University Updates
6 March 2009
Students keep busy!
Don Foster MP goes bananas with students and staff
Don Foster MP and Cllr David Bellotti, Chairman of Bath & North-East Somerset Council, joined students and staff on campus today in an attempt to set a new world record for eating Fairtrade bananas. The Students' Union donated 300 free bananas for the Go Bananas event, which was part of Fairtrade Fortnight. Other events to celebrate the fortnight included a talk by a Fairtrade producer; films and debates as well as a variety of Fairtrade food, drink and handicraft stalls - some of which were hosted by Hospitality. Thank you to everyone who supported the events.
Juggling convention heralded a huge success
Over 300 people attended a juggling convention on campus last Saturday. The event was funded in part by the University of Bath's Alumni Fund and the Institute for Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts. Organisers hope it will become an annual event.
University dancers placed fifth in national competition
Dancers from the University of Bath came fifth in the Inter-varsity Dancesport competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Two Bath couples - Daniel Taylor & Sarah Smith and Hayden Phyo & Nicole Hurley - came away with first prizes in intermediate ballroom and novice Latin American.
International postgrad students share their culture at Rotary Club
Every year Bradford-On-Avon Rotary Club invites two postgraduate international students from the University of Bath to showcase their culture, their area of research and their experiences in the UK. This year Malai Zeiti Sheikh Abdul Hami (Education) and Renfred Wong (School of Management) took part.
Other news
Local school pupils to discover science through slime
The Bath Taps into Science fair will give people of all ages the chance to learn about the world by having fun with science, through interactive and attention-grabbing displays and demonstrations. On Friday 13 March the fair will be held at the University's Founders' Sports Hall (11am to 3pm). The second day will run at Green Park Station on Saturday 14 March (10am to 4pm). Entrance is free.
‘Smart’ homes for dementia sufferers
Roger Orpwood (Bath Institute of Medical Engineering) is leading a project that is developing technology that enables dementia sufferers to live independently at home. Within five years innovative ‘smart’ sensing systems that will help the UK’s 700,000 dementia sufferers could be available commercially.
Academics travel to Mumbai to showcase research
Members of the Tobacco Control Research Group, (School for Health and Social & Policy Sciences) head off to India this weekend to take part in the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health. With over 15,000 delegates from around the world expected over the five days, it is a fantastic opportunity for the six staff - Anna Gilmore, Linda Bauld, Janet Ferguson, Gary Fooks, Katherine Smith and Sema Mandal - to showcase the University and its research on the international stage.
Two Bath graduates offer to match donations pound-for-pound
This week sees the beginning of the University's spring telethon to raise money for the Alumni Fund, which exists to enhance the student experience by providing scholarships, hardship grants and support for innovative projects. Two graduates - Kuldip Salh (BPharm 1980) and Bernard Dokelman (Economics & Administration 1970) - are aiming to inspire their contemporaries to join in supporting the University of Bath financially by offering to match-fund all gifts from new donors.
Hospitality On Campus
The March edition of Hospitality's newsletter outlines the different standards and schemes the Hospitality Department is working towards.
Information
Learning & Teaching Innovations Week - round-up
Did you miss some of the events from Innovations Week, perhaps the Keynote or Vox pop? Want to know who won the competitions? Check out the online round-up.
If you hear a fire alarm, please call Security on ext 666
As part of the work to transfer the Security Office, the fire alarm central indication system has to be moved, so is not operational at the moment. Therefore on hearing a fire alarm, staff should contact Security on the emergency number extn 666; this will ensure that the Fire Brigade is called and that Security responds to the alarm as normal. Thank you for your co-operation.
Learn Spanish in Alicante - free of charge
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath and Alicante, there are opportunities for members of staff to acquire basic language skills, or to improve those that they already have, whilst learning about Spanish culture. The courses and accommodation are free of charge and run in July and August. For an application form, please email Silvana Stanford. Closing date - 30 March 2009.
Memorial service for Rory Bowles
A memorial service for Rory Bowles will be held in Elements nightclub on campus on Wednesday 11 March. The service will begin at 3pm. Everyone who knew Rory is very welcome to attend.
