Our Year 2017 by Abertay University

Our Year 2017

Welcome to Our Year 2017, a retrospective look at life at Abertay University over the last calendar year. As you will see, the University has enjoyed another year of success in teaching and research while continuing to enhance our excellent student services and learning environment. Among the highlights were: • A silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework •

Ranked number one in Europe for undergraduate computer games courses, and in the world top ten at postgraduate level (Princeton Review)

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The first cohort of students to graduate from our accelerated degree programmes

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Recorded the biggest Scottish rankings climb in the Guardian Good University Guide 2018.

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Opened new £3.5m science laboratories and unveiled the first phases of a £4m library refurbishment

I hope you enjoy Our Year 2017.

Professor Nigel Seaton Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Impactful research for the contemporary world ‘Braw’ research shows brain treats dialect as language Research with international partners showing the human brain treats a dialect and a language in the same way was published. Dr Neil Kirk, Prof Vera Kempe and Dr Ken Scott-Brown partnered with RWTH Aachen University, Germany, to study how quickly the brain can react when asked to switch between standard speech and regional dialects. Study participants were given a list of both English and Dundonian words which then appeared on a colour-coded screen in randomised order. The findings were widely picked up in the media including a BBC social media video viewed by more than 1 million people.

Innovative cybercrime research tool trains Police Scotland officers A game co-developed by Abertay researchers to train police in handling digital evidence was live tested by almost 100 officers. The partnership project with Droman Crime Solutions and Police Scotland led to the creation of a ‘serious game’ that can be used to train police first responders in how to deal with cybercrime. The game can be played on a tablet, smartphone or desktop computer, allowing officers to interact with a virtual environment and make decisions about applying legislation and police powers. Abertay academics, Dr Natalie Coull, Dr Ian Ferguson and Dr Iain Donald developed the prototype with the help of former Abertay student team Hyper Luminal, now an independent games studio.

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Inspirational student success

Students take on high-pressure business challenges Business briefs set by Coca-Cola, the Scottish Football Association, Handelsbanken, the Wise Group, Xplore Dundee (National Express) and Dundee’s emerging new West Ward Works cultural space were among a series faced by students in this year’s Innovation for Global Growth event. Now in its sixth year, the three-day programme from Dundee Business School has grown to attract a steady stream of top class companies, with the likes of Heineken, BT and RBS taking part in previous sessions. This year’s competition saw around 120 Abertay students handed client briefs by six major firms before being given just an hour-and-a-half to form a solution and pitch back to a panel of executives. Claire MacEachen, Academic Curriculum Manager for Dundee Business School said: “IGG is a great opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of the pressures of a pitching environment and learn what’s required in response to business briefs from high level companies.”

Among the Stones rocks the BAFTA Awards A team of Abertay games creators scooped the prestigious Ones to Watch prize at the BAFTA Games Awards. Bluedoor Games took the coveted title at a glittering black-tie event in London, attended by key players from the world’s games industry. The winning game, Among the Stones, beat strong competition from fellow Abertay team Ludico’s game, Pentagrab, and Hexterion’s dodgeball-based title, Rebound. Kevin McKenna of Bluedoor said: “We never thought it could come this far and we have a burning passion to take it as far as we can.”

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Academic excellence and lasting legacy

Working for progressive improvement Race Equality Charter Mark success

World first for Duty of Care in Sport Prof David Lavallee was appointed the world’s first Professor of Duty of Care in Sport. He is leading a School of Social and Health Sciences programme of research and education on issues affecting the trustworthiness of sport, including bullying, discrimination, mental health and safeguarding Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson backed the new appointment which was pioneered by Abertay with a view to leading international research and education. Professor Lavallee said: “This new Professorship emphasises Abertay University’s commitment to sport education and research. It is an important part of the next evolutionary phase of world class sporting systems.“ Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “I am delighted that Abertay University has taken the step to appoint a Professor of Duty of Care. I was really impressed with the dedication that Professor Lavallee showed to the subject when I was working on my Duty of Care report.”

Generations to benefit from new endowment fund A new endowment fund was set up in memory of the late William M Sword, an important supporter of the University. The fund, named after the entrepreneur, businessman, Honorary Fellow and Honorary Graduate of Abertay, will provide a lasting legacy for future generations of students. Mr Sword launched his business career selling snacks to students and football fans before opening a tea bar in what was then Dundee Technical College, Abertay’s predecessor institution. He went on to rent properties to students and steadily developed a multi-million-pound property portfolio. Mr Sword supported several Abertay initiatives over the years including outreach programmes, a sports prize and funding for research work. His interests were far-reaching and varied, but always with a focus on inspiring students and young people.

