Faculty of Engineering and Science
Minutes of the SECOND meeting of the Faculty Board in the 2013-14 academic session
held on Wednesday, 4 December 2013 at 2.30 pm in Room B028, Blake building, Medway Campus
Present:
Martin Snowden (Chair)
Amir Alani
David Armour-Chelu
Stuart Ashenden
Lorraine Barrett (Secretary)
Tim Barry
Raj Bhatti
Richard Blackburn
Peter Callaghan
Samer El-Daher
Peter Griffiths
Chris Harper
Simeon Keates
Mike McGibbon
John Morton
John Orchard
Ruth Quinn
Elinor Thompson
Andrew Westby
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engineering and Science
Head of Department, Civil Engineering, Engineering
Head of Department, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Engineering
Faculty Operating Officer, Engineering and Science
Faculty Administrative Officer, Engineering and Science
Faculty Director of Partnerships and International
Head of Department, Mechanical, Manufacturing and Design
Faculty Director of Learning and Teaching
Programme Leader, Engineering
Head of Department for Life and Sports Science, Science
Head of Department for Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Environmental Science
Quality Assurance Manager, Faculty of Engineering and Science
Dean, Engineering
Faculty Director of Student Experience
Head of Department, Livelihoods and Institutions, NRI
Director of Research and Enterprise, NRI
Student Representative, Engineering
Early Career Researcher, Science
Director of Research and Enterprise and Director, NRI
Apologies:
Bruce Alexander
Richard Anthony
Ben Bennett
Ian Cakebread
Samer El-Daher
Veronica Habgood (External)
Jeremy Hagar
Omar T Mansour
Programme Leader, Science
Health and Safety Manager and Laboratory Manager, Science
Head of Department, Food and Markets, NRI
Health and Safety Manager; Support Services Manager, Engineering
Head of Department, Life and Sports Science, Science
Health and Social Care
Head of Department, Agriculture, Health and Environment, NRI
Student Representative, Science
In attendance:
Tom Barnes
Amy Holland
Lucy Fincham
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
Reed NCFE Partnership
University Records Manager, Vice Chancellor’s Office
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FBES/13/01
Items from the Chair
1.1
Apologies for Absence and Welcome
Apologies for absence were noted.
The Chair welcomed Professor Tom Barnes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research &
Enterprise), Amy Holland (Reed NCFE Partnership) and Mark Kerrigan (EDU) to the
meeting who were presenting to the Board details of the university’s employability
agenda. In addition, Lucy Fincham, the University’s Records Manager, had been invited
to the meeting to provide an update on information compliance matters.
1.2
Faculty Board Terms of Reference and Membership
There was no update on this item.
1.3
Faculty Structure Developments
The Faculty Operating Officer formally welcomed the Faculty Directors to the Board in
their new roles, along with the new Dean of Engineering. It was noted that interviews
for Heads of Department roles have been carried out, and these appointments will be
formally noted at the next Board meeting.
FBES/13/02
Employability
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) presented to the Board an
update on the University’s Employability Agenda.
It was noted that in order to improve our students’ prospects of securing graduate level
jobs following graduation, and in turn improve the University’s overall league table
position, employability centred activities need to be embedded into course curriculum.
Staff are also being asked to identify existing employability elements to courses and
add 15 credits to each programme. In addition, the Greenwich Employability Matrix
(GEM) tool is also available to enable staff to track students.
On 10 January the University is running a conference on student employability to
provide an opportunity to divulge information and share good practice across the
University, and it was noted that programme leaders will be expected to attend.
It was agreed that a copy of the presentation will be circulated to members with the
minutes.
The Reed project
The Board were apprised of the collaboration between Reed NCFE Partnership and the
University and how they are supporting students in finding graduate level jobs as well
as providing advice and guidance on aspects of finding employment.
It was noted particularly that priority will be given to those students who are predicted
a lower grade in their degree, and staff were encouraged to promote the services of
Reed and the GET team to students. In addition, representatives from Reed will be
carrying out campus visits to meet with students on a departmental basis early in 2014
to present their services to students.
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It was agreed that a copy of the presentation will be circulated to members following
the meeting.
The Director of Student Experience reported that it is intended to embed employability
activities into transition week across the Faculty, following successful delivery to
Science students this year.
FBES/13/03
Information Compliance
The University’s Records Manager presented an update to members on the Freedom of
Information Act 2000, Data Protection Act and Records Management for the Faculty.
