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Insidefor staff & students

Issue 6 | May 2014

Festival of LearningJoin in with BU’s biggest annual festival Pages 10-11

A Helping HandSUBU’s confidential advice servicePage 14

Time to CelebrateVice-Chancellor Staff Awards 2014Page 8

Festival FrenzyJoin in with BU’s festivals this summer

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Page 3 BU in the Spotlight

Page 4-5 BU in the media

Pages 6-7 News from around BU

Page 8 Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards

Page 9 BFX Festival

Pages 10-11 Cover story: Festival of Learning

Page 12 Estates update

Page 13 #BUProud

Page 14 Music at BU

Page 15 SUBU Advice

Page 16 We meet…Alex Otto and Grace Brown

Page 17 New starters

Page 18 By Day...By Night – Janet Dickinson

Page 19 Dates for your diary

Contents

Message from John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to the May issue of InsideBU, the

magazine that keeps the BU community up to date with what’s going on around the university.

Now that the festival season is upon us, I’m hoping to see as many of you as possible at the second Festival of Learning, which takes place from the 9th to the 15th of June.

Last year we saw over 4,000 people visit BU to join in with the festival,

and with even more events organised for this year, I expect it to be even bigger and better. Find out why you should sign up on pages 10 and 11.

The Centre for Excellence in Learning (CEL) officially launched in April, and aims to significantly enhance the student learning experience at BU. An important part of CEL is to gather ideas from staff and students about teaching innovation; find out how you can share your thoughts on page 7.

This is going to be a busy and exciting summer, so I encourage you to get involved and submit your stories to insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk.

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Interns should be more aware of their rights according to a new guide produced with help from

a member of staff at BU.

The guide seeks to promote the value of internships

Making internships work - an intern’s guide was written by BU’s Linda

Ladle, alongside Intern Aware, who campaign for fair internships, and supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The guidelines offer advice on what interns should expect to receive and the rights they have when they take up positions in organisations. It also offers prompts to companies and businesses that hire interns and work experience staff and acts as a warning that all staff should be treated, and paid, properly.

“It’s time for employers to be more accountable. Interns provide a valuable service for companies and should be paid, and respected, accordingly,” says Linda Ladle, Careers and Employability Manager at BU.

“Similarly, interns should know their rights and understand how to get the most out of their time with the organisation. They deserve to be paid for a good day’s work and

this guide will help them understand what taking an internship really means.”

As well as giving guidance on pay, the guide seeks to promote the value of internships and provides prospective interns with information about what they should look for and how to make the most of the opportunity.

The guide was re-launched by the Government last November and the timing could not be better, with recent media stories focused on zero hour contracts, and accounts of companies who regularly offer internships with no promise of payment or wage in exchange for work carried out.

Linda says, “At BU, we’re very proud of the way we prepare our students

for the workplace. It’s important that all students know they will be valued members of the workforce, and that they are respected accordingly.”

“This guide helps interns understand what taking an internship really means.”

Fight for your rights

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>> More information can be found on the government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/providing-quality-internships-code-and-guidance-for-employers.

Above: Linda Ladle, Careers and Employability Manager at BU.

Professor Tim Darvill OBE was interviewed as part of BBC South programme Inside Out about whether the stones used

for Stonehenge were picked because of their sound quality, describing them as a “prehistoric glockenspiel.” His comments were also featured in The Independent and international press.

BU Emeritus Professor of Radio, Sean Street, shared some of his

favourite poetry pieces about sound and radio for ABC Australia programme Poetica. Citing radio as an ideal medium for poetry, he read pieces from his collection of poems.

Bryce, a Senior Lecturer in Product Design, wrote an opinion piece for academic website, The Conversation, talking about the amazing technology on show at the

Sochi Paralympics. “Athletes are showcasing the greatest of innovations being pushed to the limits of their design,” he said.

Professor Vanora Hundley and Professor Edwin van Teijlingen

were interviewed by BBC Radio Solent’s Katie Martin about their work to improve maternity services around the world. Talking about the

impact their work had on her students, Vanora said: “I think it’s important that they see that research is real.”

The work of BU graduates on the visual effects for Oscar-winning film Gravity was raised by Bournemouth East MP

Tobias Ellwood in Prime Minister’s Questions, prompting Prime Minister David Cameron to respond: “Bournemouth University has excellent courses that have helped to build up the British post-production and facilities industries, which are busy helping to create blockbuster films.”

