ucc.ie
Web: http://www.ucc.ie/en/economics/postgraduate/taughtmasters/maeconomics/

An Interview with Mary Robinson at UCC on "Climate Justice"

UCC's Centre for Global Development hosted a public lecture titled "Climate Justice Post Durban" by Mary Robinson, President of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice at the university on January 18th 2012. The lecture is part of the CGD's Global Challenges Lecture Series.

Full text of Mary Robinson Speech (287kB) 

Please visit http://MRFCJ.org

SEFS Annual Public Lecture Series 2012

The 2012 programme for the Annual Public Lecture Series, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC. These popular lectures are aimed at enhancing general public awareness and understanding of science. Topics covered in the 2012 series include Roundup-Resistant Weeds, Nanosensors, Harnessing Ocean Wave Energy, Teaching Principles of Computer Science to Primary School Children, Irish Innovation Policy, Violence in Medieval and Early Modern Ireland, Has the Human Race a Moral Obligation to Become Extinct?, Toxic Chemicals in Consumer Products, and Are Faster than Light Speeds Possible?

The lectures are filmed and can be viewed on UCC’s Public Understanding of Science website – http://understandingscience.ucc.ie

Where we Sported and Played - 100 yrs of the Mardyke

University College Cork celebrated 100 years of sporting success with the launch of 'Where Finbarr Played: A Concise Illustrated History of Sport in University College Cork, 1911-2011' by Professor Emeritus John A. Murphy. Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the acquisition of the Mardyke sports grounds by UCC in 1911, the book details all facets of UCC's rich sporting history and is illustrated with over 130 images. The book was officially launched, in UCC's Aula Maxima by RTÉ sports presenter Bill O'Herlihy.

The book is on sale now, priced €29.99, in the UCC Visitors' Centre: Tel: 00 353 (0)21 4901876, email: visitorscentre@ucc.ie or online at www.uccshop.ie

Christmas Special 2011 - University College Cork

In 2011, The Centre for Adult Continuing Education, University College Cork, celebrated 65 years of providing educational services to the community. Today the Centre offers over forty part-time courses to adult students ranging in level from Certificate to Masters. In recent times, the range of short course has also diversified with over 80 course offerings for the academic year 2011/12. Food is a strong component in many of the Centre’s activities- there is for instance the Food Industry Training Unit’s Diploma in Speciality Food Production and a number of short courses that look at different aspects  of food from Nutrition and Health to AnIntroduction to  Growing for the Home Garden and The Story of Irish Food.

UCC Choir Christmas Carol Concert

University College Cork Choir Carol Concert Monday 12th Devere Hall, Student Centre at 1.00pm.

The UCC Choir were joined by the St Francis Church Choir and the children of Christ the King Primary School.

All proceeds from the concert go to the Irish Guide Dogs Association.

The carols sung by the choirs in the clip are:

O Holy Night (St. Francis & UCC)
Our Town in December (Christ the King Primary School)
Star Carol (UCC Choir).

School of Clinical Therapies - Said, MSc Student

International student and Speech and Language Therapist Said Al-Sidairi, from Oman talks about the MSc in Evidence Based Therapy Practice" at the School of Clinical Therapies.

Alumni Awards 2011

Outstanding achievers in business, medicine and science were honoured by UCC at the 2011 Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 25th at the University. On the night, UCC also honoured a graduate with an Alumnus Award for Voluntary Service to the University. A UCC Alumnus Achievement Award is the highest honour the University can bestow upon a graduate.

Michael J Dowling
President & CEO North Shore Long Island Health System
College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences Award

Patrick Coveney
CEO Greencore Plc
College of Business & Law Award

Sr Miriam Duggan
Medical Missionary. Developed pioneering programme to stem the spread of Aids in Uganda and Southern Africa
College of Medicine & Health Award

Professor Seamus Davis
Professor of Physics, Cornell University
College of Science, Engineering & Food Science Award

Volunteer Award
Kieran Nestor

Credits:

Series Producer
Dick Hogan, Office of Media & Communications, UCC

Researcher
Marie McSweeney, Office of Media & Communications, UCC

International Award for Prof Eamonn Quigley, APC UCC

UCC's Professor Eamonn Quigley has been awarded an International Leadership Award from the American College of Gastroenterology, the first person to be given this award worldwide.

He received the award, in part, for helping train doctors in the second and third world in gastroenterology. He has been involved with the development of 14 training centres for doctors from Central and South America, Africa and Asia. This year he taught on the World Gastroenterology Organisation "Train-the-Trainers" courses for international leaders in gastroenterology in Chennai, India and Porto Allegre, Brazil. He also acts as a volunteer for the Swinfen Charitable trust which provides medical advice to doctors in the third world, his advice being in the area of gastroenterology. " It's good to give something back when you have had all the advantages of living in the developed world", says Professor Quigley.

Eamonn Quigley is Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology and a Principal Investigator at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at University College Cork. He is the immediate past president of the World Gastroenterology Organisation and past president of the American College of Gastroenterology. He is a past Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Celebrating the Life of Fr O'Flynn - Prof Fiona Gibbon

Sr Marie de Montfort Supple, retired, Department of Clinical Speech & Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Prof Fiona Gibbon, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.
Give me the flowing line: Celebrating the life of Fr. O'Flynn (1881-1962) of The Loft and his work with people living in Cork who stammered.
In January, 1961, the BBC televised a programme entitled It Happened to Me, and the world got to know about Fr Christy O'Flynn, an 80-year-old parish priest of Passage West, who had by then become a legend in his native Cork. More than 30 years earlier, Fr O' Flynn had opened a school of drama, music and philosophy, situated next to the renowned Shandon steeple in Cork City, which became known as The Loft. Here, he founded the Cork Shakespearean Company.

In The Loft, Fr O'Flynn not only taught drama, he also worked with people who stammered. He helped people at a time when there was no speech and language therapy service in Cork City. It is almost 50 years since the passing of this remarkable man and, to commemorate the event, the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at UCC held an exhibition to celebrate Fr O'Flynn's work and the progress we have now made in the last 50 years in providing speech and language therapy for the people of Cork.

The exhibition was launched at the Jennings Gallery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, on Thursday 6th October 2011. There were brief talks about Fr O'Flynn and about speech and language therapy in Cork today. The exhibition was officially opened by Donncha Ó Dúlaing, the broadcaster from Cork who is known country-wide for his sports and traditional music programmes. He currently presents Fáilte Isteach, Saturday evenings, on RTÉ Radio 1. The exhibition ran 6th October -- 4th November 2011.

Early Start Programme in Irish Archaeology at UCC

The Early Start programmes -- which are unique to University College Cork -- are designed to give Visiting Students a pre-session introduction to Ireland and Irish Studies. The longest-established programme is that in Irish Archaeology. The course runs for four weeks from late August after which students join standard classes that run until mid-December. Some students choose to return in the spring to spend a full academic year at UCC.

