Open Eye: News in brief

FROM FARM TO FORK

How the food on our plates gets from the farm to the fork is revealed in a set of new Open University courses tailor-made for food industry staff.

The courses have been developed in partnership with the food and drink research centre CCFRA, for staff in its 1,700 member companies.

Students studying the courses will look at the food production supply chain, chemical analysis, processing and packaging and hygiene and safety.

They are among a growing number of CPD (continuing professional development) courses being prepared by the Open University. For more information call 0870 900 9577 or email CPD-SRS@open.ac.uk

MUSIC FANS TAKE NOTE

Get more out of your music with a new Open University short course.

Start Listening to Music explores both how music is constructed and the cultural, social and historical contexts in which different styles have originated.

Medieval madrigals, flamenco, world music and the work of jazz diva Ella Fitzgerald, folk legend Dave Swarbrick, classical violinist Nigel Kennedy, the Doors and the Darkness are among the wide range of music included in the 12-week course.

Start Listening to Music begins in February 2007, with further start dates in May and November. For more details visit www.open.ac.uk/courses and key in A179.

PUTTNAM IN THE FRAME

Lord Puttnam is to take over as chancellor of the Open University from Baroness Boothroyd, who is stepping down after 12 years.

Lord Puttnam is currently president of UNICEF UK; as David Puttnam he had a distinguished career as a film producer, and since his retirement in 1998 has focused his work on the field of education.

Welcoming the appointment, OU vice-chancellor Professor Brenda Gourley said: "I have every confidence that Lord Puttnam will continue the exceptional work of previous holders."