It was noted that the University’s records systems encompass:
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Records Coordinators in Schools and Offices
Records Retention Schedules
University Guidance and Policy
Publication Scheme
However, the implications of the University restructure to Faculties means that
consideration needs to be given to the future management of records management
and this will be need to be discussed at the Faculty Senior Management Group.
A copy of the presentation will be forwarded to members following the meeting.
FBES/13/04
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
With a minor amendment to Page 6 the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2013
were agreed as an accurate record of the discussions held.
FBES/13/05
Matters arising from the Minutes
3.4
Departmental Reports (FBES/13/03)
With regards to providing English language support for PhD applicants, the Head of
Department of Languages, Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Humanities, is
writing a paper that looks at the offer that could be made for these applicants, taking
into consideration mapping the qualifications offered against the IELTS requirement
and what the British Council states they should have, and this will be completed before
Christmas.
FBES/13/06
Medway Faculty Operating Group
The Board received the minutes of the Faculty Operating Group held on Thursday,
10 December 2013, and members were appraised of two items of discussion by the
Faculty Operating Officer:
Medway UTC
Development of the Medway UTC is subject to securing land in very close proximity to
the campus, in order that we can build links with the students and encourage them to
feed into engineering and science programmes at the university. It is anticipated that
this will be achieved by allowing those students to use the campus facilities while
studying at the UTC, for example, laboratories, Drill Hall Library and catering outlets.
The Medway UTC is planned to open in September 2015.
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Student survey
Campus Management Board initiated a survey of all students and this resulted in the
identification of a chronic need for additional student social space on the campus. In
response the case is currently being made to develop the swimming pool building on
the C4 plot (lower campus).
Representatives from the three institutions are now looking at the viability of this space
and identifying what it could potentially be used for, as well as taking into consideration
the need for a campus shop and joint multi-faith prayer space. A proposal by the
universities and Students Unions will be reported to the Campus Management Board
and Medway Steering Group in 2014.
FBES/13/07
Departmental Reports
7.1
Update from Engineering
Technology Management and Enterprise The department report will be circulated
following the meeting, but the key items noted were:
Current student numbers:
There are 135 new students and 294 continuing students. A large proportion of these
are made up of RSME students.
Average UCAS entry points:
The average entry points for last year was 294.
Course additions and deletions:
There have been no new courses, however, there has been changes to programmes as
part of a rationalisation exercise of the Departments provision, as detailed below:
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BA Hons Business Administration
BA Hons Business Administration (Marketing)
BA Hons Business Administration (Accounting & Finance)
BA Hons Business Administration (Technology Management)
FdA Business Administration
FdA Business Administration (Accounting & Finance)
FdA Business Administration (Marketing)
FdA Business Administration (IT Management)
FdA Business Administration (Logistics Operations & Administration)
Innovations in teaching:
The Business Project is arranged to allow students in years 1 and 2 to work together on
real consultancy projects with local employers, and this is proving beneficial for
students.
It was noted that the Head of Department has a new post within the Faculty following
the recent restructure, and discussions are being held about his replacement.
Research:
Conference Publications and Proceedings
13th Finance, Risk and Accounting Perspectives (FRAP) Conference at
Cambridge University. Paper title: Pseudo Market Timing of Premium and
Standard Listed IPO, 18-20 November 2013 by Rama Kanungo.
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Banking, Finance, Money and Institutions: The Post Crisis Era, The Centre for
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Money, Banking & Institutions of the University of Surrey and the Centre for
Research in Contemporary Finance of Fordham University, Paper title: Risk of
Default Loans in Jordanian Banks under Credit Risk Classification Models,
2-3 November, 2013 by A Al-Shawabkeh and Rama Kanungo.
Journal Publication and Submitted as Under Review
Genetic Algorithm: Genesis of Stock Evaluation, Journal of Research in Economics
and International Finance, Vol. 1, No. 6, 2012 by Rama Kanungo.
Critical Success Factors of Strategic Alliance: A Different Perspective, Journal of
General Management, Under Review by Rama Kanungo.
Pseudo Market Timing of Premium and Standard UK IPOs. Journal of Finance and
Risk Perspective, Under Review by Rama Kanungo.
Neural Network and Audit Fees: A Heuristic Onset, Submitted to Critical
Perspective on Accounting by Rama Kanungo.
Electrical, Electronic and Computing Engineering The department report will be
circulated following the meeting, but the key items noted were:
Current student numbers:
The Department has a total of 161 new students and of those 63 are postgraduate. The
total numbers as a department are 546 overall, 149 of whom are postgraduate.