BU IN THE MEDIAPress and Pr Coverage

Prime Minister highlights BU success

Dr Bryce Dyer discusses Paralympic technology

Tim Darvill and the sounds of Stonehenge

Midwifery professors discuss global

work on Radio Solent

Sean Street shares poetry with

ABC Australia

A selection of news stories from the last three months

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Darren, a Senior Lecturer in Political Communications, told The Guardian how electoral law was lagging behind with

regulation of party political advertising on the internet and social media. He added politicians should try and use humour when communicating online, saying “if you can amuse people, they will share it”.

Following a successful Oscar night for the film Gravity, local and national press centred on the 60 BU graduates who worked on its award-winning

visual effects. The story was featured in The Guardian, The Independent, on regional TV and radio stations and in VFX industry publications.

Professor Jens Hölscher from the Business School was invited to give his thoughts on the Budget during a live BBC South Today broadcast. Jens, who is Head of

the Accounting, Finance and Economics department, was also featured in a later broadcast where he spoke about what the Budget might mean for Dorset residents.

Professor John Vinney discussed the new government policy to remove the cap which controls the numbers of students that

universities can recruit. He said the reforms would make an impact, irrespective of “discussions about affordability and implementation.”

Archaeology lecturer Dr Miles Russell discussed how Britain looked before the Romans arrived, for the programme

Border Country: The Story of Britain’s Lost Middleland, adding that the Romans probably found the tribal nature of society at the time “primitive” and “very backwards”.

Discussing how high streets have changed over the years, Senior Lecturer in Retail Consumer Behaviour, Jeff explained how

many stores that had been left empty have now been re-let – saying that people are shopping more often, but are looking for discounts and convenience.

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Dr Jeff Bray comments on Radio Solent

Jens Hӧlscher gives Budget day commentary to the BBC

Dr Darren Lilleker comments

on online political advertising

Vice-Chancellor comments on student caps in The Telegraph

Dr Miles Russell discusses Roman Britain for BBC 2 documentary

Out of this world coverage

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More details can be found at: news.bournemouth.ac.uk/bu_in_the_media

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Success of bursary award recipients>> Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney recently visited the House of Lords to celebrate the success of students who have had to overcome personal and financial barriers to continue in education.

The event was held by the Helena Kennedy Foundation

(HKF) - which provides awards to disadvantaged students, giving them financial bursaries, mentoring, training and support.

BU has funded two of these awards for students over previous years and will fund three in the next academic year.

Professor Vinney was joined by two BU recipients for the celebratory event, which marked the achievements of those who had been given HKF awards.

He says: “It was a really inspirational event and a good opportunity to meet students who have benefited.”

Celebrating student innovation>> Final year students from the Media School and the Faculty of Science and Technology will have the chance to showcase their work in two on-campus events this summer.

Design and Creative Technology students will display their final year projects at the Festival of Design and Innovation (FoDI), which runs from 19 - 23 June. Last year, more than 1,000 visitors – including industry representatives, talent scouts and local school children – came to the festival to see the ground-breaking ideas and prototypes on show.

Final year Digital Media Design students will also showcase their work to industry and the public during their graduate exhibition, which will take place at the Talbot Campus. It runs from 9 – 10 June and will feature a diverse range of projects, with everything from computer games to brain-powered lamps on show.

For more information about FoDI, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/festival.

New myBU student feedback tab

>> A new student feedback tab has been added to virtual learning portal myBU.

The tab showcases news about feedback given to the students’ union and academic schools and how BU has responded.

This could be anything from creating new social learning spaces to purchasing new printers as a result of feedback received through the student rep system and student experience forums.

As well as a section from SUBU, the page is personalised to feature the Student Experience Champions and ‘You Said, We Did’ feedback news from academic schools.

You can access the tab from the myBU homepage.

New Pro Vice-Chancellors Appointed>> Two new Pro Vice-Chancellors have been appointed to BU’s senior leadership team.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement Dr Sonal Minocha has joined BU from the University of Bedfordshire, while BU Professor of Tourism Professor John Fletcher has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney says: “We have ambitious plans for BU to continue to develop.

“Two vital areas for this will be increasing BU’s impact around the world through Global Engagement and championing our world-class Research and Innovation.”