The Early Start in Irish Archaeology provides students with a wonderful introduction to Ireland's culture, history and landscapes. Students of Anthropology and Archaeology gain a unique insight into Archaeology as practiced in Europe and find the material and the approach taken to its interpretation engaging and challenging. The course is equally suited to students with no previous academic experience of Archaeology or Anthropology. They get a chance to study this exciting subject in a country with an outstanding archaeological heritage.

For further information about the programme contact
Dr Tomás Ó Carragáin, Archaeology Department, University College Cork, Ireland
Email: t.ocarragain@ucc.ie
Website: www.ucc.ie/en/DepartmentsCentresandUnits/Archaeology/

For information about how to register contact
UCC International Education Office, 'Roseleigh', Western Road, Cork, Ireland
Telephone: +353214904734 / 4904730
Email: isoffice@ucc.ie
Website: www.ucc.ie/en/study/international/

MSc in Evidence Based Therapy at UCC

Student Mukesh Gandhi, an Occupational Therapist originally from India, based in Ireland talks about the MSc in Evidence Based Therapy Practice" that he is studying at the School of Clinical Therapies.

Thanksgiving Celebration at UCC, Ireland

UCC is one of Ireland's most internationalised universities and in the current year welcomes more than 3,000 overseas students from 100 different countries.

The United States continues to be the largest provider of international students at UCC and in the current year some 700 US students are registered for programmes across all colleges. Whilst many of the American students are studying at UCC as part of their degree programme at their home university in the US, a growing number of students are choosing UCC as a location for full-time undergraduate student direct from high school. UCC is conducting a vigorous promotional campaign in key locations across the US, with a particular focus on Boston, New York and, Cork's sister city, San Francisco.


Tara McElligott, who features in the video, hails from San Francisco and is a graduate of Mercy High School, Burlingame. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Law (International) degree programme in UCC and plans on spending her third year in one of UCC's partner Law Schools in the US.

Tara's parents are from Kerry and both her mother and uncle attended UCC in the 1980s. Tara is one of a growing number of students of Irish heritage schooled in the US who are returning to UCC for their college education.

Says Louise Tobin, Director of International Student Recruitment and Strategy at UCC:

" We are delighted to report a marked increase in the number of American students who are considering taking their full undergraduate programme in UCC. We have appealed to our US-based UCC graduates whose offspring are now at college-going age to think about sending their kids back to study in Ireland; when you think of the quality of a UCC education and take into account the affordability of same, vis a vis the US alternative, it's a really smart choice."

http://www.ucc.ie/international

Biological Work Placement - Working with Wolves

Early Start Students - Dept of Archaeology at UCC

The Early Start programmes --which are unique to University College Cork --are designed to give Visiting Students a pre-session introduction to Ireland and Irish Studies. The longest-established programme is that in Irish Archaeology. Students take a four week course through late August and September before joining standard classes with their Irish counterparts. The course incorporates several field trips and is worth ten UCC credits. Who is the course aimed at? The Early Start in Irish Archaeology provides students with a wonderful introduction to Ireland's culture, history and landscapes. It offers students of Anthropology and Archaeology a unique insight into Archaeology as practiced in Europe; they find the material and the approach taken to its interpretation engaging and challenging. The programme makes them eligible for virtually all of the other Archaeology modules offered at UCC.The programme is equally suited to students with no previous academic experience of Archaeology or Anthropology. It gives them a chance to study this exciting subject in a country with an outstanding archaeological heritage. They learn how people in the past, and indeed the present, use material culture (monuments and artefacts) to express social status, ideology, identity and gender. When term begins some students choose to build upon what they have learned by choosing one or more of the additional modules in Irish Studies offered by, for example, History, Irish, English, Folklore and Music as well as Archaeology.

The Future of Research in Ireland, Prof Anita Maguire UCC

The future of research in Ireland
With research and innovation high on the political agenda for the reversal of Ireland's economic fortunes, there has never been a more exciting or demanding time for Professor Anita R. Maguire to be Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC. Anita Maguire, a UCC graduate, is Director of the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility at UCC and leads a large research team active in Organic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry which interacts extensively with the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland and internationally. She was Head of the Department of Chemistry (2005-7) and Head of the School of Pharmacy (2009-10).

MBS in International Public Policy and Diplomacy at UCC

Dr Andrew Cottey, Programme Director of the MBS in International Public Policy and Diplomacy highlights the practical benefits of this programme with a work placement in an international policy environment and a field trip to the European Institutions in Brussels. It also prepares graduates to work in an international environment by including modules on contemporary global policy challenges, the EU, international law, global economic issues, leadership, and foreign policy and diplomacy, as well as language options.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/government/

School of Clinical Therapies, Celebrating the Life of Fr. O'Flynn

Celebrating the life of Fr. O'Flynn (1881-1962) of The Loft and his work with people living in Cork who stammered.

In January, 1961, the BBC televised a programme entitled It Happened to Me, and the world got to know about Fr Christy O'Flynn, an 80-year-old parish priest of Passage West, who had by then become a legend in his native Cork. More than 30 years earlier, Fr O' Flynn had opened a school of drama, music and philosophy, situated next to the renowned Shandon steeple in Cork City, which became known as The Loft. Here, he founded the Cork Shakespearean Company.

In The Loft, Fr O'Flynn not only taught drama, he also worked with people who stammered. He helped people at a time when there was no speech and language therapy service in Cork City. It is almost 50 years since the passing of this remarkable man and, to commemorate the event, the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at UCC held an exhibition to celebrate Fr O'Flynn's work and the progress we have now made in the last 50 years in providing speech and language therapy for the people of Cork.

The exhibition was launched at the Jennings Gallery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, on Thursday 6th October 2011. There were brief talks about Fr O'Flynn and about speech and language therapy in Cork today. The exhibition was officially opened by Donncha Ó Dúlaing, the broadcaster from Cork who is known country-wide for his sports and traditional music programmes. He currently presents Fáilte Isteach, Saturday evenings, on RTÉ Radio 1. The exhibition ran 6th October -- 4th November 2011.

Sr Marie de Montfort Supple, retired, Department of Clinical Speech & Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Prof Fiona Gibbon, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.

Early Language Acquisition, School of Clinical Therapies at UCC

Ciara O'Toole outlines a study of early language acquisition of Irish being carried out at the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, UCC

School of Clinical Therapies at UCC

The school of Clinical Therapies was established in 2003, and includes the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. The school is located in the Brookfield Health Sciences Campus at UCC, which has excellent facilities including its own crèche and dedicated medical library as well as teaching, computer and restaurant facilities. Cork University Hospital is a short walk from the campus, as is the main campus and Mardyke sports arena. The programmes involve extensive and varied practice education, some of which are delivered in a purpose-built clinic in the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex at UCC. The Brookfield Therapy Clinic provides Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy to children and adults living in the catchment area of UCC, in addition to education for therapists-in-training. We also offer students the opportunities to undertake supervised research in all departments of the University, at undergraduate, Masters or Doctoral level. Students at the School of Clinical Therapies can avail of a top quality student experience. Our objective is to help you to enjoy university life, get the most out of it and to graduate successfully from your degree programme. This video shows you just some of the experiences that you can except at our school.