Average UCAS entry points:
The entry points are between 260 and 290 for the Bachelor’s degrees, with the majority
of students at the upper end, however, the average entry tariff for foundation degree
and year 0 students falls below this scale.
Course additions and deletions:
Two core courses have been removed from the MSc Computer Forensics programme,
namely Engineering Computer Forensics Acquisition (COMP1657) and Engineering
Computer Forensics Analysis (COMP1658).
Innovations in teaching:
The GFA Embedding course has had an adjustment to stage 1 and now includes stage 0.
Mechanical, Manufacturing and Design Engineering The Department report will be
circulated following the meeting, but the key items noted were:
Current student numbers:
BEng Mechanical Engineering has 30 students in year 1, BEng Mechanical Engineering
Technology has 13 and BEng (Ext) Engineering (Mechanical) has 43. FdE Mechanical
Engineering has 24 students, and the FdE Electrical Engineering has 6. The department
student number total is 319.
Average UCAS entry points:
The average UCAS entry points are between 293 and 312.
Course additions and deletions:
The Department is in discussions with HEI in Lille to develop a MEng Mechanical
Engineering programme.
Innovations in teaching:
Encouraging personal tutors to engage with their students has been a challenge, so
students are being put into teams with a personal tutor appointed to each team.
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The Department was approached by the Dockyard about designing a rope making
machine and this is being carried out by year 3 students.
Research grants:
A number of research grant bids have been submitted. Significantly,
Professor Mike Bradley was awarded the Build Solids Handling Award by IMechE for
their Powder Flowability Tester for services to mechanical engineering.
Civil Engineering
Current student numbers:
Current student numbers are slightly lower than the last meeting’s report - MEng Civil
Engineering has 50; BEng Civil Engineering has 68 plus 17 part time students, BSc Civil
Engineering has 52 plus 4 part time students, the FdE Civil Engineering has 36, and the
HNC Civil Engineering has 19.
The department has received 80 applications to date, which is on par with last year, and
an additional 24 applications were received yesterday.
Average UCAS entry points:
The average UCAS entry is 364.
Course additions and deletions
The department is considering removing three courses, and is developing a BSc Civil
Engineering with Dynamics programme due to the expertise within the department as
well as demand from international students. They are also delivering courses in Ground
Penetrating Radar, working with industry. The course will recruit 12 delegates each
time and delivery will commence from February 2014.
Innovations in teaching:
Staff have started to use Moodle more effectively and efficiently.
Research grants:
Three journal papers have been published, in addition to two successful bids, £40,000
from Mid Kent Water and £33,000 from the Institute of Civil Engineering.
7.2
Update from Science
Life and Sports Sciences
Current student numbers:
The department has 7 undergraduate programmes and 2 MSc programmes, Applied
Medical Science and Biomedical Science (On-line). The number of students within the
department is 364 students studying Life Sciences programmes and 182 students
studying Sports Sciences programmes.
Average UCAS entry points:
The average UCAS entry point is approximately 318.
Course additions and deletions:
BSc Biomedical Technology is being discontinued as it is no longer required, and the
department is introducing MSc Plant Services and Plant Breeding, MSc Food Innovation
and MBiology programmes, all in collaboration with NRI.
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Innovations in teaching:
The iPad project is being delivered for second year and is proving successful. A team
are also investigating how assessments can be better organised and timetabled through
the year, including increased on-line submission.
Research grants:
There is a high number of Form1’s in the department as people are starting to generate
ideas, and in addition there is a good number of REFs.
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences
Current student numbers:
The department has 130 new undergraduate students and 65 postgraduate students.
Average UCAS entry points:
The average UCAS entry point is approximately 320.
Course additions and deletions:
BSc Chemistry is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the
PGDip/MSc Environmental Conservation programme is accredited by its professional
body, the IEEM.
Innovations in teaching:
The School has recently secured a good new SL in Forensic Science. The iPad project
has been rolled out to year 2 students and is proving effective.
Research grants:
Research bidding in PCES & LSS was in excess of £2M over the period Aug 2013 – Jan
2014, with notable success by Vivek Trivedi (£95K), Steve Wicks (£85K), Tim Acott
(£50K) and in particular, Pat Harvey (£940K).
It was noted that the Medway based courses had appeared on the UCAS website under
Medway however this has been changed to Kent and Medway. In order to further
promote our activities the view of the Board was that these programmes should
additionally be captured on the UCAS website as part of a London institution if this was
possible.
