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Press release


  • 25 November 2004
  • Revealed – the science behind Beckham and lollies


    Professor Phillip Parsons of the Department of Chemistry is pictured creating a fireball to demonstr
    Young scientists of tomorrow learned how to bend it like Beckham with maths and how to make ice lollies with liquid nitrogen at the University's first Science at Sussex event.

    More than 100 pupils from eight Sussex schools (Bexhill College, BHASVIC, Dorothy Stringer, Newlands Manor School, Patcham High, Portslade Community College, Sussex Downs College and Varndean College) attended a series of demonstrations, experiments and talks aimed at inspiring children to take a fresh look at science education and the exciting opportunities a university degree can offer.

    Academics from seven departments - biology and environmental science, biochemistry, chemistry, computing, engineering and design, mathematics and physics and astronomy - were on hand to offer a taste of what studying science is like at university.

    The aim was to dazzle rather than blind with science through a series of fun but informative activities that included learning the maths behind swerving footballs, the multimedia effects used for the weather forecast and how the quantum computer and the gas turbine work. Other science "secrets" uncovered included how to run faster than light and·how to freeze lollies using liquid nitrogen. Undergraduates were also on hand to give pupils an insight into student life at Sussex.

    Sussex Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor John Dearlove, who attended the event, said: "These are very exciting times to be studying science at Sussex and this event was lively and enjoyable. All the schools and colleges present asked to be invited back. This can only be positive for the future of science."

    Exciting changes also lie ahead for science at Sussex. An enhanced science curriculum for future undergraduates will include new developments in traditional subjects such as maths, physics and chemistry. It will also offer new ways of studying, including learning through solving real world problems in subjects not usually taught in schools, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, engineering and product design.

    Alongside traditional single-honours degrees such as the BSc in chemistry, students can also look forward to programmes such as the MEng in Satellite Communications and Space Systems.

    The next Science at Sussex event takes place on 2 December and will include new robotics demonstrations.

    For more information about Science at Sussex and to make a booking, contact the SciTech Marketing and Admissions Office at the University of Sussex, tel: 01273 877856 or 678741, or email scitechmao@sussex.ac.uk

     

    Notes for editors 

    Professor Phillip Parsons of the Department of Chemistry is pictured creating a fireball to demonstrate the oxidation of butane gas. Photograph by Stuart Robinson

    See Science at Sussex in action on a whirlwind tour through the day's activities:

    Press Office contacts: Maggie Clune or Jacqui Bealing, tel: 01273 678 888. Email M.T.Clune@sussex.ac.uk or J.A.Bealing@sussex.ac.uk

     

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