Dr Sonal Minocha

Professor John Fletcher

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Join the Graduation 2014 celebrations>> Final year students can celebrate with their families and friends at this year’s Graduation Ceremonies which take place between Tuesday 4 and Friday 7 November at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Those students eligible to attend will receive an invitation by email over the summer, so please make sure your contact details are up to date.

For updates about the Ceremonies, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/awards-ceremonies.

Tuesday 4 November 10am The School of Health and Social Care

Wednesday 5 November 10am The School of Tourism

2.30pm The Business School

Thursday 6 November 10amFaculty of Science and Technology (School of Design, Engineering & Computing)

2.30pmFaculty of Science and Technology (School of Applied Sciences)

Friday 7 November 10am The Media School

BU has become the first English university to give bursary funds to students on pre-paid money cards.

The cards only allow users to spend the total value of bursary payment pre-loaded onto them – helping students avoid slipping into debt or expensive overdrafts.

Students also get cash back on purchases made with the card, and can check their remaining balance and special offers through an online portal.

More than 800 cards have been issued since the scheme was introduced by BU last September,

with around £362,000 given to students.

Find out more about the cards at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/pre-paid-card.

Pre-paid cards for bursary students

Centre for Excellence in Learning>> In April, BU’s Centre for Excellence in Learning (CEL) launched.

CEL aims to be a hub of energy, enthusiasm and talent in teaching that makes a significant contribution to enhancing the student learning experience at BU and to undertaking high quality research into learning. The Centre captures and shares ideas and practices around excellent learning under six fundamental themes:

• Student engagement and co-creation

• Employability, work-based learning and professional practice

• Innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity

• Technology-enhanced learning

• Research-informed learning

• Globalisation, internationalisation and sustainability

If you are a staff member interested in engaging in any CEL activity or have good ideas about taking forward teaching innovation or research, please feel free to email thomasg@bournemouth.ac.uk or ckeenan@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Full information can be found at microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/cel.

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Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards 2014: key dates

Nominations open in early June and run until the end of July, so don’t miss your opportunity to highlight someone who you feel deserves

public recognition for their outstanding achievements in making BU an excellent place to work and/or study.

Staff can nominate anyone in any role who they feel deserves recognition. As in previous years, the Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards are open to members of academic or professional and support staff at BU who meet the eligibility criteria. This includes staff on a contract affiliated to BU, such as the Students’ Union or Chartwells, as well as staff in BU’s Partner Institutions who support the delivery of the BU student experience.

At the Staff Awards Ceremony in November, special Recognition Awards will be presented to staff completing twenty-five years’ service, achieving promotion to Professor, or completing a qualification relevant to their role.

This year, the nominations process has been simplified to make it quicker and easier to complete. If needed, anyone planning to make a nomination can book a time-slot with a member of the Organisational and Staff Development Team to discuss some of the most effective ways to put together a strong, evidence-based nomination.

A year to be #BU Proud2014 promises to be another year in which BU can be proud of its talented and dedicated staff, and where better to highlight some of our colleagues’ achievements than at the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards?

Nomination period opens Week beginning 2 June

Guidance on how to draft an effective Nomination Form

A variety of dates available throughout the nominations period, bookable in advance via the Organisational and Staff Development pages on the Staff Intranet. Tips are also available via the Good Practice Toolkit.

Closing date for receipt of nominations Midnight, Monday 21 July

Shortlisting Panels review nominations Early September

Final Judging Panel Mid-September

Shortlist published on the Staff Intranet Early October

Awards Ceremony takes place Evening of Thursday 27 November

All essential information including the categories and criteria applicable to this year’s awards is available on the Staff Intranet via the Organisational and Staff Development pages. You can also read about winners from previous years and watch a short video that brings to life the look and feel of last year’s Awards Ceremony.

The new BU Learning and Teaching Fellowship (BU L&TF) Awards are a further opportunity to recognise staff achievements. These awards reward excellence, provide support to colleagues interested in becoming National Teaching Fellows as well as acknowledging individuals who are providing an exceptional and innovative student experience, underpinned by research and professional practice.

For more information about the Fellowships or to apply for these awards, please head to microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/cel.

There are plenty of reasons to be proud of BU; if one of your fellow colleagues or teams in the university is one of them, make sure you nominate in the Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards this year.

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As recent BU animation graduates celebrate working on the multi award-winning blockbuster Gravity, InsideBU looks at how Bournemouth is becoming a hub for visual effects.