Spring Awakening - A Granary Theatre Production at the Everyman

http://www.granary.ie/

NASA Astronaut Col. Shane Kimbrough at UCC

NASA Astronaut, Col. Shane Kimbrough visited UCC on October 5th during a
three-day visit to Ireland. Col. Kimbrough was greeted by Professor Anita
Maguire, Vice-President for Research & Innovation, UCC and had the
opportunity of meeting Physics and Astrophysics students and staff and
visiting the Crawford Observatory.

Also accompanying Col. Kimbrough to UCC were Professor Paul Callanan,
Department of Physics, UCC and Professor Roger Whatmore, CEO, Tyndall
National Institute.

A native of Texas, Kimbrough joined the NASA team at the Johnson Space
Centre (JSC) in September 2000, and was selected as an astronaut candidate
by NASA in May 2004 and completed his training in February 2006. His
spaceflight experience includes STS-126 Endeavour (November 14 to November
30, 2008) launched at night from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and
returned to land at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It was NASA's 27th
shuttle/station assembly mission, during which Kimbrough performed two
spacewalks.

World Famous Scientist, Dr Robert Gallo, at UCC

How close are we to discovering a vaccination for the transmission of HIV/AIDS? This is the question that was posed at UCC to a packed audience on Tuesday, October 4th when world-famous scientist, Dr Robert Gallo, co-discoverer of the HIV/AIDS virus delivered a public lecture in UCC. The lecture was titled: "HIV AIDS: from finding the cause to cure andprevention: The science that got us where we are today and the science that needs to be done".

Undo Cave Official Trailer - Archaeology at UCC

Rod Pinhasi's research interests include the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the Transcaucasus, the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Europe, and the evolution and dispersal of early Holocene populations.The principal objective of the project is to develop chronometrically dated regional archaeological sequences Middle and early Upper Palaeolithic of the Caucasus (~125-30 ka) and to date all available hominin fossils that are associated with archaeological finds from this temporal phase. Other projects include an investigation of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, demic diffusion, and dispersals in the Near East and Europe. This includes research on the origins and spread of agriculture in the Near East and Europe, as well as a study of spatio-temporal dynamics and phylogenetic affinities of early Mesolithic European populations. He is also collaborating on a a cross-disciplinary investigation of the biocultural, functional and archaeogenetic aspects of the Neolithic process in human societies from the Levant and Danube Gorges regions.

MBS in Innovation in European Business at UCC Part 2

Professor Fred Adam, Programme Director of the MBS in Innovation in European Business describes how this degree has been designed to meet the needs of industry by training graduates to understand innovation and change from an international perspective through an in-company placement and an integrated research project. The programme takes place in 3 locations - Ireland, France and The Netherlands and provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge and concepts on how to implement and manage sustainable innovation in a global business environment.

Frank O'Connor Man of Many Voices

As one of Ireland's greatest short-story writers, Frank O'Connor was honoured at University College Cork (UCC) on September 16th 2011. Frank O'Connor: A Man of Many Voices featured live dramatic readings of the writer's work as well as a film clip screening of O'Connor talking about his life. A roundtable debate with guest speakers Edna O'Brien (author), Eoghan Harris (journalist), Professor Colbert Kearney (UCC) and Professor Alan Titley (UCC) took place in front of a large audience followed by a lively discussion and Q&A session. The event was recorded for radio broadcast as part of a new and fascinating UCC six-part radio documentary on O'Connor. It was organised in association with the Cork International Short Story Festival and Drs Hilary Lennon, Barry Monahan and Ger Fitzgibbon, UCC.

Also on September 16th, UCC launched a website on O'Connor, http://frankoconnor.ucc.ie. This site will be a cutting-edge e-learning resource for scholars and students alike, featuring new research content that includes articles, audio and visual links, news and event information.

Dr Tom Cavanagh

On September 2nd, 2011, the contribution of Tom and Marie Cavanagh to UCC was celebrated in the Aula Maxima on the occasion of Dr Tom Cavanagh's 80th birthday by awarding them the inaugural UCC WH Crawford Medal for Philanthropy, a beautifully designed sculpture by Vivienne Roche. "Planxty Tom Cavanagh" composed by UCC Music Student, Fiachra O'Corragain was presented as a special gift to Tom.

School of BEES at University College Cork - Deepak

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) was established in May 2010 and is composed of the academic disciplines of Geology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Ecology, Plant Science, which are based on a single site in the North Mall Campus. The School is a student-centred organisation where high quality courses are delivered by research active staff. We are also known for our friendly and accessible staff and our heavy focus on field-based studies. The School is a world-class location for study and research. We have more than 130 postgraduate students, including 100 PhD students, currently studying in the School. Academics and researchers in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences have a strong track record of attracting prestigious research funding and are involved in international collaborations with colleagues throughout the world. The Aquaculture Fisheries Development Centre (AFDC) forms an important part of School and we have strong links with Research Institutes within UCC, such as the Environmental Research Institute, as well as with others and internationally. The School engages in society-led and pure research with strong links with industry and society through innovative research and strategies for technology transfer and commercialisation of research.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/

MBS in Innovation in European Business at UCC

Professor Fred Adam, Programme Director of the MBS in Innovation in European Business describes how this degree has been designed to meet  the needs of industry by training graduates to understand innovation and change from an international perspective through an in-company placement and an integrated research project.  The programme takes place in 3 locations -  Ireland, France and The Netherlands and  provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge and concepts on how  to implement and manage sustainable innovation in a global business environment.

Irish Transport Research Network Conference at UCC

The Future for Ireland's Energy & Transport

The future for Ireland's energy & transport was the focus for discussion
at a major international conference at University College Cork
(UCC). Around 200 delegates attended the Irish
Transport Research Network (ITRN2011) conference which ran from August
30th to September 1st in conjunction with the inaugural meeting of the
Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Vehicular Technology
Society (VTS) UK and Republic of Ireland Chapter on August 30th in UCC.

Mr Alan Kelly, TD, Minister for State at the Department of Transport,
Tourism & Sport along with UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy and Mr John
Mullins, CEO Bord Gais Eireann formally opened the ITRN2011 on the
morning of August 31st.

http://www.itrn.ie

MBS Government at UCC

Dr Clodagh Harris, Programme Director of the MBS Government outlines the key elements of this programme which focuses on how democracy is changing in the 21st century as well as the policy challenges facing governments, civil society and the international community. Students develop high-level research and analytical skills in the area of political science and government. This programme prepares graduates for employment in journalism, civil service, international organisations such as the UN, NGOs, teaching, banking and PhD research.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/government

School of BEES - PhD Student

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) was established in May 2010 and is composed of the academic disciplines of Geology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Ecology, Plant Science, which are based on a single site in the North Mall Campus.  The School is a student-centred organisation where high quality courses are delivered by research active staff.  We are also known for our friendly and accessible staff and our heavy focus on field-based studies.  The School is a world-class location for study and research. We have more than 130 postgraduate students, including 100 PhD students, currently studying in the School. Academics and researchers in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences have a strong track record of attracting prestigious research funding and are involved in international collaborations with colleagues throughout the world. The Aquaculture Fisheries Development Centre (AFDC) forms an important part of School and we have strong links with Research Institutes within UCC, such as the Environmental Research Institute, as well as with others and internationally. The School engages in society-led and pure research with strong links with industry and society through innovative research and strategies for technology transfer and commercialisation of research.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/

