Pictured at an Abbott interview skills workshop for biomedical and pharmaceutical students, Sligo IT, are Adrienne Foley, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Abbott Ireland; Dr. Jeremy Bird, PhD, Department of Applied Science, IT Sligo; and Lesley Walsh and Adette Ring, Careers Office, IT Sligo
Jim Rogers, a former Electronic Engineering Lecturer, visited the Institute of Technology, Sligo recently to discuss the design and use of his simulator software with Electronics lecturing staff and students. He has developed this software to mimic the operation of a particular microprocessor called the 8051, which I.T.Sligo students study in the Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering. The simulator is now an integral part of the Institute’s Electronics programme and students find it an indispensible tool when learning the fundamentals of microprocessor hardware and software. More information about this simulator can be found on Jim’s website www.edsim51.com.
During his visit he met with the Institute’s President, Prof. Terri Scott, who was extremely interested in promoting this International dimension of our Electronic Engineering course.
Jim Rogers demonstrates the software to Prof Terri Scott, President, IT Sligo
Jim has just published a new book titled “EdSim51’s Guide to the 8051: core of the popular 51 series of 8-bit microcontrollers”. This text book will be used when delivering the Level 7 Degree in Electronic Engineering online starting this September in the Institute. The Editorial Review is as follows:
“The 8051 is at the core of many modern 8-bit microcontroller systems. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to embedded systems concepts, with the 8051 as its centrepiece. It starts by explaining the basics of all microcontrollers, then examines 8051 specifics, including the timers, the serial port, interrupts and peripheral interfacing. Screenshots of the EdSim51 simulator (freely available from www.edsim51.com) are used throughout the text to show the microcontroller in action. The simulator is an ideal companion to this book as it will aid the student gain a clear understanding of embedded systems in general and of the 8051 in particular. The book contains many example programs, written in assembly. Finally, the reader is introduced to C programming for the 8051.”
The visit was also an opportunity for Jim to renew acquaintances with his former colleagues and friends in I.T.Sligo. Jim, who is from Mohill in Co. Leitrim, is an Electronics graduate and former lecturer of I.T.Sligo. He now lives with his family in New York, where he teaches Maths and Computing in the United Nations School. He is also a renowned author of short stories in his spare time. Since moving to New York he has delivered lectures online in the subject area of Embedded Systems to full-time Electronic Engineering students in I.T.Sligo. This is an innovative and dynamic approach to distance learning as normally the lecturer is present on campus and students are in remote location, in this case it was vice versa!
For further information contact :
Mr. Fergal Henry
Lecturer
Electronic Engineering
School of Engineering
Institute of Technology, Sligo
Phone: 071 9155258
Email: henry.fergal@itsligo.ie
The Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure at the Institute of Technology Sligo has recently been accredited by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
The EHFA , a not-for-profit organisation represents the interests of the sector in Europe with the EU, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Health Organisation.
It is a standards setting body of the health and fitness industry in Europe and promotes best practice in instruction and training. EHFA currently represents approx 6,000 health clubs and leisure centres and 15 national associations across 22 countries.
Institute Students recognised as European Fitness Instructors
Students undertaking the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure in Institute of Technology Sligo can now become industry recognised fitness instructors and join the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).
Members of the EHFA visiting panel and IT, Sligo Staff Members. Back row left to right – Ann Higgins, Head of Department, Dr Etain Kiely, Stephanie Donegan. Front row left to right – Sarah Edmonds (Evaluating Panel), Shirley McKenna, Lee Russell (Evaluating Panel), Roddy Gaynor, Sean Mooney, Paula Roddy, Kerry Larkin
“Achieving the EHFA professional qualification is another step to positioning IT Sligo’s Business degree in Recreation & Leisure at the top of similar type programmes throughout Ireland. Students can now attain up to ten nationally recognized coaching & instruction awards in addition to their business degree while studying in Sligo.” noted Roddy Gaynor, Programme Co-ordinator.
Ten nationally recognised awards available to Institute students
The Institute was successful in achieving both EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor (Gym Instructor) and EQF Level 3 Group Fitness Instructor (Exercise to Music). Accreditation for EQF Level 4 Personal Trainer is pending completion of action requests and will be offered in September 2009. This work was spearheaded by lecturers Shirley McKenna, Patricia McCaffrey and Sean Mooney.
Awards lead to ‘improved employment opportunities’
‘In an ever increasing competitive labour market, the ability to gain a European wide recognised qualification which complements a business degree improves the employment opportunities for our graduates and demonstrates the innovative drive within Institute of Technology, Sligo to constantly enhance our programmes’ stated Ann Higgins, Head of Department in Marketing, Tourism and Leisure.