As the 2014 Oscars ceremony took place thousands of miles away, students, staff and graduates of BU’s National Centre for Computer

Animation (NCCA) waited with baited breath.

Many of them had a hand in the extensive and impressive visual effects for sci-fi thriller Gravity, which went on to win seven Oscars and six BAFTAs – including the awards for best visual effects.

The majority of the film was created digitally by UK-based effects house Framestore – with the help of around 60 NCCA alumni and even one staff member.

Adam Redford, a senior practice fellow in Computer Animation at BU, worked on the film for around six months as a senior texture artist, helping to digitally paint some of the sets and props seen in the film.

“The NCCA has a great reputation for producing graduates that go on to achieve amazing success in the feature film visual effect industry all over the world,” he says.

BFX FestivalAn International VFX Hub, established by the NCCA with neighbouring Arts University Bournemouth, has been tasked with promoting and showcasing Bournemouth as a centre of excellence for the industry.

One of their projects is the BFX Festival, which has the backing of leading visual effects companies. Taking place across Bournemouth and open to the public, the festival aims to celebrate and promote the visual effects industry – sharing the latest knowledge and expertise, and inspiring the next generation of talent.

Planned events for this year’s BFX Festival include an academic conference, workshops, film screenings and panel discussions – as well as a competition for visual effects students from across the country.

The students will use BU’s facilities to create a short animated sequence, and will be mentored and judged by industry experts, with the winners receiving an internship at a top VFX studio.

Peter Truckel, Director of the VFX Hub, says: “Over the last 15 years or so the NCCA has been the backbone of the UK VFX industry. VFX companies snap up our graduates, but we’d like them to consider opening studios here – the lifestyle is great and the talent that regularly comes out of the NCCA is amazing.

“At the BFX Festival last year, we brought in a lot of great industry names and I think people then started to believe in the idea that Bournemouth could really be this great visual effects hub.”

The BFX Festival will run from 22 to 28 September. Visit www.bfxfestival.com to find out more.

Bournemouth’s VFX industry is out of this world

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Even Prime Minister David Cameron has applauded the quality of BU’s courses and graduates, following their award-winning achievements.

News of their Oscars success with Gravity was raised in Parliament by Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood during Prime Minister’s Questions.

David Cameron responded: “Bournemouth University has excellent courses that have helped to build up the British post-production and facilities industries, which are busy helping to create blockbuster films.”

Prime Minister praises BU’s Oscars success

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L ast year BU opened its doors to the public, staff and students for the first ever Festival of Learning – two weeks of free

activities, events and workshops that offered the chance to learn more about subjects that intrigued and interested us, and the opportunity to make new friends.

Over 4,000 people walked through the doors to celebrate and join in with the best of what BU has to offer, and the positive responses from the public in particular were overwhelming.

And this year we’re doing it again, with over 150 events to choose from. Open to everyone, there is a huge range of interactive workshops, debates, hands-on taster sessions and presentations to choose from.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney is looking forward to welcoming people back to BU this summer. “BU’s Festival of Learning is now in its second year and is back by popular demand. With our open-campus policy, we want people to come and find out more about life at BU.

“You can even join in with some of our events being held across the county. Our location is not just beautiful - it shapes our research and learning experience. The Bioblitz at Studland and the archaeology events at the nearby ‘Big Dig’ site are great examples of this.”

All events are grouped around eight interesting themes, including:• Health, Wellbeing and Society • Technology and Design • Communities, Cultures and Conflict • Creative, Digital and Cognitive Science • Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth • Leisure, Recreation and Tourism • Biodiversity, Environmental Change and

Green Economy• Ageing and Dementia

Most of the activities are run by BU staff in partnership with local businesses, charities and members of the public.

Sean Beer, Senior Lecturer in BU’s School of Tourism, is running two fun food-themed workshops at the Festival. He explains why he’s so enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge: “The world is such an exciting place and I am paid to find out about it, but I also have the duty and privilege to tell people about what I have found and to help them develop their own enquiring minds.

“The Festival of Learning is a great opportunity to do this, and if people come

away having learnt something new or seen a new way of looking at things, I’m pleased.

It also helps if they have a good time.”

This year’s Festival coincides with national Universities Week, a campaign that looks at how university research affects us all on a daily basis. During the week, universities across the UK are invited to host events designed to inspire and involve the public so they can discover how research improves how we live; the Festival of Learning plans to do just this.