Chemistry at UCC - Student Interview

http://chemistry.ucc.ie

Religion at University College Cork

The Study of Religions' Department at UCC is the first department of its kind in Ireland. In 2007, a new subject 'Religions and Global Diversity' was introduced to the BA Arts degree at UCC; almost 100 students opted for the year 1 course.
The UCC Study of Religions' department fosters an academic, non-confessional and non-theological approach to the study of religions. This differentiates it from traditional theology departments which tend to promote one religion rather than study all equally.
The Study of Religions approach allows for an unlimited range of religious issues to be taken seriously. For example a Study of Religions course on 'religion and politics' might involve the study of Buddhism's political role in Sri Lanka or Tibet, freedom of religion in China and the USA or radical Islam in Pakistan or secular-religious debates in Ireland and Europe. The focus is on religion's role in human life and society; we do not need to know whether religions are 'true' to appreciate the powerful influence of religion at a personal, community and international level.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/studyofreligions/

Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry

http://crac.ucc.ie

UCC Scientists in Major Discovery in the Atlantic

Irish and UK Scientists Explore Uncharted Deep Sea Vent Field.
New Life Forms Filmed for Upcoming National Geographic Channel Series.

The Irish-led VENTuRE scientific expedition aboard the Marine Institute's research vessel RV Celtic Explorer has discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the mid-Atlantic ridge -- the first to be explored north of the Azores. The mission, led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College, Cork (UCC), together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK, NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland, have just returned to Cork from their investigation 3,000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1.
Andy Wheeler is in Department of Geology which is part of the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES) and the Environmental Research Institute at UCC. Other UCC team members included Dr Boris Dorschel (Marine Geologist); Professor John Benzie (Marine Geneticist); Dr Jens Carlsson (Marine Geneticist); Mark Coughlan (Marine Geologist); Aaron Lim (Marine Geologist); Alice Antoniacomi (Marine Geneticist).

School of BEES - Minister Coveney

On Friday July 22nd Minister Coveney was welcomed to the School of
BEES by Professor John O'Halloran, Head, School of BEES. The Minister's
itinerary included a guided tour of Aquaculture, Fisheries & Forestry,
Agriculture and Food. BEES conducts research in Plant Science including
the development of better and novel crop plants and the sustainable
control of plant pests and diseases. This research, according to
O'Halloran, will help resolve the food energy trilemma where delivering
more food from less land, which now competes with energy crops, may have
major environmental consequences. "With global populations growing
rapidly, there are huge risks of food shortages and enormous
environmental damage, and so we need new sources of food and higher
yielding crops", said Professor O'Halloran. The School of BEES has a
long and distinguished history of research excellence in the areas of
Plant Science, Forestry, Aquaculture and Fisheries, and these have the
potential to support food and energy demand in sustainable ways. The
School is also committed to the innovation agenda and the generation of
new wealth. Gourmet Marine is a recently established aquaculture company
and is a BEES spin-out, one of the first in the Marine Food sector. The
School is also advancing further research in sustainable Plant Biology,
Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/

Book of Lismore at the Glucksman, UCC

University College Cork (UCC) has gained a unique opportunity
to exhibit on loan one of the major medieval Irish manuscripts,
the Book of Lismore. The loan has been facilitated by the owners
of the Book, the Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement Trust. The
Exhibition was officially launched by the Duke of Devonshire at the Lewis
Glucksman Gallery, UCC and will be on public display until 30 October at the
Gallery in an exhibition titled: Travelled Tales - Leabhar Scéalach Siúlach:
The Book of Lismore at University College Cork. The Glucksman Gallery is
open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 2-5pm.

Crónán Ó Doibhlin, Head of Special Collections, Archives and Repository
Services, UCC Library

Researcher: Marie McSweeney, Office of Media & Communications, UCC

School of BEES - Geology

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) was established in May 2010 and is composed of the academic disciplines of Geology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Ecology, Plant Science, which are based on a single site in the North Mall Campus. The School is a student-centred organisation where high quality courses are delivered by research active staff. We offer a wide choice of degree programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and we are renowned internationally for the quality of our teaching and research. Graduates will benefit from a comprehensive education that is essential for their role in the knowledge economy and that will provide them with the tools to be key contributors in the development of innovation, knowledge and sustainability. We are also known for our friendly and accessible staff and our heavy focus on field-based studies. We have more than 600 undergraduate students currently studying in the School. Our undergraduate programmes are in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Plant Biotechnology and Zoology.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/

UCC's Doctoral Showcase 2011 - Winner Oral Presentation

John O'Donoghue, winner of the oral presentation category of UCC's doctoral showcase 2011, talks about his research, competing in the Showcase and the challenges of communicating research to a non-specialist audience. John is a PhD student in UCC's Department of Chemistry. The Doctoral Showcase is an annual event which invites doctoral students across all disciplines to explain their research to a lay audience.

 

For more information see http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/current/DoctoralShowcase2011/

Philosophy at UCC

The Philosophy Department offers degree programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels that are scholarly, historically and empirically informed, and rigorous. The Department is committed to exposing students to the most important philosophical ideas, thinkers and frameworks – Ancient and Modern, Western and Eastern – in order to enable them to deal with contemporary problems in a globalized context.

Philosophy at UCC has particular strengths in Comparative and East-Asian Philosophy, as well as in Political Philosophy. The commitment to pluralism is coupled with an equally strong commitment to interdisciplinarity. Staff are actively involved in collaborations with colleagues in the School of Sociology and Philosophy. Among the most visible results of that work are the joint annual summer school and the joint postgraduate programmes in Philosophy and Sociology. Philosophy is one of the three constitutive disciplines of the Politics programme at UCC. In cooperation with other disciplines across the college, we also host an interdisciplinary postgraduate programme in Comparative Aesthetics and the Arts. Our staff also contribute to programmes in Asian Studies, Film Studies, Women Studies, and Philosophy of Science.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/ssp/

Chemistry at UCC - PhD Student

http://chemistry.ucc.ie

InfiniLED Campus Spin Out at Tyndall Institute UCC

InfiniLED Limited, recently spun out from Tyndall National Institute, UCC. InfiniLED is commercialising a new generation of LED technology which significantly extends the battery life for portable devices such as cameras, mobile phones and laptops as well as for various medical and analytical instrumentation by producing more usable light, using less energy.

Chemistry at UCC - Crime Scene Investigation

The School of Chemistry is one of the largest, most dynamic centres of
scientific scholarship in Ireland with a focus on excellence in both
education and research. The strength and diversity of our undergraduate
degree programmes attracts a large cohort of talented students to study
the Chemical Sciences at UCC, including students from as far away as the
USA and China. The breadth and vitality of our research includes the
interdisciplinary fields of pharmaceutical chemistry, materials
science/nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry, as well as the
traditional core disciplines of inorganic, organic, physical, and
analytical chemistry. These strengths, together with the international
reputation of many of our academic staff, draws a large number of
post-graduate students to UCC, from Ireland, Britain, Europe, and
further afield. Our research strengths also attracts many international
post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists, making it a large,
cosmopolitan place for the advancement of science. Currently we train
about 60 undergraduates per year in Chemical Science degrees and our
Research School comprises about 100 people.

