18 March 2011
Learning & Teaching
Howard White appointed as QAA Institutional Reviewer
Howard White (European Studies & Modern Languages) has been appointed as an Institutional Reviewer for the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Innovations Day Thursday 12 May
Dai Hounsell, Vice Principal for Academic Enhancement at the University of Edinburgh, will be this year’s keynote speaker at the Annual Learning & Teaching Seminar.
Ranald Macdonald (Professor of Academic Development in the Learning & Teaching Institute, Sheffield Hallam University) will facilitate a workshop on student-led learning. The workshop will run from 12.30 until 2pm and is being held in 8 West 2.34.
Support for students affected by global events
Lecturers: If you have an international student that is struggling because of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan or the current political protests in the Middle East, please be aware of the support they can access. Support is also available for staff.
Comments invited:
- Revision of QA53 examination & assessment offences by 7 April 2011
Comments are now invited on the draft revision of QA53 examination and assessment offences intended to apply from 1 October 2011. - QA16 marking, moderation & feedback to students by 14 April 2011
Comments are also now invited on the draft revision of QA16 marking, moderation and feedback to students (proposed for implementation in 2011/12).
Research news
University of Bath invention to be sent into space
A project from the University of Bath will be sent into space as part of the UK’s first CubeSat mission.
Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) timetable
Volunteers wanted: Earn £10 for one hour of your time
Researcher David Moore (Health) is currently investigating relationships between attention and pain experience. David is offering £10 to all staff and students who volunteer to participate in an experiment which takes no more than two hours and involves some questionnaires, computerised reaction time tasks, and a mildly painful heat sensation.
3rd Researchers’ Conference: Let’s talk about Research - 19 April 2011
Details are now available for this year’s Researchers’ Conference which is all about communication and issues such as communicating effectively with the public, industry, your peers, the media and each other.
Other news
Student organises hip hop festival for Bath
A celebration of Bath’s hip hop scene will take place in the city centre this weekend, thanks to dance artist and University of Bath Pharmacy student, Arun ‘Ryuazuki’ Nadarasa who has organised South West Got Rhythm 2011.
ACE researcher to take part in earthquake mission to New Zealand
Sara Paganoni, a research assistant and PhD student from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, will take part in an Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) mission to Christchurch, New Zealand. EEFIT is a group of British earthquake engineers, architects and academics who work with colleagues in earthquake-prone countries to improve the seismic resistance of traditional and engineered structures.
Information
New external homepage launched
As part of their ongoing work to redevelop the University website, Web Services are pleased to announce the launch of the new external homepage. The new page, was launched fully on Thursday 17 March, it is the result of months of research, benchmarking, focus group and user testing. To read about the process visit the web services blog.
Report of University Council meeting 3 March 2011
Vice-Chancellor launches University’s new People Strategy
The Vice-Chancellor addressed a group of leaders, managers and staff from across the University on Wednesday 9 March in launching the University’s new People Strategy. She emphasised the importance of the new People Strategy for all staff and how it is focused on developing and retaining the staff that the University needs.
Vice-Chancellor appointed to the Student Loans Company Board
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell, has been appointed as a new non-executive director of the Student Loans Company Limited.
Revision of University’s Intellectual Property Policy
The University’s Intellectual Property Policy has been revised following consultation with the trade unions and Students’ Union. The revised policy (which comprises Ordinance 22) was approved by Council, on the recommendation of Senate, on 3 March and takes effect immediately.
Student Services Easter Egg collection Tuesday 19 April
Student Services are collecting Easter eggs for children's charity Barnardos. Staff and students are invited to bring donations of chocolate Easter eggs to the Student Services Centre in 4 West (between 10am & 4pm).
Staff Survey launched Monday
As announced in last weeks uni-update, every member of staff should have received an email on Monday from Capita Surveys & Research inviting them to complete the online Staff Survey 2011.
