University news

Please note that due to updating and refurbishment works the following retail outlet closures will take place during August and September 2011.

Following the appointment of Professor Paul Cornish the department of Politics, Languages & International Studies is offering a new University Research Studentship (URS) for students interested in undertaking an MPhil/PhD research project. The student will investigate international cyber-security, the transatlantic strategic partnership or strategic communications.

The University scored 8 out of 10 in Stonewall’s University Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender students. Among other things the University was praised for being part of a friendly welcoming city, having an active LGBT society and holding an annual LGBT awareness week.

With the government having previously (19 July) recognised that Local Government Pension Schemes are different to other public sector pension schemes, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has issued a further letter (28 July) detailing increases in employee contributions for other public sector pension schemes; the process being undertaken for LGPS is outlined in the letter.

To better reflect its research and teaching expertise the Department of European Studies & Modern Languages has become the Department for Politics Languages & International Studies. The Department is among the largest at the University teaching undergraduate programmes in politics, languages, international relations, economics and management.

Don’t forget expense claims from staff and postgraduates will need to be submitted online through Agresso from 1 August. Paper claims will be rejected and returned to you. A Web Expenses Guide & training video are available for Agresso. Further assistance is available at the drop in clinics on Mondays and Fridays 11am – 1pm or via the BUCS service desk.

Freyja Prentice (Biology student) and University based Jamie Cooke have become the first British modern pentathletes to achieve the qualifying standard to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Freyja climbed from twelfth to eighth in the women’s final on Sunday, by producing a strong run/shoot performance. She is not yet guaranteed a place on the GB team for London 2012 though, as further opportunities are available for others to qualify.

Design engineers some of whom are based at the University, have entered a number of projects for the James Dyson Award 2011. Judges are now reviewing the entries from 18 countries and National winners will be announced on 6 September.

Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams has officially opened the extensively refurbished Fitness Suite at the University of Bath Sports Training Village. The 57 new pieces of cardiovascular equipment include a dozen treadmills, 11 cross-trainers and 10 rowing machines. There are also 45 strength stations with an impressive range of free and fixed weights.

To celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Fitness Suite, Team Bath is offering a free one-day trial. Limited places are available so for further information or to book a place contact our memberships team by email teambath-memberships@bath.ac.uk or ext. 3597 and quote ‘website fitness offer’. Offer expires 5 September.

Professor Xuhong Qian the President East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) has been awarded an Honorary Professorship by Glynis Breakwell (Vice Chancellor). Following the award a Memorandum of Understanding was signed outlining the details of 3+1+1 programme between the Department of Chemistry and ECUST. The Memorandum follows earlier broad agreement signed between the two institutions in 2010 at ECUST.

A research study into the impact of Ramadan fasting on weight and physical activity is currently being run by the Sport, Health and Exercise Science Group (Health). Muslim males aged 18-60 intending to fast during Ramadan 2011 (which begins on 1st August and lasts for the whole month) are required for the study. Participants will be asked to wear a small physical activity monitor for three week long periods before and during Ramadan, as well as having weight and body composition measured before and after Ramadan. If interested contact Enhad Chowdhury (ext. 5744).

Beko have issued an important safety notice recommending that the defrost timer (located at the back of the fridge) on their branded frost free fridge freezers are cheked. This is because this component may cause a potential fire hazard on some products. If your department has an affected model which develops a fault or is not working properly please unplug the product immediately and contact Beko on 0800 009 4837.