For more information please visit our webpage at http://www.ucc.ie/en/chemistry/

A Summer’s Evening on the Quad: Annual Charity Concert at UCC – 10th June 2011

Musicians and music-lovers gathered in the magical setting of the Quadrangle UCC on 10th June 2011, for the sixth annual A Summer’s Evening on the Quad open-air charity concert. All funds raised were donated to The Hope Foundation and Bee for Battens. With performances by Cork’s own Cara O’Sullivan and Belfast-born Peter Corry, under the musical direction of David Munro and backed by The Band of An Garda Síochana, the Quad was the perfect setting for the 1,500-strong audience at the very special concert.

A Summer’s Evening on the Quad, organised by UCC General Services’ Security and Community Policing, Barrack Street, with main sponsorship generously provided by BAM Contractors and media sponsorship by the Evening Echo, has raised almost €350,000 for charity since 2005.

Languages at University College Cork (UCC)

Languages taught at UCC include:  French, German, Hispanic Studies and Italian, grouped together in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. All four Departments in the School provide a lively environment for students to study a wide range of subjects including specific language courses, literature, linguistics, culture and media (drama and film) and to benefit from a truly international environment. Students benefit from the School-specific key skills of (intercultural) communication, linguistic and cultural analysis and critique of texts and communicative situations, critical understanding of foreign societies and their historical contexts. Departments in the School contribute to several BA programmes (e.g., BA in Languages and Cultural Studies, BA in Drama & Theatre Studies International, BA in European Studies) as well as to joint programmes with the College of Business and Law (BCL Law and French, BComm International). Most of the languages may be taken from beginner level.

 

Staff in French carry out teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and research in a variety of areas within French as an academic subject. Staff in German participate in several degree programmes and students may take German as complete beginners in German language. As well as teaching Spanish at all levels, Hispanic Studies offers courses on the culture, history, film and literature of Latin America, with a particular emphasis on Mexico, as the Department houses Ireland's only Centre for Mexican Studies. Students also have an option to study both the languages and cultures of Cataluña (Catalan) and Galicia (Gallego). The Department also provides Portuguese - both language and cultural courses - for those students eager to pursue interests in the Lusophone world, either Brazil or Portugal. Italian has a reputation for putting students and their learning experience at the centre of all its activities, including research-led teaching and postgraduate supervision and training.

http://www.ucc.ie/en/languagesliteraturesandcultures/

Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC)

The School of Chemistry is one of the largest, most dynamic centres of
scientific scholarship in Ireland with a focus on excellence in both
education and research.  The strength and diversity of our undergraduate
degree programmes attracts a large cohort of talented students to study
the Chemical Sciences at UCC, including students from as far away as the
USA and China. The breadth and vitality of our research includes the
interdisciplinary fields of pharmaceutical chemistry, materials
science/nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry, as well as the
traditional core disciplines of inorganic, organic, physical, and
analytical chemistry.  These strengths, together with the international
reputation of many of our academic staff, draws a large number of
post-graduate students to UCC, from Ireland, Britain, Europe, and
further afield. Our research strengths also attracts many international
post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists, making it a large,
cosmopolitan place for the advancement of science. Currently we train
about 60 undergraduates per year in Chemical Science degrees and our
Research School comprises about 100 people.

For more information visit http://chemistry.ucc.ie

History at University College Cork

The skills essential to being a good historian are the skills essential to being a good citizen, a good employee or a good entrepreneur -- starting with the all-important ability to think for yourself.

The School of History trains students to gather and interpret information and evidence, to analyse the data available to you and to interrogate points of view. All these skills are work and life skills that should help you to make a contribution in the world – whether to the academic community, in the workplace or in the wider world. 

The School of History offers students a varied choice of approaches to history — social and economic history, modern diplomacy, political ideologies, the history of law, art, religion, women, government, business and much else besides – all based on the specialist knowledge gained by our academic staff through their own research.

For more information visit http://www.ucc.ie/en/history/

Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) at UCC

The Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) was launched recently by Kathleen Lynch TD Minister of State (with responsibility for Disability, Equality, Older People and Mental Health).

A Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) has been launched in UCC. Impetus for the creation and design of this programme is directly related to research findings, funded by the HEA and carried out by the Centre for Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) in conjunction with the Disability Support Service (DSS) University College Cork.  The first of its kind in Ireland, the Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies) is offered by CACE on a part-time basis over 2 years beginning in September 2011.  Practical in its approach, it is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of educators and trainers and those who are caring, volunteering or just have an interest in the area of disability while incorporating the twin aims of lifelong learning i.e. active citizenship and employability.   

Honorary Conferrings 2011

Four leading figures in the world of medicine, arts and public service were honoured by the National University of Ireland during a ceremony to confer honorary doctorates at University College Cork on Friday, June 3rd 2011. UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy explains....

UCC Centre for Global Development

The need for greater collaboration and co-operation between the developing and developed worlds was highlighted recently at UCC with the official launch of the UCC Centre for Global Development by Minister of State for Trade and Development, Ms Jan O’Sullivan, TD. Professor Patrick Fitzpatrick, Head of UCC’s College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) and Director of the UCC Centre explains:

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork (UCC)

The Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork is one of Europe’s leading centres for Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) research and development. It is the largest facility of its kind in Ireland with ca 450 staff, students and academic & industrial visiting researchers. Tyndall, formally known as the National Microelectonics Research Centre, was established in 2004 to provide a critical mass of researchers that would support the growth and development of a smart knowledge based economy in Ireland. Tyndall’s research is guided by, and applied to, finding commercialisable solutions for the needs of society in Communications, Energy, Environment and Health through the development of new technology in the fields of Photonics, Micro/Nanoelectronics and Microsystems.

Tyndall uses its facilities and expertise to support industry and academia nationally and provides large numbers of highly qualified graduate students, key to the development of our national economy. Tyndall has over 200 industry partnerships and customers worldwide. Several start up companies in Ireland have been based on technology originating at Tyndall. The Institute’s researchers include 125 PhD and 10 Masters students, and 38 nationalities are represented within the institute at all levels, with its research published in 200 peer reviewed publications last year. Income for 2010 was over 33m euro.

The Story of Queen Victoria's Statue at UCC

According to Professor John A Murphy, Emeritus Professor of History at UCC the story of the statue of Queen Victoria is rich in symbolism. In August 1849, Queen Victoria witnessed her statue being hoisted on the highest gable of the new Queen's College, now University College Cork. There it remained until 1934 when it was taken down and replaced by Finbarr, Cork's patron saint. The Victoria statue was put in storage for some years and then bizarrely buried in what was admittedly UCC's classiest location, the President's Garden.
In 1995, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Queen's College foundation, UCC decided to resurrect the statue and display it as part of a sesquicentennial exhibition. Thus not only was a valuable artefact salvaged, but an important academic statement was being made -- that history is a record of the past, not a chronicle of grievances.

