A Mind-Blowing Day for the 5th Form Scientists at GCSE Science Live!

On Thursday, the 5^th Form Scientists attended a GCSE Science Live! lecture day at Bath Forum.

The first talk of the day was given by Professor Dave Cliff entitled ‘The Future of Computer Science’. Professor Cliff introduced some of the huge advances made over the last fifty years in computing and the potential progress, developments and challenges facing computer scientists of the future.

Professor Alice Roberts then delivered a lecture on how the domestication of three species (dogs, wheat and horses) changed our world and became essential to the survival and success of humans.

Two short sessions with GCSE Chief Examiner Stuart Chenery gave pupils top tips on how to succeed in their Science examinations. He covered what and how Science is tested at GCSE level, the types of questions used with examples, revision and examination techniques.

Professor Lord Robert Winston lectured on early human development. Describing his early work in research and development in gynaecological microsurgery, along with his major contributions to this area, such as his development of precision surgery on fallopian tubes and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis allowing families to have children free of fatal illnesses. Professor Winston ended his talk by explaining his recent research into transgenetic technology and into developing methods for maturing eggs outside of the body which would make IVF more affordable, more accessible and less intrusive.

Next Professor Lucie Green delivered a lecture on the future of space exploration. In her lecture she explained her main research focus which investigates why the Sun produces eruptions and explosions in its atmosphere.

The final mind-blowing lecture of the day from Professor Jim Al-Khalili explored whether time travel in Einstein’s Universe was fact or fiction.

Sadie Osborne - Head of Chemistry