If you require further information on the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure offered in Institute of Technology, Sligo please contact:
Ms. Ann Higgins
Phone: (071) 9137220
Email: higgins.ann@itsligo.ie
The Institute is hosting an information evening to present its offering of part time, on-line and distance education programmes for the academic year 2009/2010.
The event is on Wednesday May 13th, from 7.00pm – 9.00pm in the main reception of the Institute.
Staff from all of the Schools will be present to explain how the programmes will be delivered and to answer questions related to the academic content.
There will also be advice on making an on-line application, on admission and registration processes and on financial matters.
Representatives from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Co. Sligo VEC, Citizen Information Centre, Youth Information Centre, Sligo Leader Partnership and FAS will be available on the night to give information and deal with enquiries in relation to funding, social welfare benefits, back to education allowance etc.
Downloadable prospectus for 2009-2010 available for further information on courses.
For further information contact :
Fidelma Conway
Phone: 071 9137215
Fax: 071 91 60475
Email: conway.fidelma@itsligo.ie
The Irish Society for Theatre Research holds its third annual conference at Institute of Technology, Sligo on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May, 2009. The title ‘Players and the painted stage’ reflects critical as well as practical approaches to theatre in and from Ireland in terms of performance, space and place.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers include Professor Richard Cave, Royal Holloway, University of London titled “Workshop, Performance and Theatre History Research” and
Professor Baz Kershaw, University of Warwick titled ‘From Hairy Apes to Dancing Monkeys: An Evolution in Theatre/Performance Research Methods?’ and an open interview with Niall Henry, Artistic Director, Blue Raincoat Theatre Company.
Plenary and panel sessions include performance processes; design, writing and acting.
Click here to access full programme: Players and the Painted Stage Full Programme
Book Launch and Jazz for opening event
The conference will open in lively fashion at the Canis Major at the Clarion Hotel @ 7pm with a book launch followed by wine and jazz .
‘The Cambridge Introduction to Comedy’ by Eric Weitz ( Cambridge University Press)
Hegemony and Fantasy in Irish Drama’ by Pat Murphy ( Palgrave MacMillen)
With over forty papers being presented in the two day period, the conference promises to be a microcosm of the current research nationally and internationally on Irish Theatre both here and abroad. Panel sessions include titles such as ‘Staging Inbetweeness’, ‘Parading Irishness’, ‘Dancing Bodies’, ‘Performing Otherness’ ‘Cultural Disjunctures’ and ‘Theatre In Community’ .
Trip to Yeats’ Grave
The conference includes a guided tour of Yeats’ Grave and Glencar Waterfall .The tour will be facilitated by Stella Mew of the Yeats Society. Time: 6.45pm on Friday, May 8th at Drumcliffe, Churchyard.
The Irish Society for Theatre Research (ISTR) facilitates research on Irish theatre in its national and international contexts in terms of an engagement with the full spectrum of Irish theatre from page to stage. ISTR was founded in order to develop and promote new and challenging ways of thinking about Irish theatre which engages with diverse contemporary historiographical, theoretical, cultural and performance frameworks.
For further information see:
http://www.istr-ctae.org/home.html
For further information about the conference contact:
Dr Rhona Trench,
Lecturer in Performing Arts,
School of Business and Humanities,
Institute of Technology, Sligo
Email: trench.rhona@itsligo.ie
Phone: +353 (0)71 9155360
IT Sligo SciFest will be held on the 6th May in the Multi Purpose Centre, at IT Sligo from 10am onwards SciFest is a regional one-day science fair held nationally in third level colleges and open to all second level students.
Over two hundred second level students from Schools all over the North Western region have researched projects in Science, IT and Technology and prepared displays. Projects are divided into different age categories and judged accordingly.
Projects and technology demonstration
SciFest aims to encourage a love of science through an investigative approach to learning and provide a platform for students to display their scientific discoveries.
As well as the competition and exhibition of projects, there will be a selection of science and technology demonstrations and a prize-giving ceremony.
There will also be opportunities to visit Science, Engineering and IT facilities at IT SLigo.
The inaugural SciFest was held in the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Dublin, in 2006. Following a second successful SciFest in Tallaght in 2007 the project was launched nationwide. In May 2008 a total of nine Institutes of Technology hosted SciFest science fairs including IT Sligo.
