BLACKBOARD

A DEGREE has been launched on the search for alien life.

One university has launched a degree course on the hunt for alien life and will offer students the opportunity to study an undergraduate degree in the search for life beyond earth, known as astrobiology.

Eager alien-hunters enrolled on the course, held at the University of Glamorgan in south Wales, this week. The university says the theory of astrobiology provides the impetus behind current space programmes, such as the recent excitement over the possibility of finding organic life on Saturn's moon, Titan.

The Centre for Astronomy and Science Education is running the course.

Scan for pupils

CALLING out pupils' names on a register could soon be a thing of the past as a hi-tech system of recording pupils' attendance is piloted. Schools will use a finger-tip scanner to register pupils for lessons. It works by capturing an electronic fingertip signature and 2D photograph of students and teachers.

Any pupil who fails to register under the new system is recorded with an unauthorised mark by the teacher and their parents or guardians are automatically contacted by text message or e-mail within a few minutes.

The system will cost schools a one-off payment of about £20,000.

Degree of change

THE traditional system of awarding university degrees could be scrapped under plans being considered by universities.

The current system of firsts, 2:1s, 2:2s and thirds could be replaced with grades of 'pass', 'fail' and 'distinction' under the reforms.

Plans also contain a proposal for a new national system of university credits, which would help students change courses more easily.

Blog that, Sir

STUDENTS in Singapore schools face suspension if they are caught insulting teachers on websites.

Last month, five junior college students who posted derogatory remarks about their teachers and vice-principal on blogs - internet diaries - were suspended for three days.

Lawyers say students could be sued for defamation, even if a teacher is not named.