University Updates
7 November 2008
New appointments: Dean, heads of department, personal chairs
A number of new appointments in academic departments were approved at the October meetings of University Council and Senate. These include: Richard Elliott becoming Dean and Head of the School of Management and Rex Tyrrell taking up the post of Head of Department in Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
Uni hosts research workshop with QinetiQ on sensors & sensing
Representatives from industry met up with academics from five different departments to discuss joint research interests and potential projects last week. The event was organised by the EPSRC-funded Bridging the Gaps project which aims to establish new research collaborations that cut across discipline boundaries.
Enterprising Bath students take conference to Germany
Students from Bath are to take the International Conference for Enterprising Students to Germany, in partnership with the University of Cologne (15 November 2008).
Campus news
4 West update
The University is pleased to announce that Cowlin of Bristol has been appointed as main contractor for the construction of 4 West. The proposed start date will be Monday 17 November but Cowlin will be progressively moving onto site with immediate effect. Early works between now and Christmas will see the start of the installation of the windows on the Parade (Level 2), to enable the removal of most of the scaffolding and hoarding on the Parade.
National Express service from campus to London Victoria & Heathrow Airport
National Express has recently started running a coach service from the University campus to London Victoria via Heathrow Airport. Four buses a day run in both directions during term-time.
Stop! Safety barrier installed in Underdeck
As the result of several accidents and near misses over the last few months, a safety barrier has been installed in the Underdeck [west bound] near the 2 West loading bay. Drivers should stop at the line and the barrier will rise permitting the driver to proceed; following drivers should stop allowing the barrier to lower between vehicles.
New! Halal products now available at Students' Union outlets
The Union Shop offers Halal fresh meat to order. To order fresh lamb or chicken, print out and complete this Halal Meat Order Form and hand it into the Union Shop each week by Thursday at 2pm to pre-order and pre-pay. You will be given a receipt and can collect the Halal meat from Friday after 2pm.
Hospitality newsletter - Invitation to attend coffee taster day
On 4 December Hospitality have invited a range of coffee companies, which include our present supplier and leading high street brands, for a tasting day. You will get a chance to taste a sample of coffees and give your views. What has the greatest influence on you when it comes to buying coffee? Is it the ethical actions of the coffee company? Price? Brand? Or is it simply down to the taste and quality?
Information
Two minute silence for Armistice Day
A two-minute silence will be observed outside the Library on the Parade at 11am on Tuesday 11 November to mark Armistice Day. The Chaplaincy Team will lead prayers for world peace. Everyone is invited - of all faiths or none.
Following a recent phishing email attack that offers the recipient a well paying job opportunity in exchange for money, BUCS would like to remind all staff and students that the best course of action is to not reply. Phishing emails are sent to extract sensitive account details or to encourage the sending of money. Replying to such an email, even if you do not provide them with their requirements, will tell them that the account is active and a potential future hit.
Proposed new Home Office regulations for international students
Staff in the University's International Office and wider Registry are aware of ongoing developments about the proposed introduction of identity cards and the Points Based System. As soon as it is clear what the direct impacts will be, the International Office will communicate them to the University community and offer further advice.
Request your copy of BA2
The latest issue of BA2 - the University's magazine for and about Bath alumni - is now available from the Alumni Office.
New book: Bath and the Rise of Science
This new book giving a comprehensive account of Bath’s scientific history results from a collaboration between 14 authors (a number of whom are current or retired members of University staff) and is described in the Foreword by Sir Patrick Moore FRS and Dr Allan Chapman as “likely to remain authoritative for a long time to come”. The book is available at a pre-publication price for orders received at BRLSI by 22 November. If you give your address on the order form simply as ‘Bath University’ followed by a University internal address, your order will be post-free and the book(s) will be delivered to your pigeonhole. Order online.
LGB&T survey
In the first national survey of its kind, Equality Challenge Unit has commissioned research into the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) staff and students in higher education.
University Medical Centre - New patient registration open to staff
Did you know that the Medical Centre not only offers their services to students but also to staff? You can register as a patient as long as you have a Bath address. The Medical Centre is also running a series of clinics where staff can receive a flu jab (£15) if they are registered at another surgery.
Friday 2 January is a discretionary holiday
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, is pleased to announce that the University will remain closed on Friday 2 January 2009.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs
In the media
- Allister McGregor (Economics & International Development) was interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland about the latest situation in the Congo.
