From drugs found in the depths of the ocean that can help fight cancer, to computer technology which can crack cryptic codes – hundreds of school pupils from across Aberdeen city and shire are set to discover fascinating facts from the world of science, following the launch of a new University of Aberdeen workshop series.
From today (Monday 27October) academics from the University's departments of Chemistry and Computing Science will be taking their expertise to schools throughout the region, providing youngsters with an insight into how some of sciences most intriguing findings can be applied to real life scenarios.
Aimed at S5 and S6 pupils, the workshops will tour 19 schools using topics such as Artificial Intelligence, web widgets and catalytic combustion, to engage pupils with the subjects of chemistry and computing.
Following the initial launch to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire schools, the workshops will tour schools in Edinburgh from 3 November. Future plans are in place for the initiative to be rolled out further to include schools across the UK.
Professor Corrie Imrie, Head of School, Natural and Computing Sciences who will lead some of the workshops said: "It may not always be entirely obvious, but elements of chemistry and computing play a major role in almost every part of our lives. The workshops will use a mixture of experiments and demonstrations to show how science is operating around us on a day to day basis, from the transport we use to the websites we visit."
Rachel Sandison, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions, University of Aberdeen added: "The workshops have been designed to engage young minds with the topics of computing and chemistry in a unique and inspiring way.
"The intent is to take science away from the textbook and into an actual real life context to show pupils how the subjects that they may choose to study as they progress to University, can actually be applied in our work and home environments."
For more information on the University of Aberdeen Chemistry and Computing Science workshops contact Lesley MacLennan, Senior Marketing Officer, University of Aberdeen on 01224 272517 or Dr Jenifer Scott, Assistant College Registrar (Recruitment), College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen on 01224 272522.