Queen Victoria's Scarf

University College Cork medical alumnus, Richard Roland Thompson, was awarded a scarf by Queen Victoria for his bravery in the Boer War in 1900.

Queen Victoria, then aged 82, had decided to honour four of the bravest soldiers from the colonies serving in the war by presenting them with khaki wool scarves that she had designed and crocheted herself. As a reciprocal gesture, the President of UCC, Dr Michael Murphy, will give Queen Elizabeth 11 a gift of a contemporary lace scarf, designed by Cork artist, Carmel Creaner to acknowledge the role of Queen Victoria in the foundation of the college in 1845.

Geography at UCC

Geography is one of 28 subjects on offer to students in the BA degree. Students select four subjects in first year and continue with two for second and third year.
By taking Geography in the BA degree, you will have the opportunity to learn about, research and debate important issues that affect the natural world and the human environment.

To learn more visit http://www.ucc.ie/en/human-env/

Philip King UCC Alumni Award 2010 / 2011

Outstanding achievers in the arts, judiciary, medicine and pharmaceutical industry were recently honoured by UCC at the 2010 Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony at a glittering event in the University's Aula Maxima. On the night, UCC also honoured a graduate with an Alumnus Award for exceptional Voluntary Service to the University, which this year recognised a graduate for his excellent voluntary contribution to UCC's Medical School. UCC is very grateful to the sponsors of the 2010 UCC Alumni Awards Programme; Architectural & Metal Systems (AMS), Bank of Ireland, Boston Scientific, Henry Ford & Son Limited and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

Archaeology at UCC

Archaeology is one of 28 subjects on offer to students in the BA degree. Students select four subjects in first year and continue with two for second and third year.

Archaeology is the study of past human societies through the physical evidence they have left behind. Like CSI detectives we investigate important developments in the human story over millions of years.
To learn more visit http://www.ucc.ie/en/human-env/

UCC Sports Star Awards 2010/2011

Christine O'Donovan, Director, Sport & Recreation, UCC UCC Sports Clubs have enjoyed phenomenal success in Men's Volleyball, Badminton, Ladies Basketball, Trampoline, Ultimate Frisbee and Junior Rugby intervarsities along with the Sigerson and Collingwood Cup successes to name but a few. Ten high achievers were recently honoured for their sporting achievements at the 28th Annual UCC Sports Star Awards and were presented with their awards by Guest of Honour, UCC graduate and former Rugby International, Frankie Sheahan. Personalities from the world of sport, parents, coaches, staff from UCC, UCC Clubs Executive, representatives from The River Lee Hotel and the Bank of Ireland were present at the Ceremony. The event was run in association with The River Lee Hotel and the Bank of Ireland with Christine O'Donovan Director of Sport & Recreation, organiser of the event, acting as MC. Series Producer
Dick Hogan, Office of Media and Communications, UCC Researcher
Marie McSweeney, Office of Media and Communications, UCC

Alumni Achievement Awards at University College Cork

Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, UCC Outstanding achievers in the arts, judiciary, medicine and pharmaceutical industry were recently honoured by UCC at the 2010 Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony at a glittering event in the University's Aula Maxima.

On the night, UCC also honoured a graduate with an Alumnus Award for exceptional Voluntary Service to the University, which this year recognised a graduate for his excellent voluntary contribution to UCC's Medical School. UCC is very grateful to the sponsors of the 2010 UCC Alumni Awards Programme; Architectural & Metal Systems (AMS), Bank of Ireland, Boston Scientific, Henry Ford & Son Limited and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

Economics at UCC

Economics is one of 28 subjects on offer to students in the BA degree. Students select four subjects in first year and continue with two for second and third year.
By taking Economics in the BA degree, you will have the opportunity to learn about, research and debate important issues that will affect you in every aspect of your life, whether at work, in business or as members of society.
To learn more visit http://www.ucc.ie/en/economics

Handel's Hallelujah Flash Mob - UCC Campus Chorus

Áras na Mac Léinn was the venue for a "Flash Mob" rendition of Handel's Hallelujah chorus, led by the UCC Campus Chorus to celebrate their 5 years of active music-making under the baton of Dr Eva McMullan.

The UCC Campus Chorus (composed mainly of UCC staff) has performed at a variety of impressive concerts throughout the country and has won a number of choral competitions.

UCC has always had a strong tradition of choral music; the UCC Campus Chorus is one of three current choirs, the others being a thriving student Choral Society and the newly-reformed University College Cork Choir which is open not only to staff and students but also the wider community.  
UCC's vibrant presence in the community and its efforts to broaden the community's awareness and benefits of choral music are all part of the Strategic Plan with regard to external engagement and contribution to society.

Mozart's Kyrie in D Minor - UCC Campus Choir and KSU Orchestra

When the UniversityCollege Cork Campus Choir and the Kansas State University Chamber Orchestra teamed up recently, the result was sweet music and the UCC Film Unit was there to capture the event.

The KSU Chamber Orchestra comprises students who are part of an 80-member Kansas State University Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Littrell, KSU’s Distinguished Professor of Music.  Members of the orchestra study many different disciplines including music, graphic design, engineering, architecture, foreign languages, economic, business, biology, math and animal science.

The orchestra toured Scotland and England in 2008 and 2011 is their year in Ireland, including concerts in Galway, Killarney, Cork and Dublin where they performed works by Easterday, Chadwick, Boccherini and Ellington.

The UCC Campus Chorus numbering about 30 singers, mostly staff of UCC, celebrates 5 years in existence this year.  Dr Eva McMullan, an experienced singer in her own right, conducts both the UCC Campus Chorus and the St. Francis Church Choir, separately and together on occasion.  They performed the Kyrie in D minor by Mozart and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, accompanied by Dr Rhoda Dullea.

Learning Chinese in a Multilingual World

Learning how to speak Chinese is not easy and learning to write it is more difficult still. Thinking about these problems prompted Stephen Bean from the Audio Visual Department at University College Cork to come up with a novel application that is expected to revolutionise the teaching and learning of Chinese. The app is compatible with all platforms, and on a hand-held or desktop, shows students how to form Chinese characters while at the same time listening to the correct pronunciation.

The system, known as Han Shu-lite, was launched recently at UCC when teachers of Chinese from throughout Ireland gathered for their national conference. The launch coincided with the announcement that the University has now created a "spin-in" company, NewScribe Digital Learning Ltd, which will market the new app globally. The key to the system is that it can be used to teach Chinese writing and pronunciation outside the classroom, using any national language. James Cuffe, PHD, explains.

Medieval Food - Come Dine with St. Patrick

Ireland in the 5th century: No restaurants, no take-aways, no street vendors or pre-prepared meals. So how did poor Saint Patrick manage when he arrived as a slave boy? It could have been worse, according to food historian, Regina Sexton, of UCC, who has discovered that the available food was nutritious if not very exciting. As part of our celebration of the week that's in it, Regina has put together a table full of the seasonal foods available on the island of Ireland back then, spanning everything from meat and fish to cereals. She found that even the poets were wont to wax lyrical about food.

