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Science Faculty Strategy The Faculty of Science is committed to the delivery of scientific education and knowledge of the highest quality, and aims to position the University as a global authority in delivering scientific answers to complex political, social and economic uncertainties. Faculty Strategic Statement, 2011
Faculty Size and Shape Current headcount: Central academic staff 95 Regional academic staff 27 Researchers 65 Technical/project 60 Administrative 47 S&C 45 ALs 691 Currently restructuring into 3 departments with central administrative support
Global Science students 2010/11 Plus >2000 in EU
Science Curriculum The new BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences degree (B64). A broad, interdisciplinary science award covering the full range of science relevant to modern society Vocational and academic qualifications through employer engagement Post graduate and research qualifications Support personal development and life long learning
Science Qualifications BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences : most available globally on-line • Biology • Health Sciences • Chemistry • Analytical Sciences • Environmental Science • Physics • Astronomy & Planetary Science • Geology/ Earth Science
Science Qualifications (post-graduate) MSc degrees and diplomas All available globally and on-line • Science • Science and Society • Medical Physics • Earth Science • MSc Medicinal Chemistry • Professional Science
Science Research & Scholarship Strong research base characterised by RAE excellence and high impact scholarship Hosted by faculty • CEPSAR (Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research) ranked 12th in 2008 RAE • BRN (Biomedical Research Network) • eSTEeM (Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics) • 2 Centres for Excellence in Teaching & Learning Contributions from faculty • CREET (Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology) • 2 other CETLs
CEPSAR themes Current groupings within the Centre are: • Astronomy Research Group (ARG) • Planetary and Space Science Research Institute (PSSRI) • Isotope Geochemistry Group (IGG) • Volcano Dynamics Group (VDG) • Climate and Earth Systems Group (CESG) • Ecosystems Research Group (ERG)
BRN Five Research Themes Biomolecular Damage Disease & Diagnostics Cell Biology & Immunology Biopsychology Neuroscience
Opportunities for Industrial Collaboration Cell culture systems (3D cultures, blood brain barrier) Biosensors (diagnostics) Aptamers (diagnostics and therapeutic) Biomedical Research
eSTEeM STEM is central to economic development and social policy, yet the STEM skills-base is eroding. The eSTEeM Centre will tackle this – it will innovate in delivering distinctive and cost effective e-learning in STEM areas. It will position the OU as a global leader, will open up new markets and income streams, and will enable the development of staff to address these new challenges and opportunities.
eSTEeM – initial themes Engagement with employers to develop demand-led STEM education in the workplace (eSTEeM for Employment) International STEM – partnerships in high HE demand but low capacity countries - global online Informal learning and STEM engagement – Newton and OERs Attitudes to STEM – collaborations for STEM profile building Spin-out of STEM e-technologies, infrastructure and expertise STEM practice online – online laboratories and studios STEM communities – online learning conversations Assessment in STEM – e-assessment and e assisted assessment
Science Flagship Projects • Global on-line • S288 (PIRATE, FSC, Earthwatch, partner labs) • 2plus2 • YASS • PSM • HEAT (Health Education and Training) in Africa • Newton TV and eSTEeM • Ethiopia Medical School
S288 L2 Practical Science: core practical units… Lab options Field options Screen options …select one in each of four 6-week cycles