Staff Survey 2011 – Frequently asked questions
Capita, who are delivering the Staff Survey 2011 on behalf of the University, have complied a list of questions and answers.
VC’s message to staff about Staff Survey 2011
Gathering information about the issues that affect you is very important to us, particularly at a time of such change in the higher education sector. I very much hope that you will take the time out of your working day to make your views known by participating in this survey, which starts on Monday 14 March 2011.
Volunteers wanted! Global Future 2011 4-8 April
Will you help to organise and run the events happening throughout the week? Global Future 2011 is a series of events to be held week commencing Monday 4 April 2011, run by University of Bath students and staff to encourage people to act to protect our future. The aim is to provide people with a glimpse of how lives are going to be affected by sustainability issues and to inspire people to embrace these changes. Please contact Mark Colling or Sally Lampkin.
Childcare vouchers - important changes for higher rate tax payers
As you may be aware, last year, the Government confirmed that instead of withdrawing Employer Supported Childcare, they would retain the tax relief at the basic rate of tax from April 2011. This change is being introduced to ensure that the tax savings available to you are similar regardless of the rate at which you pay tax. With this in mind, there will be a change to the care-4 scheme for new joiners with effect from 6 April 2011.
Bathwick Hill fun run
Still desperate to stick to your New Year's Resolution to get fit, or get more involved in University activities? Then Bathwick Hill Fun Run is for you! Not only is it a chance to have fun and keep fit, but you will also be doing your bit to raise vital funds for the Romania Action Project.
Vouchers wanted
Please collect Sainsbury's Active Kids and Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers, and send them to the Westwood Nursery. Thank you very much.
Jobs
Vacant posts: www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/
Welcome to new staff who started in February
Find out who has joined us at the University of Bath this February.
In the media
www.bath.ac.uk/news/bathinpapers/
- Philippe Blondel's (Physics) expertise were drawn upon by BBC News 24, BBC Points West, ITV West Country Tonight and across local radio networks including BBC Radio Scotland [listen again at 1:36:20], BBC Radio Bristol [listen again at 1:17:00] and BBC Radio Somerset [listen again at 1:41:30] in the wake of last Friday's Tsunami in Japan.
- Peter Wyman questioned whether the IFRS was fit for purpose in an article in Accountancy Age.
- Yukteshwar Kumar wrote an article for Eruasia review about the potential for revolution in China
- Paul Stallard was announced as a grant award winner in Times Higher Education this week, he will now investigate whether cognitive behaviour therapy programmes reduce anxiety and improve the mood of children.
Alumni in the media
- Kathy Clugston () was interviewed about a variety of issues for the meet the media section of Agenda NI Magazine
- Nigel Hampson () has been appointed Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe's Sales & Marketing director an announcement featured in the Tyre Press
- Steve Canadine's () appointment a chief executive officer at Gifford was mentioned as part of the Engineer's 2009-10 people & skills tracker
Nominations & bids
Chancellor's Prize by 21 April
If you are teaching an outstanding final year undergraduate student, you may want to nominate them for the Chancellor's Prize.
The 2011 Staff Recognition Award Friday 29th April
Do you know someone working at the University of Bath whose achievements deserve recognition? The Staff Recognition Award recognises either individual members, or small groups, of support staff who have shown excellence in the way in which they have undertaken their duties, and who have contributed to the broader life of the University.
Teaching Development Fund: by 20 May
The University Learning & Teaching Quality Committee (ULTQC) invites bids for the latest round of teaching development funding totalling approximately £60,000, which is due to be allocated for the academic year 2011/12 on 13 July 2011. Bids to Shaun McGall
Work perks
Spring into Fitness with STV's March offer
Throughout March the STV are offering a three-month membership with no joining fee. There are additional concessions if you are a member of staff.
Eastwood Woodland Nature Trail now open!
The Landscape Section has been working extremely hard over the past five weeks to create a new nature trail behind the Eastwood residences. As the warmer weather approaches, why not venture up and take a look on your lunch break!
