'Day of physics' to give taste of university life

Around 120 Advanced Higher pupils from Dundee, Angus, Fife and Edinburgh went to the University of Dundee for a "Day of Physics" designed to give them a flavour of studying the subject at undergraduate level.

The Electronic Engineering and Physics Division at the University were host to an event which was part of the Tayside Universities and Schools Liaison in Physics (TUSLIP) Group"s attempts to reach out to pupils with an interest in the subject. TUSLIP is a partnership between the universities of Dundee and St Andrews.

Dr David McGloin, one of the organisers of the event, said he was delighted that so many S6 pupils were taking part, and that participation would enhance their Advanced Higher studies.

"We hope to demonstrate that physics is an exciting and inspiring topic to study at University that will lead to fulfilling careers," he said. "This is a key regional event for promoting physics for further study and motivating young minds for a career in physics."

The pupils carried out undergraduate physics experiments in the University"s teaching laboratories, interact with students from both Dundee and St Andrews, heard about potential careers in physics and experience a real university lecture.

There was interactive, hands-on demonstrations, and physics researchers who outlined how physics can be used to study climate change and to discover new extra solar planets.