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Abertay formally received the Race Equality Charter Mark – the first University in Scotland to achieve the recognition. The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), which works to support equality and diversity for staff and students in higher education institutions across the UK, presented the bronze award during an event at the University. The Race Equality Charter Mark aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. David Bass, Scotland Programme Manager at the Equality Challenge Unit, said: “This is a landmark achievement; this is the only race charter mark award in Scotland and you should be rightly proud of yourselves and your institution.”

Silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework Abertay University was one of only five Scottish institutions to be awarded a ranking in the important new Teaching Excellence Framework. The framework, based on assessments of student satisfaction, student retention and graduate employment, as well as submissions made by individual universities, found Abertay students “consistently achieve excellent outcomes.” Assessors awarded Abertay a Silver ranking, noting that a “very high” proportion of students continue with their studies after enrolment and progress to employment or further study. The TEF panel also found high levels of satisfaction with academic support at Abertay and commented on the success of the University’s commitment to widening access through a flexible admission policy which takes the background of applicants into account.

Guardian rankings leap is biggest in Scotland Abertay climbed almost 20 places in The Guardian University Guide for 2018 – the biggest increase in Scotland. The University is now ranked 66th, rising from 85th place last year. Civil Engineering and Food and Drink programmes were ranked sixth and ninth respectively – both the best in Scotland. A total of 89% of students at Abertay were satisfied with the quality of teaching offered within their course – the best result for a Scottish modern university.

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Engaging events and conferences ‘Missing’ conference draws international experts to Dundee The 3rd International Conference on Missing Children and Adults was held at Abertay with academics, police experts and policy makers from across the world coming together to seek solutions to serious missing person issues. Dr Penny Woolnough of Abertay chaired the event which showcased an array of research including new facial ageing techniques, responses to young runaways and methods of coping with dementia-related ‘wander-walkers’.

£3.5m labs an ‘investment in the future of Scottish science’ Professor Dame Anne Glover unveiled Abertay University’s new £3.5m science laboratories describing them an “investment in the future of Scottish science.” A morning ceremony was held to mark the official opening of the labs, which boast Scotland’s only industry-standard Consumer Experience Laboratory for use by Abertay’s Division of Food and Drink. The labs have four distinct areas to support the teaching and research of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, which also includes Forensics and Biomedical Sciences. In addition to providing a cutting edge teaching and learning space, the labs support external business projects such as food testing and product development.

Keynote speeches came from Prof Sue Black of the University of Dundee and Dr Susan Hitchin, a DNA specialist with Interpol. There was also a catalogue of other presentations, including a talk on the experiences of child victims of human trafficking.

Securi-Tay attracts more than 350 delegates Abertay’s Ethical Hacking Society hosted more than 350 cybersecurity students and industry professionals from across Europe at the major Securi-Tay conference. The next generation of UK ethical hackers heard from cybersecurity experts at the sixth annual event, which has grown substantially since its first year when between 20 and 30 delegates attended. The student-led conference came as Abertay contributed to submissions for a proposed cybersecurity hub for Dundee as part of the Tay Cities Deal project. Former Abertay student Gavin Holt, Senior Security Consultant at Manchester-based NCC Group - a major Abertay graduate employer - acted as keynote speaker for the event.

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20 Years of Games celebrated in style

2017 marked 20 years since Abertay launched the world’s first degrees in computer games

PHOGS! wins Dare Academy A double-ended dog puzzler was crowned champion of the inaugural Dare Academy games design competition.

Abertay games courses ranked best in Europe

The family friendly PHOGS! from student team Bit Loom was unveiled as the winner of the hotly-contested battle during a special ceremony at EGX festival in Birmingham.

Abertay computer games courses were ranked best in Europe for the third consecutive year by the prestigious Princeton Review.

A fully paid trip to Indiecade Festival in Los Angeles was the prize for winning team members Douglas Flinders, Henry Pullan and James Wood.

The annual ranking placed Abertay number one in Europe for undergraduate degrees and in the World Top 10 for postgraduate courses.

The two-player PC game unusually uses one controller to move a double-ended dog, making for a collaborative experience that anyone can enjoy.