7.3 Update from NRI The Institute’s report will be circulated following the meeting,
but the key items noted were:
Current student numbers:
Currently there are 74 MSc students.
Average UCAS entry points:
N/A
Course additions and deletions:
The Institute is investigating developing a BSc Food Safety and Quality Management
programme, as well as MSc Food Management and Quality Management by distance
learning.
Innovations in teaching:
None to report
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Research grants:
Negotiations are currently being had with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for
three large grants. Four proposals have been approved under the DFID AgriTT project
totalling £900,000 and in addition NRI are leading on proposals, one of which is for
USD 10,000 and one for USD 16-18,000. They have also won funds for two ACP Science
and Technology programmes totalling Euro 1 million each, and a project for £100,000
from the Swede HDC Panel. Finally, Kate Wellard won best paper in the Journal of
Agricultural Education and Extension.
FBES/13/08
Learning and Quality
8.1
Update from Faculty Director of Learning and Teaching
The SMRD was completed on target, and a meeting is scheduled with the Deputy
Vice Chancellor on 9 December to discuss it. Two important matters to note are the
GOLD initiative for academic staff without a formal teaching qualification who can now
gain certification from HEA and help the university to meet its KPI target of 75% of staff
having a formal teaching qualification by 2017, and the SHIFT programme.
8.2
Update from Faculty Quality Assurance Manager
The revised QA Handbook will be published in January 2014. Although there are no
radical alterations to university policies and processes, the handbook does capture the
new Faculty QA structure.
FBES/13/09
Research and Enterprise
9.1
Update from Faculty Director of Research and Enterprise
The university’s overall REF submission was forwarded last week, with a 2.85 grade
average. Some of the research committees are already established, such as the
Research Ethics Committee and Postgraduate Research Degrees Committee, however,
a separate committee is being formed to focus on the priorities. One priority is to
engage staff in this activity and this will be achieved with the help of Heads of Schools
and Departments. The Faculty Research and Enterprise Committee is meeting next
week, when a matrix on research and enterprise is being discussed.
It was noted that the Faculty Deputy Directors of Research and Enterprise are
John Orchard (NRI), Steve Woodhead (Engineering) and Dave Wray (Science).
FBES/13/10
Student Experience
10.1 Update from the Faculty Director of Student Experience
The Faculty Director reported that a Faculty Student Experience Committee is being set
up to deal with all aspects of the student life cycle. The Committee will comprise Heads
of Department and self-nominated Programme Leaders, Facilities Management and the
Students Union. Ideally it will also include postgraduate student representation and
the Director of Learning and Teaching. The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Faculty Operating
Officer will be invited but would not be expected to attend all of the meetings.
The NSS is priority for the Faculty, and a plan will be developed by 17 December.
It was agreed that as a Faculty we need to reflect on the committees and structure.
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10.2 Update from Student Representatives
The Board were informed that students appreciate the new PCs which were installed in
the Drill Hall Library and they are pleased to see money being spent on the campus.
The proposed increase of student representation at future Board meetings was queried
and the Director of Student Experience agreed to contact the Students’ Union for a list
of trained students and effect this.
ACTION: Faculty Director of Student Experience to contact the Students’ Union.
FBES/13/11
Partnerships and International
The Faculty Director of Partnerships and International reported that a coordination
group is being set up who will meet monthly, comprising representatives from
Partnership Division, Heads of Departments and other colleagues involved with
collaborative partners and partner colleges. In the future it is hoped to invite Link
Tutors and the Faculty Director of Student Experience.
International collaborations are to be grown, working both with existing partners and
potential new collaborations.
The Faculty Operating Officer reported that the university has a number of agreements
with China, but that changes are being made to the articulation agreements in China
with the requirements for 3+1+1 model.
FBES/13/12
Health and Safety
The Faculty Operating Officer reported that Health and Safety matters will be dealt with
via the Faculty Operating Group and Campus Health and Safety Committee. It will
remain a standing item on the Faculty Board agenda however only items of particular
relevance will be reported.
Members were reminded that when organising student off-campus visits there is a set
of procedures that need to be followed.
ACTION: The Faculty Operating Officer agreed to circulate the correct protocol when
arranging off-campus visits to the Board.
FBES13/13
Any other business
There were no additional items of business.
FBES/13/14
Date and Time of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Faculty Board will be held on Wednesday, 5 March 2014 at
2.30 pm in Blake 028.
Secretary:
Tel:
Email:
L Barrett
01634 883 026
L.P.Barrett@gre.ac.uk
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