- John Troyer (CDAS) spoke on Bath FM about 'opt out' system of organ donation.
- Richard Whitman (ESML) discussed the US elections on Radio Bristol .
- Alan Rayner (Biology & Biochemistry) talked about the nature and nurture debate on Radio Wiltshire Interview.
- Julian Vincent's research into biomimetics was featured in the Guardian
- Margaret Gearty, who is doing a PhD Research in Management, is currently appearing on carbon free tv. In the video Margaret uncovers some of the best examples of low carbon technology usage in the public sector and how organisations can secure the change needed.
Training opportunities
- Appraisal Training - Support Staff - 11 November
- Thresholds for student learning: moving beyond the blocks in tricky subjects -13 November
- Appraisal Briefing for Appraisees - 17 November
- What is Learning Support? - 19 November
- Writing for the Web - 21 November, 10 December
- Basics of VAT - 4 December 2008
- e-Learning workshops & seminars
- Free IT training courses for staff
Lectures
Bath Science Café: Can plants provide fish oils?
Plants genetically modified to provide fish oils offer a new approach to improving diet, says Professor Johnathan Napier, who will speak at the next Bath Science Café (7.30pm Monday 10 November in the Raven pub, Queen Street).
Full programme of University Public Lectures
The programme for 2008/9 is now online. Members of the general public, staff and students are all very welcome to attend. More lectures will be added as details become available.
What's on next week
More details about events below
Monday 10
13:15 PM BICS seminar
18:30 PM Presentation by PricewaterhouseCoopers
Tuesday 11
10:55 AM Act of Remembrance
12:15 PM Eucharist
12:45 PM Oxfam Lunch
13:15 PM Presentation by Computer Science Corporation
13:15 PM CNM seminar
16:30 PM The design and construction of an eco factory at Thurulie, Sri Lanka
19:30 PM Cornish alps to eco-town
Wednesday 12
13:15 PM Presentation by HSBC
13:15 PM Internships - and other ways to get experience - for all international students
13:15 PM Talk by the Environment Agency
13:15 PM Pharmacy & Pharmacology Research Seminar
14:30 PM Do we need religion in the 21st century?
14:30 PM Volunteers in Ecological Monitoring
17:15 PM Nanotechnology
19:30 PM Walter Sickert
Thursday 13
10:15 AM University Research Students Committee
12:15 PM Commercialisation of University intellectual property
13:15 PM Insight into Audit
14:15 PM Equalities and Diversity Committee
17:15 PM On dying & human suffering
18:30 PM Journalism - how to enter the world of....
Friday 14
14:15 PM Excel at assessment centres
Saturday 15
19:30 PM Powerplant - Import/Export
19:30 PM Arts Union - Show in a Week!
Arts
Concerts & performances .
- Philip Jeck ICIA Arts Theatre | Friday 7 November 7.30pm
Jeck uses an array of sources- salvaged record players, mixers, effects units and a big box of vintage records to manipulate pure sound. Jeck’s brilliance lies in his ability to turn almost any record to his own purpose, as if they themselves are musical instruments. - Remembrance Concert St Michael’s Church, Broad Street, Bath | Sunday 9 November 4pm
The University of Bath’s Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Band and Choir perform beautiful music from Brahms and Beethoven. - POWERPLANT Import/Export University Hall | Saturday 15 November 7.30pm
One of the UK’s most imaginative and brilliant percussionists, Joby Burgess is best known for defying categories. Powerplant create a heady mix of hi-octane percussion-led music set against a stunning backdrop of live visuals and film. - Arts Union Show in a Week! ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 15 November 7.30pm
The Arts Societies from across the University join together to perform a cabaret style show after just a week’s rehearsal.
Sport
Team Bath bidding for second round of FA Cup
Team Bath FC’s young footballers aim to reach the second round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in their short history when they host Forest Green Rovers this Sunday (9 November) at Twerton Park.
Netballers aiming to tame the Wildcats
Team Bath’s netballers aim to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Co-operative Superleague this season when new Superleague side Glasgow Wildcats make their debut at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Saturday (8 November).
Eleven TeamBath judo players secure national squad places
A rigorous training programme paid off for TeamBath Judo as they secured 11 places on the senior British judo squad for 2009, more than any other single training environment.
Team Bath Buccaneers men’s firsts bowed out of the England Hockey Cup, going down 3-2 to Leek last Sunday (2 November).