Professor Gregor White, Head of the School of Design and Informatics said: “To be featured so highly in this ranking for a third consecutive year is testament to the hard work, dedication and excellence of my colleagues in the School and across the University.” Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor in Chief said: “We strongly recommend Abertay and each of the other schools that made our 2017 ranking lists.”

Biggest ever Digital Graduate Show A five-day feast of digital art, computer games and cybersecurity innovation was on display at the biggest ever Abertay Digital Graduate Show. A virtual reality game combatting PTSD by a student affected by the disorder, and a poignant game from a graduate who recreated a digital version of her late grandmother’s house were among more than 150 projects on show. Other student work included a computer programme that aims to enhance communication from space balloons, concept art and a game already picked up by Xbox and Playstation that shuns violence in favour of relaxation. A Games Pecha Kucha talk and a range of satellite activities for families and local business leaders were also on offer over the course of the week.

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Liam makes prestigious Forbes list Abertay Computer Arts graduate Liam Wong was included in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list. The former student graduated in 2010 and now works for industry giant Ubisoft in Montreal. Forbes 30 under 30 recognises the brightest young international entrepreneurs, breakout talents and change makers across 20 diverse sectors such as arts, sports, finance, tech, education, media and energy. Liam said: “When I saw the Computer Arts course at Abertay I knew it was the one for me.“

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Enhancing teaching, services and campus environment Major upgrade transforms library

Success in assessment and feedback Abertay is now ranked second in Scotland for student satisfaction in assessment and feedback. This was achieved by introducing sector-leading feedback turnaround times (ten working days for in-module assessments) and electronic marking to improve efficiency and accessibility of feedback for students. Academic staff have been supported through the change process through a programme of work led by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement team which has included training, sharing of good practice and provision of improved IT equipment.

A major upgrade to the library provided students with the latest in interactive technology and support services, substantially increasing footfall to the building.

The University also upgraded on-campus learning environments to improve the quality of the students’ experience and created several new state-of-the-art technology-rich learning spaces that enhance students’ depth of learning through active participation and collaboration in small groups.

The investment of £4m was designed to offer Abertay students the best possible support for their learning, transforming the library into a modern, fresh and inviting study zone.

A new learning analytics system was also introduced across the University in partnership with JISC, allowing staff to optimise support for students.

In addition to a new café on the ground floor, the building was refreshed with a contemporary design, better connectivity, interactive information screens and new furniture. A creative design suite where students can collaborate on study projects has been included on level two. Project Director Michael Turpie, Director of Information Services, said: “The effect this project has had on use of the building has been fantastic and I’m delighted we were able to bring such a fantastic new facility to Abertay.”

Opportunities for student learning and support Student Services offered a suite of co-curricular opportunities for students this year. Modern language lessons in Spanish and Chinese were on offer, as well as the Principal’s Award for Employability, a peer-to-peer mentoring programme to support new students, an Elite Athlete Development Programme, a seven week mindfulness course, an in-sessional English Language Programme for international students and the Career Mentoring Programme. In addition, staff delivered a diverse range of workshops on careers, budgeting, academic skills and life skills, as well as supporting over 1,800 individual students with one to one advice, guidance and counselling. Student Services professionals also delivered the Masters in Professional Practice Orientation Programme (MPPOP), in collaboration with the Division of Games and Arts and in partnership with Perfect World, a Chinese multimedia company.

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Graduations The achievements of the class of 2017 were celebrated in style at summer and winter graduation ceremonies. Held at the Caird Hall in Dundee, Summer Graduation saw honorary degrees conferred upon games entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl, Emeritus Professor of Mental Health David Alexander and Professor of Nursing Laura Serrant, while in November, the University chose Paralympian Karen Darke MBE to receive an honourary degree. Students gained degrees in a broad range of subjects ranging from Civil Engineering and Mental Health to Computer Arts and Law, watched by family and friends from all over the world. The winter ceremony saw the first cohort of students graduate from Abertay’s accelerated degree programmes, entering the jobs market a year ahead of their peers. Across the two days more than 1,000 students graduated from Abertay’s four academic schools; Design and Informatics, Social and Health Sciences, Science Engineering and Technology and Dundee Business School.

“Abertay is undoubtedly the best academic institution for computer games in the world and the best and the brightest students flock to the University in huge numbers.” Chris van der Kuyl 14 10

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