MANCHESTER

           1824

School of Computer Science

Weekly Newsletter

6 September 2010

Contents

News from HoS

This Week

School Events

External Events

Funding Opps

Prize & Award Opps

Research Awards

Staff News

Vacancies

 

Links

News Submissions

Newsletter Archive

School Strategy

School Intranet

School Seminars

ESNW Seminars

NaCTeM Seminars

 

News from Head of School

Undergraduate Admissions

We are now fairly clear about our admissions position for undergraduate students, which is predicted to be as follows, by programme and origin:

 

 

H

O

Total

AI

9

0

9

CS

118

26

144

SE

5

7

12

Single Honours

132

33

165

IC

6

0

6

CBA

19

2

21

Interdisciplinary

25

2

27

CM

34

1

35

CSE

4

12

16

CSwBM

22

8

30

Joint Honours

60

21

81

Grand Total

217

56

273

 

In a setting where our targets are known to be challenging, these are just ahead of target at date of admission (which is likely to lead to us being very close indeed at the date for which the targets are really set). As such, much credit is due to all our admissions team (to name some names, Dave Lester, Sophia Lewis-Martyr and Michael Stead), visit day teams and those who support admissions through attending open days, managing the web site, etc. In a setting where we know we are sailing into choppy financial waters, we need a strong admissions position.

 

The figures are particularly impressive in that they come in a context of a steadily risking entry bar, which we have been raising with a view to improving our progression rates. Average UK points scores are as follows:

 

Average A-level point score

Equivalent to grades

Year

26

ABB

2010

24

BBB

2009

22

BBC

2008

Doctoral Training Centre

The school has submitted a proposal for an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Computer Science, that if funded will support 15 students a year for 5 years, each following 4 year training and research programmes. Of the 15 students each year, 5 will be from the EPSRC grant, 5 from the EPSRC Doctoral Training Account and 5 from the school, and thus this will represent a substantial portion of our Home/EU doctoral students. The process of writing the bid has allowed consideration of various ideas relating to what a 4 year model might look like, and the submission contains a collection of new ideas; there will certainly be things that can be followed-up even if the proposal is not funded (competition will be tough).  Jon Shapiro led the writing of the proposal, with significant input from Howard Barringer, Steve Furber and Jim Miles; various others supported  the process in different ways. This is an important opportunity, so the significant team effort that led to the submission of the bid is much appreciated.

Events

MathsJam weekend                                                                                13/14 Nov 10

The MathsJam is an opportunity for like-minded self-confessed maths enthusiasts to get together and share stuff they like. Puzzles, games, problems, or just anything they think is cool or interesting.

The event is intended to help people remember why they ever enjoyed maths at all.  Maybe you don't need reminding, but a lot of people find that they used to enjoy maths, but it became a bit hard, or a bit tedious, or a bit mundane, and it lost its sparkle.

Website

 

Funding Opportunities

Wolfson Research Merit Awards                                                                 1 Nov 10

Jointly funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), this scheme aims to provide universities with additional support to enable them to attract to this country or to retain, respected scientists of outstanding achievement and potential.

 

The focus of the award is salary enhancement. Research expenses are also considered for costs not suitable for Research Councils' research grants applications and for overseas applicants to support integration into the UK research and funding environment.

Subjects Covered:  All areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.

 

Eligibility:  Applicants can be of any nationality and must hold, or be guaranteed, a permanent post at a UK university. All applicants must have their basic salary wholly funded by the university.

 

Before completing the application form, the eligibility of the applicant must be discussed by email with the Royal Society Grants Office. If eligibility is established, the Society will provide the applicant with a security code which must be entered to start the application. Once eligibility has been established and an access code provided, applicants can apply online via e-GAP.

 

Length of Tenure:  Up to 5 years’ funding after which the award holder continues with the permanent post at the host university

 

Value of Grant:  Salary enhancements are usually made usually in the range of £10K to £30K per annum.

 

Website

 

Opening date: 03 September 2010
Closing date:  01 November 2010