Creating valuable link with industry and encouraging a real interest
Margaret Mulrooney, co-ordinator of the SciFest at IT Sligo says ‘SciFest encourages a real interest in science and technology by offering students a chance to show off their projects to their peers and local community, whilst competing for national awards. The competition also creates a valuable link between the Institute and industry, offering participating students the chance to experience what studying science, engineering or IT courses is like and to see what employment opportunities are available.’
Project Winner 2008
Winner of best overall project entitled ‘ Investigation into the effectiveness of double glazing vs. single glazing’
L-R: Fergal Roue, Sean Walsh, Thomas Quinn- Bailie: St Gerald’s College Castlebar. Teacher; Brendan McHugh
Scifest is jointly funded by Intel and Discover Science and Engineering and is supported by a number of other partners. The project thus creates a valuable link between the second and third level education sectors and between education and industry.
Further information can be obtained from:
Dr Jeremy Bird,
School of Science,
IT Sligo
Phone: 071-9155101
Email: bird.jerry@itsligo.ie
The Institute’s Environmental Society under the very active Chairing of Pat McLoughlin ran a series of awareness raising events here at the Institute during the recent ‘Environmental’ Week. The theme for the week’s events focused on eco system, food and health.
Information Stalls
The Society erected a series of stalls exploring a wide range of environmental issues. Among the broad range of topics highlighted are the effects of intensive agriculture on our eco system, our foods and therefore our health.
Environmental Society members, Chairperson, Patrick McLoughlin and Vanya Lambrecht-Ward.
Other areas explored were the:
These ‘micro’ or local issues were then related using a systems approach to major or ‘macro’ environmental issues such as global warming.
Sampling healthy food
Seeds/seedlings handouts
Lettuce seeds and seedlings were distributed free to encourage people to grow their own vegetables and encourage reconnect with where their food comes from
Film
A film entitled “Future of Food” was shown which gave a more in depth and expansive look at food production in the world today and in the future
Vegetarian food sampling
The society invited Gaby Wieland from the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim to offer samplings of vegetarian/organic foods to demonstrate how healthy eating can also appeal to the taste buds (http://www.theorganiccentre.ie)
Highlighting Vegetarian options on campus
Corporate Catering ( the Institute’s main canteen service provider) highlighted the vegetarian option in the canteen available to students, staff and the general public at our canteen facilities.
L-R: Fergus Timmons, Programme Manager; Dr. Bengt Carlsson, Gothenburg University, Prof. Terri Scott, President, IT, Sligo and Dr. Perry Share, Head of Business and Humanities, IT, Sligo.
IT, Sligo’s Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (HCCC) is gathering considerable attention on the international stage. The two-year HCCC programme, delivered to new Recruit Prison Officers of the Irish Prison Service, now has almost 400 students.
Dr. Bengt Carlsson from Sweden’s Gothenburg University visited Ireland on 6-7 April 2009 to gather information and exchange ideas on the delivery of Custodial Care education and training. Dr Carlsson has been involved in the development of a similar programme in Sweden and has taught over 500 prison officers in the past 5 years.
‘Although we are almost 1,500km apart, our thinking is remarkably similar”, commented Dr Carlsson. “We both place a lot of emphasis on the prison officer reflecting on their performance as professional custodial care practitioners, we use intensive workshops with small group activity and we use peer supported learning techniques’.
President Professor Terri Scott welcomed Dr Carlsson to Ireland and the Institute. The Gothenburg academic met with Programme Manager Fergus Timmons and other members of the Custodial Care course team.
European Conference to be held at IT, Sligo
As a consequence of the meeting, a number of initiatives were launched, including the development of teacher exchanges and the hosting of an international conference on Training Models for Prison Officers in Europe, to be held at IT, Sligo in spring 2010.
Fergus Timmons commented: ‘It is really exciting to meet with international colleagues like Dr Carlsson who are also passionate about making a difference to the provision of custodial care. The visit has been mutually beneficial, and we would like to develop these links further in the coming months and years’.
Later in his visit, Dr Carlsson travelled to the Irish Prison Service’s Training and Development Centre in Portlaoise, the main delivery site of the HCCC. There he met with staff involved in programme delivery, and was given a tour of the impressive facilities at Beladd House.
For further information on the Custodial Care programmes at IT, Sligo contact:
Fergus Timmons,
Programme Manager,
Higher Certificate in Custodial Care,
IT Sligo,
Ballinode,
Sligo,
Ireland
Phone: 071 9155499
Fax: 071 9144500
Email: timmons.fergus@itsligo.ie
Peter Mc Hugh and Kiera McAllister from Sligo examining the Open and Distance Learning Prospectus at the Institute of Technology Sligo Information Evening last year.