“Whether you’re part of a business, interested in the latest technological developments, looking for something different to do with the family, or are simply inspired by learning new things, there’s something for everyone,” Professor Vinney says of the Festival.

If you’re keen to expand your mind, learn something new and meet new people – all whilst having fun in the process – then make sure the Festival of Learning is in your calendar this summer.

“With our on-campus policy, we want people to come and find out more about life at BU”

With over 150 events taking place this summer at BU, there really is something for everyone at this year’s Festival of Learning, running from 9 to 15 June.

Festival of Learning

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• Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning runs from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 June.

• There are more than 150 different events on offer each day and evening throughout the Festival.

• You can find out more and book onto events at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/fol. As you’re browsing the site, you can add events that you’re interested in to your calendar, then view them all at once.

• You can also keep up with the Festival of Learning on social media – join facebook.com/BUfestivaloflearning or follow @BUFestivals on Twitter.

How to get involved

Learn something new at the Festival whilst meeting new people

Why not become an

archaeologist for a day?

Events will take place

all over the county

Sean Beer, Senior Lecturer in BU’s School of Tourism

The Festival of Learning will hostactivities for people of all ages

>> To find out more about the Student Centre and the new academic building, visit bournemouth.ac.uk/the-student-centre and bournemouth.ac.uk/new-academic-building.

Investing in your futureOffering staff and students world class facilities, work has begun on several new buildings on both campuses, at a cost of £33 million. InsideBU finds out how work is progressing and how it will improve the BU experience.

>> The six storey environmentally friendly building will include social learning spaces, SUBU offices, a student advice centre, a café, radio and media studios, bookable meeting rooms and access points for student services. At the third floor, a glazed walkway will provide easy and direct access to the Sir Michael Cobham Library.

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Improvements we’ll be making over the summer:In addition to these major works, there will be a number of improvements made to both campuses over the coming months:

• A new, convenient mini link road will cut through between Talbot House and the Student Village, linking Gillett Road to Car Park G, next to Talbot House

• External improvements to sportBU’s Sport Centre, including the enclosure of the fire escape

• New windows at the rear of Studland House

• External improvements to The Old Fire Station

• Improving the reliability of the lifts in the Sir Michael Cobham Library, Dorset House, Studland House and Poole House

• Installation of a platform lift to provide wheelchair access to the Stevenson Lecture Theatre

Work is well underway on a 16 storey residential

block and a four storey, 25,000ft² academic block

at the Lansdowne Campus, next to Lyme Regis

House on Holdenhurst Road.

>> The environmentally sustainable building will support a world-class learning community and provide better quality space, including seminar rooms and lecture theatres, collaboration spaces for students and staff, research space and a catering facility to serve the campus.

With plans to locate it on one of the existing car parks, a Park and Stride requirement was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff, and work is due to start this summer.

>> Bournemouth University International College will include academic space and accommodation for the students, as well as catering facilities.

Welcoming 600 international students every year, Bournemouth University International College will provide preparation programmes for students before they move onto courses at BU. It will also benefit those students who need to enhance their English language skills and learn more about British culture.

Student Centre New Academic Building

Following a consultation period, planningpermission has been granted to construct a new

academic building at the Talbot Campus.

Bournemouth University

International College

Construction on the new Student Centre at the

Talbot Campus began last summer and is well on

its way to being operational for spring 2015.

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The response was amazing, with both staff and students comparing BU to a ‘big happy family’ where

they felt both supported and intellectually challenged.

Many of you made reference to BU’s national and international presence due to

innovative research and teaching. And, of course, who could forget the beach? Here are some of our best bits from the footage; thanks for being #BUProud.

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Following a consultation period, planningpermission has been granted to construct a new

academic building at the Talbot Campus.

“I love the fact that every time youmention BU it makes someone smile.”

“BU is such a dynamic place; it’s forwardlooking about collaborationand working together. People are

extremely friendly here.”

The #BUProud campaign has been running since 2012, and this year we rolled out some video booths to give you, BU staff and students, the chance to tell us what really makes you proud.

“I’m proud of BU for the way in

which it handles green issues.”

#BUProud

“BU is an engaging and political

university; that’s why I’m proud of BU.”

“It makes me incredibly proud that somany people know about the very exciting

work that is going on here in terms ofresearch and teaching innovation.”

“My favourite extra-curricular activity is

being a mentor. It makes me proud that

I’ve been able to change peoples’ lives.”

