Select Committee on Science and Technology Written Evidence


Annex A

Case Study—Mathematics at the University of Hull

1.  STUDENT NUMBERS (PROVIDED BY HESA):


Year
Single honours
Joint honours

1996-97
187
37
1999-2000
183
37
2002-03
151
64

2.  RESEARCHER NUMBERS (TAKEN FROM RAE 1992, 1996, 2001):


Year
Research-active staff
Research assistants/students

Pure maths
Applied maths
Pure maths Applied maths
1992
9.0
8.0
n/a n/a
1996
9.0
10.1
n/a n/a
2001
7.5
8.25
9.0 6.0

3.  RESEARCH MEASURES (TAKEN FROM RAE 1992, 1996, 2001):


Year
RAE rating
Research income

Pure maths
Applied maths
Pure mathsApplied maths
1992
3
3
n/an/a
1996
4
3b
n/an/a
2001
4
4
£22,600 £20,973

4.  TEACHING QUALITY (EXTRACT FROM QUALITY ASSESSMENT EXERCISE, MARCH 1999):

  The graded profile ... indicates the extent to which the student learning experience and achievement demonstrate that the aims and objectives set by the subject provider are being met. [4 = maximum]:


Aspects of provision
Grade

Curriculum Design, Content and Organisation
3
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
3
Student Progression and Achievement
4
Student Support and Guidance
4
Learning Resources
4
Quality Management and Enhancement
4

5.  LETTER FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, DR DREWRY, TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE LMS, PROFESSOR J T STUART (24 JULY 2002)

  At the outset, I should state that the University shares many of your concerns and views with respect to the role of Mathematics within the University and the contribution of the discipline to society. I am sure that you will also be aware of the very significant commitment the University has made to the development of research in Mathematics with the establishment of our first research institute—the Hull Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Applications (HIMSA)—accompanied by the appointment of several outstanding mathematicians.

  With regard to possible changes in respect of the provision made by the University of Hull, the situation is that we are currently reviewing the University's entire academic portfolio in the light of the Government's agenda for HE together with current and predicted recruitment trends and anticipated developments in HE. The principles on which we are basing this review form part of our Way Forward strategy—approved by our Senate and Council—and have been subject to further consultation in the University. As an integral part of this process, the Department of Mathematics is reviewing its portfolio of programmes and is currently developing a number of initiatives, which offer significant potential to contribute to the continuing development of the discipline within the University and which seek to engage the changing student profile.

I am appreciative of the concerns you have expressed and assure you that the LMS Policy will be taken into full account as part of our ongoing deliberations.

6.  QUOTES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL WEBSITE (JANUARY 2005):

  Welcome to our medium-sized Department, known for its friendly and personal atmosphere. Students, teachers and researchers work together to pursue their common interest: mathematics and its applications. The Guardian University Guide (05/2002) ranked us among the top-20 mathematics departments in the country.

  Our degree programmes have one of the best completion rates and our students graduate with excellent employment prospects . . . We make an extra effort to help you through your first year since Getting Started at university is a challenge.

  Research in Mathematics at Hull enjoys an international reputation in areas ranging from geometry and financial mathematics to continuum mechanics and mathematical physics. The Hull Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Applications (HIMSA), set up in 2000, promotes national and international collaboration in interdisciplinary research.

  Admissions to all undergraduate mathematics programmes have been suspended for the 2005-06 Session.

7.  DROP IN DEMAND FORCES HULL TO AXE MATHS (THES, 17 DECEMBER 2004)

  Hull University is to close its maths department in the face of falling student demand for the subject. The university has said that existing staff will be moved to York University to ensure that students "continue to have access to high-quality mathematics education in Yorkshire".

  David Drewry, Hull's Vice-Chancellor, said: "Hull is not unique in experiencing recruitment difficulties in mathematics and we have to take notice of, and respond positively to, the needs and requirements of our students."

   . . .

  Hull said it would set up a new Centre for Mathematics to provide maths teaching for other disciplines, and it would continue to train school maths teachers. Dr Jarvis commented: "This is a hurried add-on that appeared after staff and unions pointed out the serious knock-on effects and the far-reaching consequences the closure of maths would have." He said the centre would not attract high-calibre mathematicians and would probably have to be closed in a few years.



 
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