Daily Higher Education News: 18 February 2013

The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 18 February 2013.

US plans 10-year study of human brain

The US government is planning a decade-long research project aiming to build a comprehensive model of the human brain and how it works, The New York Times reports. Based on the Human Genome Project, which moved forward the field of genetics, the Brain Activity Map project will involve collaboration between public and private organizations, and teams of neuroscientists and nanoscientists. It’s hoped the project will contribute to developments in artificial intelligence, and in treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Pakinson’s.

Situation for international students in Europe ‘worrying’

In an article published by University World News, Rok Primozic highlights the growing trend in Europe towards charging special (ie. higher) fees for students coming from outside the EU or EEA. Of the 26 European countries surveyed, Norway and Malta are the only ones that charge all students the same fees, regardless of nationality. Finland has until now been this way, but seems likely to introduce special rates for non-EU/EEA students soon. 

Australia’s first undergraduate data journalism course

The University of Melbourne’s Centre of Advanced Journalism has begun teaching the country’s first undergraduate course module dedicated to the study of data journalism, mUmBRELLA reports. The module teaches students to analyse and present data in forms such as infographics. Margaret Simons, the center’s director, said, “It’s one of those interesting fields that is a crossover between business intelligence, journalism, and IT.”

Disabled students make film about their experiences

Cambridge University students with different types of disability have made a film about their experiences of applying to the university, and studying there. Alison Madgwick, a natural sciences student with Asperger syndrome, said she hoped the project would “raise awareness of the issues facing disabled students at university”, Cambridge News reports. The film is available to watch online here.

Canadian students join the ‘harlem shake’ craze

In case you haven’t already heard, the ‘harlem shake’ is the new big dance in town – or rather, on the internet. (That’s right – just when you finally perfected your Gangnam Style routine!) The main elements seem to be hip-thrusting and fancy dress, but for a full spectrum of examples, Canada.com has collected lots of videos of Canadian university students demonstrating how it’s done... Probably quite good for stress relief between study sessions?!