Report of University Council Meeting - 26 February 2009
A number of items were discussed at the recent meeting of University Council.
New starters in February 2009
The new starters update gives the name, job title and department of all new members of staff at the University who started in the previous month.
Advanced warning of IT maintenance weekend: 27–29 March 2009
There will be no University IT services as of 5.10pm on Friday 27 March (and there may be minor disruptions to the service from 4pm as we prepare for the work). Services will return to normal by 8am on Monday 30 March. Services affected include: Email; bath.ac.uk website; Remote Desktop to office computers; all Library computers; access to the internet from campus; Moodle; SAMIS on the Web. Please warn your students not to plan any computer-based work for that weekend. Additional notifications will appear on the University homepage nearer the time.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
Awards, bids, nominations
Last chance for bids to the CPD Development Fund
Launched in October by the Task & Finish Group, this fund has been established to improve the way we meet the training and development needs of regional and national employers. Proposals should be submitted by 9 March 2009.
University Teaching Awards 2009
Nominations are now open for a number of University of Bath Teaching Awards, which encourage and recognise significant contributions by staff to the academic lives of students.
Nominations by 20 March 2009.
Chancellor's Prize
The Chancellor's Prize is awarded to the best final year undergraduate student who has demonstrated academic excellence, together with a contribution to the life, academic reputation and general work of the University. Nominations by 30 March 2009.
British Science Association: Perspectives
Postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists, engineers and social scientists funded by one of the UK research councils are encouraged to explore the social and ethical implications of their research by entering perspectives - a poster session with a difference. Deadline to apply: 8 May 2009.
In the media
- John Troyer (CDAS) has been filmed for BBC1 Points West commenting on the situation of the terminally ill couple who travelled from Bath to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to end their lives. He has also spoken on BBC Radio Bristol and GWR.
- Chris Budd (Mathematics) appeared on BBC 1's 'The One Show' as part of a special feature on World Maths Day.
- Helen Haste (Psychology) appeared on BBC 1's The Big Questions on Sunday March 1 on the topic of whether we should teach children that sex may be wrong.
- Hetal Mehta, one of our graduates (BSc Economics, 2004; MSc Economics, 2007) was quoted on the BBC news website discussing the cut in interest rates.
Training & development
- Women's Development Network: When the going gets tough…the tough go/stop shopping? 10 March
- 'HEaTED' Roadshow for technical staff 18 March
- Tools for Collaborative Teaching and Research 25 March
Access Grid Nodes demonstration
- Introduction to the News Media 31 March
The Science Media Centre are inviting scientists to an event at Cardiff University from 1pm to 5pm. - Training of trainers for those working with multicultural groups 6 April
- National Grid Service Roadshow 15 April
- IT courses - new programme for spring
- Content Management System (CMS) courses March-May
Lectures & seminars
Watts new in clean energy materials? – batteries included
Saiful Islam (Chemistry) will be giving a talk on new materials behind clean energy technologies that help reduce carbon emissions on Monday 9 March, as part of the Bath Science Café series. It takes place at The Raven pub in Queen Street in the centre of town. No tickets or reservations are required - just turn up at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
How the brain works
Momna Hejmadi (Biology & Biochemistry) will explore some of the non-conventional patterns of behaviour and link them to how the brain works in a lecture at the University of Bath next Wednesday 11 March at 5:15pm in 8 West 1.1.
Boomerangs put science in a spin
Dr Hugh Hunt (University of Cambridge) will present Science in a Spin, a lively talk with boomerangs, toys and videos to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week, on Wednesday 11 March in the University Hall at 7pm. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Please email Ann Linfield or call ext 6998.
What's on next week
More details about events below
Monday 9
13:15 PM BICS seminar
19:30 PM The economy of nature
Tuesday 10
12:15 PM Midweek Eucharist/Holy Communion
12:15 PM Women's Development Network - When the going gets tough...
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
13:15 PM Analysing rape regimes at the interface of war and peace in Peru
13:15 PM CNM seminar
16:30 PM Towards a low carbon future - Challenges for the energy system
19:30 PM An end to traffic in towns?
Wednesday 11
11:00 AM No Smoking Day - Find out about support to stop smoking
13:15 PM Can the biology of VEGF & heme oxygenase help solve pre-eclampsia?
