Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 9) www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK ADVICE AND INFORMATION 9 COMPUTER SCIENCE FOR THE REAL WORLD The Department of Computer Science also scores highly in university league tables; it is consistently ranked in the top ten in the country and has been awarded ‘excellent’ for teaching. Its success, says Postgraduate Director of Studies Claire Willis, is down to its practical outlook on teaching. ‘We are a very research active Department but we make sure we feed this research into our teaching,’ says Claire. ‘We are particularly interested in the technological side of computer science, how it is applied and used in the real world. We do have theoretical work, but mostly we are interested in how computing is used out there in the real world.’ As well as the option of completing a PhD, the Department has a Masters Portfolio in Advanced Computer Systems, which is a set of one-year Masters programmes, allowing students to specialise in their chosen area of computer science. Students can choose from a number of topics, including e-commerce, computer security, graphics, mathematical applications, internet technology and collaborative systems. ‘These are a set of interrelated Masters degrees that focus on various forms of critical analysis, specification and design for innovative and usable systems - so looking at how they are used in practice. These programmes are designed with industry in mind, so we look at how these things work for companies,’ says Claire. into how your research may be used. There are also chances to work with these companies if you wish to.’ As a result of these links, graduates of Bath are very attractive to organisations, says Claire. ‘As well as working as researchers, graduates have gone on to work for global businesses such as IBM and Microsoft. Some students work as computer consultants. We had a student last year who went into banking, working on modelling for trading.’ RESEARCH TO TAKE HOME Over in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, students are taking advantage of an integrated doctorate - the new route PhD. Lecturer in Biochemisty, Momna Hejmadi, says this PhD is attractive to international students because it teaches valuable transferable skills as well as containing a traditional research element. ‘In the first year, students work on taught modules, whilst also getting to choose research topics. This gives them exposure to training in the laboratory, which many international students have never had,’ says Momna. ‘An advantage of this new PhD is that students can leave after one year with an MRes or after two years with an MPhil.’ The Department is prominent in structural and molecular biology, cell biology, neuroscience and mathematical biology among other areas and is currently celebrating 100 years of pharmacy research. Lourdes Acosta Jimenez is in the first year THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT of her integrated PhD. She chose to study in Dalia Khader is completing a PhD in the Department because of its excellent Computer Science, which is being funded by research reputation. the department. As well as financial assistance, ‘I attended a fair in Mexico and researched Dalia says she has received a lot of support different universities. I was attracted to the from staff. University of Bath because of its reputation in ‘My supervisor encourages me and helps me the area of research I wanted to do. ‘The to present my ideas. It is very different to study Department was graded 5 in the last Research in Jordan. Here I am encouraged to take my Assessment Exercise (RAE) and received top ideas and to put them into practice.’ marks for teaching quality,’ says Momna. Claire says looking after students is a ‘We are also a Marie Curie Research Centre, priority. ‘Students have a personal tutor and so we have researchers from the EU coming they can also come to me if they have any to train with us.’ problems. The care we give our students was A PLACE FOR POSTGRADS one of the things we were highly commended As well as up-to-date resources, the on in the last Quality Assurance Assessment Department provides dedicated space to its (QAA).’ postgraduate students. MEETING THE PROFESSIONALS ‘Students have their own study rooms but Like Anna, Dalia finds the University’s many there is also a common room where people can links with industry useful. go and take breaks and chat with each other,’ ‘We are very lucky to have visiting explains Momna. professionals come and talk to us about what is ‘There is also a postgraduate Biosciences Society, which is really good for students to get happening in industry. It gives you an insight together to talk about work and socialise. They organise days out, like wine tasting, for example, or have meals together.’ Lourdes says the activities organised made her feel welcome when she first arrived. The Department organised several activities for us all to get to know each other and that was really helpful. The tutors are very open and supportive. Anything I need, I can go and ask for.’ There is a long history of international research in the Faculty and to support its research in biology and biochemistry, the Department received over £20million in funding this year. Monma says investing in students is vital. ‘Postgrads get £200 to put towards joining professional societies, the Microbiology Society, for example, or to attend conferences to talk about their work,’ explains Momna. ‘We think it is mandatory as part of their training to be a part of a professional body. Talking about your work is important, so attending conferences is vital.’ Lourdes was also lucky enough to receive a scholarship from the Department to carry out her research. ‘As well as an ORS award, I received money from the University to help pay for my fees and my living costs,’ says Lourdes. FINANCIAL SUPPORT To encourage international students to study at Bath, the University has extended its £240,000 scholarship scheme, which is aimed at students applying for taught Masters and undergraduate programmes. The University of Bath International Scholarships programme includes 40 Masters scholarships each to the value of £3,000. The University is keen to provide as much financial support as it can to international students and also offers funding for research students. There are about 10 fully-funded PhD studentships each year, most of which combine financial support with monies from the Overseas Research Student (ORS) scheme. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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