Learn Spanish in Alicante – free of charge Deadline 1 April 2011
Under the Cooperation Agreement between the Universities of Bath and Alicante, members of staff can attend intensive Spanish language courses free of charge, with free bed & breakfast accommodation.
Tribe Easter Holiday Camps 2011
TeamBath Tribe based in the STV are now taking booking for their Easter holiday camps. The camps will focus primarily on the development of the skills and fundamentals essential to the success of your child in that particular sport. Our coaches also try very hard to create a “fun” atmosphere through various types of sports and activities. For prices visit this year's website.
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Swot up on your Royalty, Relations and Rule Britannia's and join us for our fun-filled Royal Wedding and a 'Bit of a Do' quiz with our resident quiz master, Paul Maggs. Thursday 31 March 2011 at 12.30pm - £5 per table of four. To enter a team please email Paul by Tuesday 29 March latest. Omnibus members only (if you would like to join then please go to http://www.bath.ac.uk/internal/staff/omnibus/join/). There will be themed prizes including for the best topical team name so plenty to play for!!!
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Enjoy a fun day at the UK's premier Theme Park - Thorpe Park with over 30 extreme rides & attractions including SAW – The Ride, the world's most terrifying rollercoaster and 'Thrill Seeker' Rides for younger children. Saturday 25th June 2011 - £40 per adult, £28 per child (under 12). Interested? Contact Simon FENNE X5037 or email S.B.Fenne@bath.ac.uk - open to all.
Training & development
- Chairing Recruitment Panels - Monday 28 March
- KTA seminar: Practical networking Tuesday 29 March
- Matlab Academic tour 2011 - Thursday 7 April
- Mental health first aid - Two-day course - Friday 13 & 20 May
- IT skills
- Staff development
- e-Learning courses
- Training opportunities for researchers
Dates for your diary
Last chance to register for 2011 Hydrogen Showcase by Friday 18 March
It is the last opportunity to register for the International Hydrogen Research Showcase 2011 which take place from the 13-15 April. The high profile, three-day symposium will take place at the University of Birmingham. The event is directed by Dr Tim Mays (Chemical Engineering), and run by the UK Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium (UK-SHEC) in conjunction with the UK Energy Research Committee.
Equality Forum 2011 - The inclusive university Wednesday 30 March
A joint Equality Forum taking place at Claverton campus, co-sponsored by the Universities of Bath and Bath Spa.
The morning panel session will consist of an informative, lively debate on the inclusive university. The afternoon will consist of facilitated workshops on aspects of the inclusive environment.
Matlab Academic tour 2011 being hosted at the University of Bath Thursday 7 April
Mathworks will be hosting their MATLAB Academic Tour 2011 in the South West at the University on Thursday 7 April 2011. This event is free and open to anyone with an interest or current knowledge of Matlab, who would like to learn how to use it to enhance their research and curricula. A complimentary lunch and refreshments will also be provided on the day.
Lectures
Seamus Heaney - Human Chain | Wednesday 23 March | BRSLI
David Skidmore (Education) will lead a discussion at the BRLSI about Seamus Heaney's latest collection of poetry, which has received critical acclaim from many prominent reviewers.
