These and other questions will be tackled in a series of public lectures run by the University of Aberdeen as its contribution to this year’s National Science Week.
Beginning on Monday 20 March for four days, the lectures cover innovative topics across a wide range of areas of general scientific interest.
Each lecture takes places between 7.30pm-8.30pm and entrance is free. The lectures will take place in the Fraser Noble Building or the Meston Building, both of which are located between Bedford Road and Elphinstone Road on the King’s College Campus in Old Aberdeen.
Monday 20 March: Soil – an Essential for Life, or Just Dirt?
Professor Ken Killham, Department of Plant and Soil Science
Lecture Theatre 1, Fraser Noble Building, Old Aberdeen
Tuesday 21 March: The Chemistry of Colour and Combustion
Dr. Don MacPhee, Department of Chemistry
Lecture Theatre 1, Meston Building Old Aberdeen
Wednesday 22 March: Working Like a Dog – Has the Dog had its Day?
Dr Martyn Gorman, Department of Zoology
Lecture Theatre 1, Fraser Noble Building, Old Aberdeen
This lecture is sponsored by Mars Confectionery (and yes, there will be free Mars Bars available to all!)
Thursday 23 March: 400 Million Years Ago at Rhynie – a Tale of Hot Springs, Plants and Animals
Dr Nigel Trewin, Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology
Lecture Theatre 1, Fraser Nobel Building, Old Aberdeen
Running for 10 days, National Science Week is coordinated by the British Association.