St Patrick's week on the Quad- Traditional music and dance at University College Cork

This group of UCC music students plays ‘Eleanor Plunkett’, a tune composed by the 17^th century blind harper-composer Turlough O’Carolan.  The group is joined by dancers Tara Breen and Fiachra Ó Corragáin for ‘Miss Monaghan’s Reel.’  Tara and Fiachra dance a treble reel using steps created by the old dancing masters, which were taught to them by UCC School of Music and Theatre dance tutor, Peggy McTaggart.

Music at UCC celebrates the diversity of contemporary musical experience and offers students the richest music education in Ireland. When the Department of Music joined with Drama and Theatre Studies to form the School of Music and Theatre in 2010 the performing arts at UCC moved into an exciting new era. The new School will cultivate the natural synergy between the two disciplines and explore the development of joint educational initiatives that will invigorate the academic and artistic life of the University and region.

A Language as Old as Time - St. Patrick's Week at UCC

The Irish language, always a subject for debate in the mother country, is cherished by a huge proportion of Irish people at home and abroad as the defining part of our culture. In recent years, the growth of schools throughout Ireland teaching exclusively through Irish, has given the language a new lease of life, and now, it is probably on a firmer footing than ever before. But thinking about St Patrick's Day, our national day, causes us to remember how the twists and turns of history have shaped this ancient nation. We asked Dr Ciarán Dawson of UCC's Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha (the centre for spoken Irish) if the language spoken when St Patrick arrived in Ireland bore any resemblance to what we know today.

Traditional Music - St. Patrick's Week at UCC

University College Cork is proud to present a St Patrick’s week series of videos incorporating music, dance, poetry and discussion, reflecting important aspects of Irish culture. With the emphasis on fun and enjoyment, we asked our School of Music and Theatre to provide the musicians and dancers -talented young students, all, who are already masters of their art – and whose instrumental skills are simply inspiring. We wondered how the ancient language at the time of St Patrick might have differed from Irish as it is spoken today, and why so many people from outside our shores wish to become students of Irish at UCC, and we wondered too what the diet was like in the distant past as our ancestors made the transition from a Pagan to a Christian society. Our experts provided the answers.

The High Fives perform arrangements of three reels: ‘Kylebrack Rambler’ composed by Finbarr O’Dwyer, ‘The Floating Candle’ composed by Maurice

Lennon, and ‘The Red Haired Lass.’  Featuring UCC undergraduate and postgraduate students, The High Fives won the UCC Traditional Music Society’s annual Tradfest intervarsity competition Battle of the Bands in 2011.

The  second group performs its arrangement of ‘The Offertory’, a jig which was composed by the County Mayo harper, Michael Rooney. The group is led by the School of Music and Theatre tutor and renowned musician and composer, Niall Vallely.  The group features the combined talents of UCC music students and two visiting overseas American students.  Chris Gray, a music major at Bowdoin College, Maine, is studying for a Diploma in Irish traditional Music at UCC, and Alex Lough, also a music major, comes to us from Wesleyan University.  Chris and Alex are just two of the approximately 600 students from some 450 universities and colleges across the US that study at UCC annually.

Introducing Opera - UCC Adult Continuing Education

In January, the Centre for Adult Continuing Education at University College Cork, in partnership with Cork Arts Theatre, offered a new short course, Introducing Opera, with baritone Nyle Wolfe. It has been a great success and comes as part of the Centre's ongoing development of its short course programme, which attracted record numbers of students this year. The placing of courses in outreach locations, timetabled in the mornings, has heightened public interest in the University's suite of short courses thus encouraging the Centre to further develop this innovative service to outreach locations for the coming academic year.

Chinese New Year at UCC

It is a time of great celebration at home and all over the world for the Chinese diaspora. But it can be a lonely time too for the millions of Chinese who will spend The Year of the Rabbit overseas. UCC's growing Chinese student population has added much to an already diverse and cosmopolitan campus and for this group, UCC is a home from home. We looked in on this year's celebrations and asked a number of students to tell us about life on a foreign campus.

China's Brightest and Best at UCC:

UCC's ties with China have been developing steadily over the years, and through our International Educatioin Office (IEO) such close relations continue to prosper. The President of the University, Dr Michael Murphy, and acadamics representing all the major disciplines, are regular visitors to China as we continue to create synergies with Chinese partner institutions. China places a very significant value on third level education and on cooperation with educational institutions in the west, such as UCC. IEO Director, Louise Tobin, explains.

Spring Awakening at the Granary March 10th - 19th 2011

Granary Theatre's

SPRING AWAKENING
10-19 March 2011

http://www.granary.ie

UCC Dance Club - Flash Mob

UCC's Dance Club organised a Flash Mob consisting of members of the staff and student community in University College Cork in honour of Raise & Give week 2011

Tyndall UCC Breakthrough in Nanotechnology

Last February, Nature Nanotechnology announced the development at UCC's Tyndall National Institute of the world's first junctionless transistor. The transistor is the building block of the microchip and the breakthrough by Professor Jean-Pierre Colinge, was greeted by the semiconductor industry as a major advance. Now, Professor Colinge is back in the news with a transistor that is reduced again by a factor of twenty. To put in it context, his latest innovation is 2000 times smaller than a strand of human hair, 30 per cent more energy efficient than existing transistors and gives a better performance than transistors now on the market! With up to two billion transistors on a single microchip, the latest breakthrough will help to drive more simple manufacturing processes and is again being viewed as a significant leap forward. Professor Colinge explains

Raise & Give (RAG) Week 2011 at University College Cork

This week, the attention of students at University College Cork will turn to giving back and raising funds for worthy causes, such as the Hope Foundation, which works tirelessly to help and rescue the forlorn street children of Calcutta. Raise and Give Week is an opportunity for Students to demonstrate to a wide audience that they have a lot to offer and that they are a force for good. UCC's Vice President for the Student Experience, Con O'Brien, has been working behind the scenes to ensure the success of this year's event.

Joyce Followers - Early Start at University College Cork

Walking where Joyce's characters walked in Ulysses is a different experience and a very helpful one too, when you first tackle a difficult work of literature. That's where the Early Start Semester Programme at University College Cork (UCC) comes in. The programme is designed to introduce you to Irish literature studies in a unique way so that when you come to study with us full time, you already have an edge. It is an intensive pre-session, one month course which runs yearly from late August to mid-September. There are six Early Start Programmes for visiting students to choose from: Archaeology, Literature, History, Folklore, Music and Management and Marketing.

Literatures in Ireland introduces visiting students to a wide range of Irish writing. This year the concentration is on twentieth--century Irish fiction, and in particular on James Joyce's novel Ulysses. Although Ulysses is considered one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century, students often approach it with trepidation, because of its reputed difficulty. This class makes Joyce's innovative and compelling work accessible and enjoyable. Having read the work in class we spend three days in Dublin walking in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. Meandering through the city, novels in hand, we bring the settings and the story to life and thus recreate the events in Ulysses almost one hundred years after Joyce had imagined them.

