- An introduction to Engineering
How do engineers use an understanding of material structure and properties to select the most suitable materials for real-world applications across different engineering disciplines?
In this session, you’ll explore how engineers understand and select materials to solve real-world problems. You’ll investigate how the structure and properties of different materials influence the way they behave and consider why choosing the right material can be critical to applications across automotive, civil and electrical engineering.
Through interactive activities and practical examples, you’ll apply engineering thinking to compare materials and explore their potential uses. You'll also gain an insight into how scientific knowledge, design and problem-solving come together in engineering, as well as the breadth of engineering disciplines and the diverse career opportunities available.
- An introduction to Computer Sciences
How do smart devices use sensors, software and networks to interact with the world around us, and how can we create our own connected systems?
Technology is a fundamental part of our lives. Every day, new devices are available to simplify our daily activities, from a simple sensor that turns on the light to a smartphone app that can control all the appliances in a building. In this session, you’ll explore the principles behind embedded computer systems and the Internet of Things, where everyday devices use sensors, software and networks to collect information and respond to their environment.
Through practical activities, you’ll discover how hardware and software work together and gain experience of the problem-solving and computational thinking involved in creating connected technologies. You will be introduced to microcontrollers, electronic devices, and software programming and how they interact, and will be able to develop basic digital systems using a microcontroller-based board in a simulation environment. You’ll leave the session with a real insight into how computer scientists design systems that bridge the digital and physical worlds.
- An introduction to Maths and Statistics
How can mathematics and statistics help us understand patterns, solve problems and make sense of the world?
In this session, you’ll explore the nature of Mathematics and Statistics as disciplines: their importance, relevance and elegance, and how they have evolved over time thanks to the work of influential mathematicians and statisticians. There will be an introduction to a selection of topic areas that you may not have encountered as part of your secondary school studies and an opportunity for you to explore problem-solving by discussing interesting mathematical questions as a group.
- An introduction to Chemistry
How do chemists work out what substances are made of and why their properties matter in everyday life and industry?
Chemistry underpins all natural sciences and makes major contributions to STEM education and industry. Studying chemistry helps you solve problems, think creatively, and build a diverse set of skills valued by future employers. This session introduces core chemical concepts and connects them to our research and teaching. Through interactive activities, you will decipher molecular information from unknown mixtures and explore how experimental and theoretical techniques reveal molecular structure and properties. By the end of the session, you will have gained insight into how chemists investigate the molecular world and how these methods translate into real-world scientific and industrial applications.
- An introduction to Physics
How can physics help us understand everything from tiny particles to the largest objects in the universe?
Physics is a huge topic - with research activities ranging from tiny particles through to large astronomical objects, and everything in between. This session will give you a taste of studying physics. You will experience a lecture which is designed to complement and enhance knowledge used during A-levels (and equivalents). You will also be introduced to hands-on physics by working on a laboratory experiment, looking at how sound interacts with hidden objects. And finally, you will get the chance to see some of the large experimental facilities which we use, based at Warwick.
- An introduction to Artificial Intelligence
How do computers learn from data, and how is artificial intelligence changing the world around us?
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and interact with technology. From chatbots and recommendation systems to self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, and scientific discovery, AI is becoming an important part of many areas of society.
This session will introduce you to the basic ideas behind AI and machine learning, including how computers can learn from data, recognise patterns, and make predictions or decisions. Through interactive examples, you’ll explore how AI systems are trained, where they are used in real-world applications, and what opportunities and challenges they create. The session will also encourage discussion around the responsible use of AI, including fairness, safety, and the impact of intelligent technologies on future careers.