14| InsideBU

For many students, heading to university means taking control of their budget, finances and housing situation for the first time.

Dealing with any problems that may arise can be overwhelming, and so it is important that support is on hand.

SUBU Advice is a free and independent service, providing confidential guidance to BU students – on anything from housing to academic appeals and complaints, financial, personal and legal issues.

“We try to empower students to resolve their own issues by giving them details about the right procedure or policy,” says SUBU Advice Manager David Stock. “We can support them through the process – everything from writing letters to negotiating with creditors and representing them at meetings.”

Last academic year, the SUBU Advice team – which is accredited by external bodies – dealt with around 3,000 cases.

Typically, around a third of these are made up of housing enquiries, another third are finance-based and a third look at academic issues including disciplinary procedures, appeals and complaints. The rest can be anything from personal problems to lodging consumer complaints.

A helping hand: SUBU Advice

InsideBU finds out more about the free, confidential service which helps students get on top of their issues.

“Obviously, the earlier you get help with a problem, the better, but we can generally do something to help at any stage,” David says. “We’ve helped students who were seriously in debt, and students who have had to withdraw from their course, but with our support have appealed and been reinstated.

“If a person isn’t in a huge amount of financial trouble it can be relatively simple, but if we don’t address the problem, they will end up in the same position again.”

The team can also provide a general advice service for BU staff, and has a strong relationship with other student support services across the university, including AskBU and the Chaplaincy.

“There are some cases that we have to respond to very quickly and that’s where we are plugged into the right bits of the BU system,” says David. “If we can’t help students, we know someone who can.”

To avoid getting into situations where their help is needed, planning and communication are essential. “Planning ahead includes things like having a monthly or weekly budget sheet,” David advises. “Communication is also important. You can negotiate in most situations – you just need to talk to people and ask.”

He adds students should also make the most of all of the resources available to them at BU, including AskBU or Programme Coordinators. “If you have a question or concern, seek out an answer.”

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>> Find out more at www.subu.org.uk/advice.

SUBU Advice has bases on both campuses - in Poole House, above Dylan’s Bar, and in Bournemouth House, next to the SUBU shop – and the team are available for one-to-one appointments and drop in sessions.

You can email studentadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk or call 01202 965779. You can also text 07501 622462 anonymously or tweet @SUBUadvice.

Get in touch

BU’s Music Department offers opportunities for anyone who loves listening to music, plays an instrument, or is a keen

singer. InsideBU finds out more about the huge part the university’s musicians play in Bournemouth’s cultural life.

You may be surprised to learn that over the years BU has played host to a number of world renowned musicians, such as leading

international pianist Peter Donohoe and the tenor James Gilchrist.

You may also be unaware that BU has its own orchestra, bands and choirs – made up of students, staff and members of the community – which regularly perform throughout the year both on campus and in the local area.

BU Music’s programme of events, which includes performances by international and local musicians, offers an opportunity to explore great music in a wide range of styles performed both by professional musicians and accomplished students, who bring a fresh and vibrant approach to music making.

Ian Davis, Head of Music at BU, is clearly passionate about the performances; “When it comes to the wide-ranging events we put on throughout the year, BU Music offers superb opportunities, both for those who enjoy actively participating in music, and those who prefer a passive involvement.”

Many of the performances that take place throughout the year are facilitated by the partnerships and links that BU Music has created, both in Bournemouth and beyond. “BU Music could not hope to offer such a diverse and wide ranging programme of events without the support of our musical partners, including the Bournemouth Chamber Music Society, St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth and educational establishments such as Arts University Bournemouth, The Bournemouth and Poole College and Imperial College London,” Ian says.

“Our vibrant links bring a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to the department and offer us some wonderful venues in which to bring our music to a wider audience.”

Thank you for the music

One such venue is Winchester Cathedral, a stunning building founded in 1079. A recent performance of ‘War Requiem’ was held in the Cathedral and involved over 400 performers. This concert was part of the Benjamin Britten Festival which – through a series of lectures, recitals, exhibitions and performances – celebrated the centenary of the birth of one of England’s finest composers. This project reflected BU Music’s commitment to combining the academic and practical strands of music.

Striking a chordWith a number of ensembles to choose from, BU is the place to showcase your musical talent. With an orchestra, big band and three different choirs that range from contemporary to chamber music, there’s something for everyone. Membership for students is free, with subsidised fees for staff.

