(Photo opportunities available: Tuesday, August 26: details at end of release)
The University of Aberdeen will be holding its fourth University-wide pre-application Open Day tomorrow (Tuesday, August 26) which promises to be an Earth-shattering event.
Especially for the Open Day, the Geology Department has built a giant indoor working model of the Sun's gravitational field to simulate asteroid collisions with the planets. Visitors are invited to launch their own asteroids into the inner part of the solar system to test for collisions with the planets.
Director of External Affairs, Lori Manders, said: "The Open Day is an ideal opportunity for future students to visit and learn about how much the University of Aberdeen has to offer and get a taste of university life. There are so many different courses and universities to choose from, prospective students should visit as many as possible to see which one suits them best. Departments have pulled out all the stops and visitors can look forward to an exciting and innovative programme of events throughout the day."
Departments will be opening their doors with tours, exhibitions and lectures. Visitors will be able to get a real taste of what studying in Aberdeen will be like, with the opportunity to attend presentations by existing students on Student Life, take a tour of the campus, sports facilities and accommodation. To enhance the authentic "student experience", visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight in halls of residence this evening (August 25) after attending an exclusive party at the Students' Union. A range of events will take place throughout the day. Amongst the highlights, visitors will be able to give their feedback in the Big Brother-style Diary Room, Northsound Radio will be broadcasting live from campus, and there will be an extravaganza of electro-acoustic music. A highlight will be University Rector, Clarissa Dickson Wright, hosting a Ready, Steady, Cook style cookery programme with two University students who will be given a limited number of interesting ingredients and then be asked to whip up a mouthwatering masterpiece against the clock.
Buskers will be playing outside Elphinstone Hall and a fiddler will be on hand throughout the day to provide musical entertainment for the crowds.
Lisa Rattray, Organiser of the University's Open Day, added: "The University of Aberdeen's Open Day gives us the opportunity to demonstrate just how innovative and exciting we are. We're expecting visitors from as far afield as China, Switzerland and Germany who will enjoy a varied and interesting day."
For further information on the Open Day, including a full programme of Departmental tours and activities, contact Student Recruitment and Admissions on freephone: 0800 027 1495, or visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/openday. Visitors can register at the University in the morning of the 26th.