The crossroads of capitalist globalisation | Wednesday 13 April | Graduate Schools Open Lecture Series
Humanity stands at a crossroads. The era of ‘wild capitalist globalisation’ has drawn to a close, hastened by the global financial crisis. The contradictions of capitalism in the early twenty-first century are, for the first time, global in nature. For tickets Jose DiBella
Public lecture photo galleries:
- The Paralympic Legacy - research in disability sport & exercise (Council Showcase)
- Will Hutton: Them & Us: Changing Britain why we need a fairer society (Bath Literature Festival)
Podcasts:
A number of lectures have been added to the Uni's podcast page:
- The science of drug politics - Professor David Nutt
- Robots with emotions - do we need them? - Dr Joanna Bryson
- The pre-history of Bathampton Down - Bath's sacred landscape - Dr Rod Thomas
What's on
www.bath.ac.uk/whats-on
Monday 21 March
19:30 PM Racism in Western Europe
Tuesday 22 March
12:15 PM Eucharist/Holy communion
12:45 PM Oxfam lunch
16:30 PM CO2 market design & operation
18:15 PM Mind mapping concept maps & literature reviews
19:30 PM Claire McCardell - American sportswear
19:30 PM Exploring the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Wednesday 23 March
Economics undergraduate placement conference 2011
13:15 PM Academic assembly (additional meeting)
14:00 PM Creativity, problem solving & innovation in an international context
15:30 PM Charity careers networking event
17:15 PM Brunel - A man of vision
Thursday 24 March
12:30 PM Lunchtime workshop - How we can improve our teaching using student-led learning?
16:15 PM Copyright what it is, why it is and what you need to know about it
18:15 PM Psychometric assessment
19:30 PM Adelard of Bath - Translations from the Arabic
Friday 25 March
09:00 AM i-Med: How medical electronics will deliver patient power
Saturday 26 March
10:00 AM Workshop: Comic book art
20:00 PM Alash ensemble - Tuvan throat singing
Sunday 27 March
10:00 AM Workshop: Painting - methods & materials
Arts
www.bath.ac.uk/icia
Winners of Uni photo competition announced
ICIA and Photosoc, organisers of the University Photography Competition, announced the winners and runners-up of this year’s competition at the opening of the exhibition last night in Arts Space 3 (University Hall Foyer). Three student winners were selected, with six runners-up, and one overall staff winner. They all received an A1-sized print of their winning photo, with the winners receiving an additional £50.
Concerts & performances:
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Chinese Student Society | ICIA Arts Theatre | Saturday 19 March
Members of the University’s large Chinese population present a showcase of song, dance, music and more. Tickets bookable via the Society: su2kch@bath.ac.uk -
Choral & Orchestral Society A Night of British Music | St Matthew’s Church, Widcombe, Bath | Saturday 19 March
An opportunity to see gifted musicians in a mid-term concert to celebrate British composers. -
Bath University Student Theatre Blue Heart by Caryl Churchill | Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath | Until 26 March
Blue Heart is a play of two unconnected parts, challenging preconceived ideas of theatre. First shown in 1997 it explores perceived connections between family members before slowly descending into the bizarre.
Exhibitions:
- University of Bath & Photosoc Photography Exhibition | ICIA Art Space 3, University Hall Foyer | Until Thursday 21 April
A chance to see the winning entries and runners-up from the University’s competition. Categories include landscape, documentary and portraiture, plus an overall staff winner. - Artist-in-Residence - Tom Marshman | ICIA Art Space 2 | Until Thursday 21 April
This multi-media exhibition marks the conclusion of Tom’s residency. Inhabiting the gallery space, Tom creates a domestic dwelling; combining real furniture from students’ rooms with simple life-size wall drawings of interiors, interwoven with video and photography from interactions on campus.
Workshops:
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Knitting Jewellery | Studio 2 ICIA Arts Barn | Sunday 20 March
Knit various wires and filaments to produce body adornments. Covers basic knitting and experimentation with decoration and shaping. Previous knitting experience useful, but not essential.
Sport
Bath netballers & graduates named in England’s squad to play Jamaica
Four TeamBath netballers and a further five University of Bath graduates have been named in England’s 14-strong netball squad to take on Jamaica. The International Series in Jamaica is an important part of England’s preparations for the World Championships, which take place in Singapore in July.
London 2012 – 500 days to go
There are now just 500 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and University of Bath-based athletes are continuing their preparations to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage. British athletes who are based at the University are training to battle for places to compete at 2012 across a range of sports, including athletics, judo, modern pentathlon and swimming.
Swimmers return to Bath with haul of medals and titles
University of Bath-based swimmers produced some impressive results at the British Championships, returning to Bath with a string of medals and titles.