BU Music also offers tuition to students and staff who want to develop their performance skills on all instruments and voice, taught by a team of visiting tutors. In addition to tutorials, there are a number of practice rooms opens between 8am and 7pm.

If the idea of joining an ensemble or discovering a new music scene strikes a chord with you, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/music or email musicadmin@bournemouth.ac.uk.

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InsideBU meets a member of staff and a student from the Faculty of Science and Technology to

uncover more about the Forensic Science course.

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Behind the (crime) scenes

Alex Otto

>> I’ve had some amazing experiences whilst at BU and one of the highlights has to be when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro; not only did I raise money for charity, but I got to meet some fantastic people from around the university.

Demonstrator in Forensic Science

I joined BU’s Forensic Science team eight years ago, but before that I was a Crime Scene Investigator employed by Wiltshire Police and stationed in Salisbury.

Whilst working as a CSI, I got in touch with the university to see if I could contribute to the Forensic Science course and was invited to visit. I was impressed with the facilities, so when a job came up as a Demonstrator, I applied and was lucky enough to get it.

As part of my role, I set up and demonstrate practicals, which involves creating all different kinds of crime scenes. This is so students can get a realistic feel for what it would be like to collect evidence and clues at the scene of an actual crime.

Teaching a subject that I love, imparting knowledge on the students and seeing them grow over the three years they’re with us is the best part of this job. It’s so rewarding when you receive an email from a graduate telling you they’ve landed their dream job in forensic science.

Third year Forensic Science student

One of the best aspects about my course is that we’re taught by leading experts in Forensic Science, whose experience and knowledge will give me the theory I need to progress into a forensic based job.

I find the practical sessions, including the mock crime scenes, incredibly interesting as they give us the opportunity to put into practice what we’ve been learning about in the classroom. It’s also a buzz being taught by experts who have spent years working in the field.

Last year I completed a three week Forensic Science Assistant placement at BU and afterwards I was delighted to be offered a part-time job in the department. I now work with Alex, among others, to help prepare and run the practical sessions with other demonstrators. I really enjoy working with the lecturers and I like the fact staff know they can rely on me when they need my help.

Grace Brown

>> Outside of work I relax by playing pétanque, a form of boules, but I also love, perhaps ironically, reading crime novels when I get a chance.

16| InsideBU

InsideBU | 17

NEW TO BU Every term BU extends a warm welcome to new members of staff. InsideBU talks to a selection of new starters that have joined us since January.

“When I was offered the position here I jumped at the opportunity, as dealing with lots of people really interested me. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and I really enjoy the university environment.

“In my spare time I love walking through the Purbecks and checking out who is playing at the Square and Compass on a weekend.”

“I’m a Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer in Psychology within the Faculty of Science and Technology. I joined BU as I’m very interested in the collaborative and interdisciplinary work that takes place here.

“Since moving to Dorset my partner and I have been enjoying the beautiful scenery and walks along the coast.”

“I qualified as a GP in 2012 and my role as a GP Programme Director involves co-ordinating and providing education for doctors training to be GPs in Dorset.

“I wanted to work at BU because I trained through the GP Education centre here and know they are a great team, committed to providing first class education for GPs.”

“Private sector-led, the Dorset LEP is a partnership between the private and public sector, determining local priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and the creation of local jobs. It’s my job to work with partners to achieve this.

“I enjoying running and hope to complete the Bournemouth Half Marathon in October.”

“I joined BU as I was intrigued by the success stories, and the fact the university is known for its research and practice. Working in the Media School is a great place for me to transfer my knowledge whilst pursuing my research.

I love travelling and sightseeing with my family – we’ve just been to Morocco and are planning our next trip.”

“I provide health and safety management across BU to make sure any risks are handled correctly, to ensure the university complies with all legal requirements.

“As a school Governor,working here allows me to see the final stages in young people’s educational development and broadens my perception of the system.”

Julie Atherton,Student Support Advisor

John McAlaney, Psychology Lecturer

Emer Forde,GP Programme Director

Lorna Gibbons,Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Director

Mona Seyed Esfahani, Associate Lecturer in Marketing Comms

Jim Mussenden,Health & Safety Adviser

18| InsideBU

Janet Dickinson

By day, by night

Senior Lecturer in the School of Tourism, Janet Dickinson took up hammer throwing less than a year ago – and is already competing at a national level.