A Career in Pharmacy

A career in Pharmacy is the first choice for an increasing number of students entering third level education and it is both a rewarding and fulfilling one. At the UCC School of Pharmacy, we thought it might be of help to students about to make important decisions, to show them what our pharmacy programme entails, and of interest as well to the wider public to learn how those pills come to be on the pharmacy shelves. We asked third year Pharmacy student, Siún Tobin, to be our guide.

Renaissance Now - University College Cork

It has inspired us to believe that great art can emerge even from a great cataclysm, and that the human spirit will always hunger for the beauty of creations that soar above the sordid and mundane.

The Renaissance gave the world just such a flowering of creativity, and the intervening centuries have not dimmed our wonderment at what was achieved. But could it, should it happen again?

That was the question posed by "Renaissance Now!" a conference held at University College Cork recently, when world experts on the Renaissance gathered to share views and exchange opinions. Professor Brendan Dooley who specialises in Renaissance Studies at the Graduate School, College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, UCC, took a lead in organising the conference. He shared these illuminating views with us.

Lost Irish Buddhist

Who was he really, this hobo, world traveller and finally famous Buddhist in the Orient who blazed a trail but died, it seems, ignored by history? The enigmatic, free thinking Dubliner who used different aliases, we now know to have been Dhammaloka, "the Irish Buddhist" who converted to his adopted religion around 1900. He became widely known throughout Asia and in the process, managed to fall foul of the colonial establishment as well as Christian missionaries.

Uncovering Dhammaloka's unique story has taken some inspired detective work on the part of UCC's Professor Brian Bocking, as well as other colleagues, and their efforts have not been in vain. The lost Irish Buddhist emerges after all these years as one of the earliest Western Buddhist monks, pre-dating many others who have claimed the title. Professor Bocking takes us through an amazing odyssey.

Understanding Science

One of the most enduring features of the extra curricular year at University College Cork (UCC) is the annual science public lecture series during which topical, and often the more mysterious and fascinating aspects of science, are explored.

Organised by Professor Willie Reville under the auspices of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS), the series is unique in that while experts are on hand to offer deep insights into their particular fields, the audience also gets to have its say during the question time that follows each lecture.

And it's that time of year again! The new series will begin on January 5th next when Professor Mark Achtman will describe how he has used genetic analysis of a common human gut bacterium to trace human migrations over the last 80,000 years. The lectures will run until March 30th 2011, offering provocative and challenging views on a wide variety of science subjects. As always, admission is free and everyone is welcome. Visit: http://understandingscience.ucc.ie/Le...

The venue for the series is Boole Lecture Theatre 2 and lectures begin at 8pm sharp each Wednesday evening. Professor Reville explains.

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Education

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Air on a Shoestring

With a nod to Johann Sebastian Bach, the musicians lugged harp and uileann pipes up the endless steps and through the belfry in Cork City's Shandon Steeple to make a stand on budget day in Ireland against the widespread pessimism felt at the government's new austerity regime.

Perched on the ramparts of the ancient church with the city sprawling out beneath them, they struck up airs that wafted over the rooftops to send out a message of hope and optimism. Project 'Air on a Shoestring' is part of a new movement - 'Positively Cork' -- that aims to galvanise a people who have been beset by a constant barrage of bad news and fiscal rectitude. Many graduates of University College Cork have become part of the movement and UCC staff member, Ruth Mc Donnell (harp) and Máire de Cógáin (uilean pipes and tin whistle), a primary school teacher, provided the inspiring music on a bitterly cold and frosty morning.

Positively Cork, says founding member, Deirdre Seery, is about making 2011 a year of positivity, about bringing people together to do things for themselves and make a difference. Above all, she adds, it is about people remembering the wealth of innate talent that is the hallmark of the Irish, and also that the university city of Cork was named by Lonely Planet as one of the best 10 places to visit in 2010. If you wish to get involved, contact Positively Cork at www.positivelycork.ie

Beating the austerity blues is a good place to start. See for yourself.

IGNITE - Light a Fire Under your Idea

Graduate Business Innovation Centre at University College Cork (UCC)

University College Cork is offering 10 places on a year-long business incubation programme that could change your life.
The programme is called IGNITE and it promises to do exactly what it says on the label -take good ideas and help turn them into new products and services. As a graduate with entrepreneurial flair, all you've got to do is apply and we'll help to slot everything else into place. The programme is open to graduates of all third level institutions and successful applicants will have the following free supports to guide them:
• Professional environment to nurture innovative ideas and accelerate business start-ups
• Business incubation space in the state-of-the-art Western Gateway Building for 12 months
• Management and business training
• Individual business mentoring
• Access to UCC's academic, research and commercialisation expertise
• Regular networking events
• Information on sources of funding
• Free membership of Cork Chamber
• Retention of Jobseeker's Allowance

An IGNITE information evening will be held on Wednesday November 24th next at 6pm in room G.05, Western Gateway Building, UCC.
Applications to join the programme which begins next January, should be received by December 10th next.

For more information on IGNITE please visit the website at http://ignite.ucc.ie or email ignite@ucc.ie

The Plague

It contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire, devastated swathes of humanity in Europe, Africa and Asia and remains in our consciousness as one of the most grotesque killers ever witnessed on Earth. Now, for the first time, a team of international scientists, including Professor Mark Achtman of University College Cork (UCC), has pooled expertise and resources to discover the origins of the Plague, its many mutations, and the various routes via which it arrived to wreak havoc on nations around the globe. While science has now confirmed that the Plague began in China, the salutary reminder to modern society is that it is still with us and that it continues to kill. Professor Achtman explains.

Mortages Troubles

Thousands of people in Ireland and other European nations are more worried than ever before about mounting debt and their ability to repay home mortgages.

The question is, can anything be done to relieve a growing source of stress for so many home owners? Ireland's new Financial Regulator, Matthew Elderfield, has examined the problem, and while loan forgiveness is not on the table, he says, there are other options. Mr Elderfield was at University College Cork recently, where he devoted a section of his address to the issue.

The Great Book of Ireland

Samuel Beckett's last hand written poem will live forever in the Great Book of Ireland, a monumental undertaking that has already been dubbed the 'Book of Kells for the Second Millennium'.
The Book will journey around the world before it is given a permanent home at University College Cork. Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law, Director of Development at UCC, explains.

Welcome to UCC from Dr. Michael Murphy

A welcome from UCC president Dr. Michael Murphy to the incoming cohort of students 2010.

Field Research at Fota Wildlife Park

Professor John O'Halloran, Head of the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) in University College Cork, talks about the incredible opportunities for research at UCC in conjunction with the magnificent Fota Wildlife Park (home to many exotic animals including a significant population of Cheetahs) based on Fota Island, 10 kilometers to the east of Cork City in Ireland.

World's Oldest Leather Shoe

University College Cork (UCC) archaeologist, Dr Ron Pinhasi, and a team of international archaeologists discovered the world's oldest leather shoe in a cave in Armenia. The perfectly preserved shoe is 1,000 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and 300 years older than Newgrange, Co Meath.