The Department of Humanities at Institute of Technology, Sligo will host an Open Information Evening on Wednesday 22 April from 6pm – 8pm. ‘This is an excellent opportunity to come along and see what programmes are on offer’ states Dr John Pender of IT Sligo. ‘The courses we will talk about are recognised by all of the major national and local social economy employers including the HSE, Citizens Information Centres, and a host of voluntary and community organisations’.
Range of Open and Distance Learning courses available
There are a range of Open and Distance Learning opportunities on offer in the Department of Humanities at IT Sligo, suited to all age groups, interests and education backgrounds.
For those potential students wishing to have learning achieved and accumulated through work and life experience assessed there will be an opportunity on the night to discuss how this might be of use to help students enter or re-enter Third Level education at an appropriate level on a chosen course or qualification.
Lecturers, support staff and the IT Sligo School of Business and Humanities Open Learning Facilitator, will be on hand on during the course of the evening to provide guidance and advise on the entire application process for each programme: ‘We will be happy to talk t about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where previous academic and work experience can be assessed and credited towards a qualification as part of your study.’, notes Dr. Pender.
He went on to observe that; ‘ The Open and Distance Learning courses that we run have flexible hours of study. They provide ideal opportunities for those considering re-training or upskilling either to change careers or look at the available options following possible redundancy. Many find that as a result of completing courses, they have better employment opportunities.’
Dave McLoughlin (Rathcormac) talks to lecturer Mark Taylor at the Institute of Technology Sligo Information Evening last year.
Flexible course taught in friendly manner
The Information Evening at the Institute of Technology, Sligo will provide information on a number of Open and Distance Learning opportunities commencing in September 2009. These are: BA in Applied Social Care, BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education, and Higher Certificate in Arts in Advocacy Studies. These flexible courses are taught in a student friendly manner by staff who provide a supportive learning environment. IT Sligo recognises the challenges attached to Open and Distance Learning as individuals juggle family, job and study roles.
All Open and Distance and Learning students at IT Sligo have full access to the range of facilities available on campus. The Institute is one of the best resourced in the country, with a state of the art campus extending over seventy acres. It provides a flexible delivery of learning through a combination of full-time, part-time, online and distance learning models.
The Institute is a key player in the economic and social structure of the North West as an education provider and has a track record in providing bespoke courses to industry and the public service sector.
VENUE: Room A005 near Reception
The Information Evening takes place on Wednesday 22 April, 2009 from 6pm-8pm in Lecture Theatre A0005- beside the main reception area.
For further information contact:
Dr John Pender
Phone: 071-9155408
Email: pender.john@itsligo.ie
Final meeting of the year learns of enterepenuership in developing countries…
Enterprise Ireland Student Development Awards
The Enterprise Society at Institute of Technology, Sligo recently held its final event for this academic year. The event began with a presentation from Carole Brenan, Senior Regional Development Officer from Enterprise Ireland regarding the Enterprise Ireland Student Enterprise Awards which has a deadline submission date of Wednesday 22 April.
This competition is open to all 3rd level students who feel they have a novel idea for a new business. There are a number of prizes including a cash prize of €10,000 for the overall winner.
Members of IT Sligo Enterprise Society presenting a cheque to Bothar. L-R: Cristina Luminea (Treasurer Enterprise Society), Cathy O’Kelly (Lecturer IT Sligo), Pat McCarrick (Bothar), Lisa Dunne (Lecturer IT Sligo), Roisin McGlone (Lecturer IT Sligo) at presentation of cheque to Bothar.
Funding towards purchase of goat and bee hive
Mr Pat McCarrick, Fundraising Projects and Study Tour Director at Bothar, gave a very informative talk about the work of the organisation. Bothar is an Irish Development Aid agency which provides poverty-stricken families with the means to raise their quality of life permanently. Fundraising took place on campus over a number of days and the Enterprise Society was delighted to hand over a cheque for €420 to Bothar on the day. Money continued to come in and the final amount raised was €555.
This amount of money will enable a goat and a hive of bees to be sent to a family in a developing country.
Successful first year for Society
This is the first year of the Enterprise Society at I.T Sligo and it is hoped that it will grow from strength to strength over the coming years. The Enterprise Society comprises a committee of three students Gareth Kelly, Kalaim Conway and Cristina Maria Luminea, who are helped by staff members Cathy O’Kelly, Lisa Dunne and Diarmuid Timmons.
For further information contact:
Lisa Dunne
School of Business and Humanities
IT Sligo
Phone: 087 9917238
Email: dunne.lisa@itsligo.ie