The University of Aberdeen will tomorrow (Tuesday, 15 February) be hosting a professional development day for Physics teachers from across the North-east.
The one-day course will focus on practical experiments relating to Optics in the Advanced Higher Physics syllabus, and will be used as the basis for similar days that are being offered to senior school pupils later in February and early in March.
Over 20 teachers will undertake experiments in the science that lies behind imaging, fibre-optic communications, lasers and many more of today’s developments.
The teachers come from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and further afield from Moray, Highland and the Orkney Isles.
Dr John Reid, Head of Physics at the University, explained: "Physics is relevant to so much science and medicine these days that the University is delighted to provide the expertise and facilities to help teachers gain more insight into Advanced Higher course practical material.
“It will also give the University and the teachers the opportunity to network and for teachers see at first hand what the University of Aberdeen is like today.”
The event has been designed to complement the forthcoming student events at the end of February and beginning of March. These laboratory days on optical science will give school students the opportunity to carry out practical experiments that are not always possible in their own school, in addition to experiencing the higher education environment first hand.
The event has been arranged jointly by CPD Services at the University and the S6 Enhancement Unit, which was set up in 2002 with the principal aim of supporting sixth year pupils studying Advanced Highers.
Nikki Musgrave , CPD Business Development Officer, said “I hope that the teachers will find the Professional Development Day to be very beneficial and enriching as teachers can undertake experiments outwith the school environment, as well as the opportunity to engage with University experts."