The University of Aberdeen will next week host four laboratory days for students of Advanced Higher Physics as part of an initiative designed to help sixth year secondary school pupils with their studies.
The laboratory days on light science will give school students the opportunity to carry out practical experiments in optics that are not always possible in their own school, in addition to experiencing the higher education environment first hand. The students will measure light spectra, use lasers, explore the properties of polarised light and make precision measurements using interference fringes.
The Department of Physics has developed the programme with local teachers groups and hosted a similar event with over 20 teachers earlier in February.
Dr John Reid, Head of Physics, a team of research staff and current University students will facilitate the laboratory sessions. Dr Reid explained: "Physics is relevant to so much science and medicine these days that we're glad we can provide the expertise and facilities at the University of Aberdeen to help the senior students by holding these four Physics days."
It is expected that over 100 school students and some 15 North-east teachers will attend the sessions over the four days. Participants will come from local Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire schools, with groups from further afield, including Moray, Highland and the Orkney Isles, also taking part.
Nikki Musgrave, CPD Business Development Officer, said: "We are very pleased with the positive response to these events from schools. We are looking forward to welcoming the school students and staff to the University of Aberdeen and we hope that students and teachers will find the laboratory sessions beneficial and enriching."
Further information on the S6 Enhancement Unit and next week’s laboratory sessions, along with photo opportunities are available from Nikki Musgrave, tel: (01224) 273269 or email: cpd@abdn.ac.uk
The event has been arranged by CPD Services, the S6 Enhancement Unit at the University, which was set up in 2002 with the principle aim of supporting sixth year pupils studying Advanced Highers.