I fell into lecturing almost by accident, having originally trained as a landscape architect but quickly realising it wasn’t for me. After gaining

my Master’s of Philosophy in Landscape Planning, and working as a lecturer in Environmental Studies at the University of Hertfordshire, I eventually joined BU 13 years ago and moved more into the Tourism and Leisure Management field.

Working with students is one of the best things about being a lecturer here – it’s great to have their input and take their ideas on board. I’m also lucky that I’m given a lot of freedom with my research, which focuses on sustainable travel.

One of my projects, Sixth Sense Transport, involves me working with academics from other universities to develop smart phone apps that try to encourage people to travel more collaboratively so they use cars less. The features on the app help people communicate with one another in their local communities, so aside from making people more environmentally aware, they’re able to build friendships and share information about their local area.

For me, it’s critical to do research that’s of some obvious value to society, that has a wider impact and I hope that projects I work on will do just that.

Last May I took up hammer throwing and am proud to say that in less than a year, I’ve become a competitive UK Masters athlete.

It all happened quite quickly; my son was involved in an athletics club and it was through them that I learnt you don’t actually have to physically practice the sport to become a coach. I’d been interested in athletics when I was younger, and as I already had a role in a teaching capacity I thought I could potentially take on a coaching position, so I gained some coaching qualifications to help at the club.

Whilst coaching, I was strongly encouraged to try the throwing events for myself. I tried javelin and discus, but the hammer turned out to be the one where I had some talent. I was keen on hammer throwing as it’s not seen as a typically feminine athletic event and in a way I wanted to challenge that. It’s been great to be able to confront the stereotype that only people who are well-built can be hammer throwers, when actually anyone with some athletic ability can do this.

I now compete in UK Masters competitions, which are tournaments for people involved in athletics over the age of 35. I compete at a national level, which is great fun – and I aim to keep it up for as long as my body allows me!

18| InsideBU

>> To find out more about Sixth Sense Transport, visit www.sixthsensetransport.com.

InsideBU | 19

Festival of LearningMonday 9 – Sunday 15 JuneCelebrate the best of what the university has to offer, with over 150 free activities open to the public, staff and students. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/fol

Undergraduate Open Days Saturday 14 June Saturday 5 July Saturday 6 September Saturday 25 October Saturday 15 November Open days for prospective students.

Festival of Design and InnovationThursday 19 – Saturday 23 June, Talbot CampusFoDI showcases the designs, models and prototypes created by our students as their final year project.www.bournemouth.ac.uk/festival

International History of Public Relations ConferenceWednesday 2 – Thursday 3 July, Executive Business CentreAn annual conference for scholars, historians and interested practitioners from around the world to meet, hear papers and discuss the history of public relations.microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/historyofpr/

2014 Academy of Marketing ConferenceMonday 7 – Thursday 10 July, Bournemouth Highcliffe Marriott HotelThe theme of this year’s conference is ‘Marketing Dimensions: People, places and spaces’.http://www.academyofmarketing.org/conference-2014

HSC Awards Wednesday 9 July, Kimmeridge HouseThe School of Health and Social Care will be awarding their sponsored prizes to final year students at a dedicated Awards Ceremony.

Arrivals FortnightSaturday 13 September – Saturday 28 SeptemberA fortnight to help first years meet new people and introduce them to life at BU.www.subu.org.uk/arrivals

BFX FestivalMonday 22 – Sunday 28 SeptemberThe BFX Festival includes an academic conference, workshops, film screenings and panel discussions.www.bfxfestival.com

CoPMRE – Eleventh Annual SymposiumTuesday 14 October, Executive Business CentreAnnual conference run by our Centre for Postgraduate Medical Research & Education. research.bournemouth.ac.uk/compre

Creative TuesdaysAtrium Art Gallery Balcony LoungeA weekly drop-in between noon and 2pm for anybody interested in arts and craftsnews.bournemouth.ac.uk/events/ event/creative-tuesdays/

How to submitIf you would like to submit a story for the next issue of InsideBU, please email insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk by Friday 29 August. We reserve the right to edit your copy and the editor’s decision is final. Photographs for print must be 300dpi.

>> For more information about events at BU, please contact the Events Team on 01202 961018 or email buevents@ bournemouth.ac.uk.

InsideBU | 19

Dates for your diary

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To order additional copies of InsideBU please contact Internal Communications, BU Marketing and Communications. Telephone: 01202 961033 Email: insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk

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