19:00 PM Bath Taps Lecture: Science in a Spin
19:30 PM Film: London
Thursday 12
17:15 PM 'He most certainly is not a museum object.'
18:15 PM Perfect pitch
19:30 PM The origins of the British
Friday 13
10:30 AM Bath Taps into Science
Saturday 14
10:00 AM Bath Taps into Science
19:30 PM Choral & Orchestral Society - Concerto Concert
Arts
Concerts and Performances
- Bath University Student Theatre Mother Courage and Her Children | Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath | Until Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm
Considered to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Brecht tells the story of Mother Courage, a pragmatist who seeks her fortune selling goods to soldiers amid the Thirty Years War. - Boulevard of Broken Dreams Featuring Jean Abreu & Dancers and the Mavron String Quartet | ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm
Brazilian-born choreographer Jean Abreu’s latest project brings together an exciting new dance and live music collaboration with the Mavron String Quartet and British composer Charlie Barber. An explosive mix of Latin influences, live music, world beats, dance and physical theatre. - University of Bath Chamber Choir | St Michael’s Church, Bath | Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm
An enchanting evening of music by English 20th century masters – Britten, Holst and Finzi, conducted by Michael Painting. - Choral and Orchestral Society Debut | University Hall, University of Bath | Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm
A chance to hear some original compositions written by students in a unique evening of beautiful music in a variety of styles. - Choral and Orchestral Society Concerto Concert St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, Bath | Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm
The University’s Philharmonic orchestra and choir entertain with an evening of classical music.
Exhibitions
- Swindon College Lines of Enquiry 5 ICIA Art Space 2 | Until Friday 20 March, 10am-5pm
The fifth in a series showing work by graduates of the BA Fine Art Drawing at Swindon College’s School of Art & Design. - University of Bath & Photosoc Student Photography Exhibition ICIA Art Space 3, University Hall Foyer | Until Friday 20 March, 10am-5pm
This lively exhibition showcases selected works from this year’s University of Bath Student Photography Competition which is linked to ICIA’s 2008 theme of arts, spatialisation and memory. - Tea Brown Fields, Blue Skies | ICIA Art Space 1 | Until Friday 12 June, 10am-5pm
Tea is a collaborative group of visual artists who search for the unfamiliar in familiar places. In this project they document their ‘occupation’ of a wasteland, Widnes Waterfront poised for regeneration.
Films
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London (U) | Lecture Theatre: 3WN 2.1 | Wednesday 11 March, 7.30pm
Patrick Keiller's compelling film is a highly original portrait of a city in decay. Neither feature film nor documentary, London is a provocative essay, recording a fictitious journey through a very real city. ( Dir Patrick Keiller, UK 1994, 85 mins)
Sport
Monday footy six-a-side league prepares for kick-offThere’s still time to enter a team in TeamBath’s six-a-side football league, which kicks off at the Sports Training Village this month. The last few places for teams are available, with matches played on the Sports Training Village astro pitches between 8.30pm and 10pm on Monday nights.
Hockey-playing
Harriet makes history in England training squad call-up
Sports Performance student Harriet Pearce has been called up to the senior England hockey training squad for the first time.
It is thought the 19-year-old is the first University of Bath woman student to achieve the honour of selection for the senior England training squad.
Weale and Spence fourth at Budapest international
Modern pentathletes Sam Weale and Mhairi Spence, who are both University of Bath graduates and train at the Pentathlon GB high performance centre at the STV, both finished in fourth place in their respective competitions at the International Budapest Cup in Hungary.
TeamBath netballers press for home advantage in play-offs
TeamBath will secure home advantage in the first round of end of season play-offs if they win both of their Co-operative Superleague matches at the Sports Training Village this weekend.
TeamBath hope to continue their 100 per cent winning record when they take on arch rivals Loughborough Lightning at the STV on Saturday. Then on Sunday they host Team Northumbria – the game that was postponed last month due to the weather.
Buccs hockey team draw with top of table team
A late goal earned a depleted TeamBath Buccaneers men’s firsts a point at home to a top of the table University of Exeter side in Slazenger England Hockey League Conference West.