Contents
The mysteries of the universe

One of the outstanding mysteries of the workings of the universe, the apparent regulation of the outskirts of galaxies by their centres, will be the topic of a free lecture on 17 November.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

"I don't think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space. There are too many accidents that can befall life on a single planet. But I'm an optimist. We will reach out to the stars."

Stephen Hawking (1942 – present day), English theoretical physicist and cosmologist.

 

 

11 November 2011

News

Aron Walsh receives prestigious fellowship to research solar energy
Aron Walsh from the Department of Chemistry and the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) is one of only 40 academics across the UK to receive a University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society this year.

Students bring Apprentice-inspired businesses to Bath
Teams of students from the University are taking ownership of an empty shop in Bath in the next two weeks, when they go head-to-head in a battle to be crowned best student business. 

Two free flight tickets to India available
Helen Passmore from purchasing services is kindly donating two free aeroplane tickets from Heathrow to India.

Martin Williams, Director of HE Policy, BIS, visits campus
Martin Williams, Director of Higher Education Policy; Department of Business, Innovation & Skills, visited campus on Tuesday.

School of Management launches Afghan scholarship
The School of Management is delighted to announce a new, fully-funded scholarship for an outstanding Afghan student to study a taught Master’s programme.

Keith Clarke delivers 'Don't be nice, be effective!' lecture
On 2 November, Keith Clarke delivered the inaugural Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering Biennial lecture on sustainability and ethics in the design of our built environment.

Academic Council celebrates Students' Union and University awards
Bernie Morley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Learning & Teaching and Gwen van der Velden, Director of Learning & Teaching Enhancement, attended the first Academic Council meeting of the year to congratulate and celebrate recent achievements with the new academic representatives.

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Research

‘Making impact with research’ film
A video has been produced which aims to de-mystify the terminology and explain what ‘impact’ means at the University. It is introduced by Professor Jane Millar and includes Dr James Bilzon and Dr Chris Brace discussing why impact is important for their research.

Science education for an alternative future?
PGCE science trainee teachers had an interesting discussion regarding the future of science education with Professor Paul Hart (University of Regina, Saskatchewan).

Univeristy KTP Associate Shortlisted for IChemE Award
KTP associate Dr Ian Brown, from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry, has been shortlisted for an IChemE award. The awards are global in reach and becoming increasingly competitive with the quality and quantity of entries extremely high.

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Learning & teaching

Please ask your first year students to fill in this survey
The University carries out a short annual survey of new students on campus to collect their views of departmental and central university induction. Please encourage students to log on and complete this quick survey.

Please collect Morrisons Let's Grow vouchers for Westwood Nursery
Westwood Nursery is collecting vouchers for the Morrisons Let's Grow campaign, which can be exchanged for gardening equipment for use at the nursery. Please either send vouchers in the internal post, or place them in the collection box situated in the library foyer.

Plagiarism detection through Moodle and Turnitin
Over 70 members of staff attended a series of presentations and took part in discussions about the use of the Turnitin Plagiarism Service, which is now completely integrated with Moodle.

SU Vice-President of Education to represent the University on digital literacies
Matej Benka has been invited by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) to join a panel of national speakers at the 6th International Innovating e-Learning 2011 online Conference.

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Information

Please watch your speed on Claverton Hill
Staff and students who use Claverton Hill to drive to and from the A36 are being asked to watch their speed on this narrow stretch of road.

Public lecture programme
The programme for 2011/12 includes the following lectures to which members of the general public, staff and students are all very welcome. The list will be updated as more lecture titles become available.

Jobs
Visit the Jobs page

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In the media

Would you like to receive a daily email of news stories that feature the University? Please email press@bath.ac.uk and include the word 'Headlines' in the subject box. A selection of HE stories in the national media is also included. For a more comprehensive list of the University's media coverage, visit the bathinpapers page.

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Work perks

Omnibus staff society

Omnibus AGM Thursday 17 Novemeber

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Events

Bath science café: Future Energy Production – The Dead Human Body as Biomass Monday 14 November
Death expert John Troyer will discuss the environmental impacts of burial and cremation at the next Bath Science Café on Monday.

Open meeting about the future of higher education Wednesday 16 November (PDF)
An open meeting co-sponsored by the three recognised university trade unions is taking place on Wednesday.

Active-galaxy jets: an exhausting business Thursday 17 November
One of the outstanding mysteries of the workings of the universe, the apparent regulation of the outskirts of galaxies by their centres, will be the topic of a free lecture. Professor Diana Worrall will be addressing our understanding of the universe, and the largely uncharted structures that we find when we explore space.

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Training & development

Retirement - planning for the future Wednesday 30 November
By listening to expert speakers and through informal discussion, this course aims to give staff considering retirement an opportunity to prepare themselves for their future.

Mental health first aid -numerous dates
This is a 12-hour course consisting of four modules spread over two days. It comprises of a mixture of presentations and participation and is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health. Participants are required to attend the whole course in order to receive a certificate of attendance.

Researcher development courses
The Researcher Development Unit (RDU) manages a large programme of courses and events for the skills and career development of researchers.

Performance review - conducting an effective review Monday 5 December (am)
This workshop will discuss the objectives of review, the process and forms and follow-up action plan. Participants will have the opportunity to consider and practice the skills needed to carry out the process effectively.

Performance review - getting the most out of your review Monday 5 December (pm)
This workshop aims to help those who are being reviewed for the first time to understand their role in this two way process. During the course delegates will have the opportunity to consider the objectives and benefits of performance review; explore the process and consider what they might wish to do in preparation for their review meeting.

IT skills

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Alumni News

Death of Jonathan Skofic
Jonathan Skofic (ESML French, 1977-1981), former university rugby captain, has sadly died at the age of 52.

Tim Tookey takes Lloyds reins despite leaving in February
Tim Tookey (BSc Building Engineering) has taken interim control over Lloyds after his boss, Horta-Osorio signed himself off as sick, despite handing in his notice six weeks a go.

Tim Hall appointed as finance director for Oxford Gene Technologies
Tim Hall (Business Administration) has been been appointed as finance director for Oxford Gene Technologies having previously held the same position at Lombard Medical Technologies.

Jamie Urquhart feels the time is right for the UK's electronic systems sector to embrace change
Jamie Urquhart (BSc Physics & Physical Electronics) is currently venture partner with Pond Ventures, as well as an entrepreneur in residence at the Judge Business School and board member of a number of companies, including picoChip.

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Arts

ICIA

Upcoming events:   

Sign up for ICIA's e-bulletin for all the latest news or keep up to date on Facebook or on Twitter @iciabath

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Sport

Bronze for Ben at world junior champs
Team Bath judo player Ben Fletcher is celebrating the biggest win of his career to date after taking bronze at the world junior championships in South Africa.

GB trampolinists prepare for world championships
Britain’s top trampolinists have been finalising their preparations for the world championships – the first London 2012 olympic qualifier – at the University of Bath.

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