Thirty sixth-form pupils from across the country visited the University this week to get a taste of what it is like to work in chemical engineering.
The four-day Headstart course saw students taking part in lectures, laboratory sessions, experiments and problem solving.
Headstart has been established for more than 16 years and works with the country’s top Universities to provide school pupils with hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.
The University’s Department of Chemical Engineering offers prestigious degree programmes and has strong relationships with the commercial sector, making it one of the most successful in the UK.
For the pupils attending the Headstart course, this was an opportunity to connect with professionals and technical specialists in Chemical Engineering whilst developing essential skills like problem-solving and teamwork.
Jon Connolly (Balcarras school, Cheltenham), Tristan Tuen-Matthews (The Skinners school, Tumbridge Wells) and Alex Wall (Alcester Grammar school, Warwickshire) enjoyed the four-day course.
Marianne Ellis, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, said: “The pupils have been thoroughly engaged with the biodiesel project we set them, and worked hard to produce some really excellent results.
“They also seem to have really enjoyed the course this week – they have had an opportunity to find out why chemical engineering is so important to the future of our planet, and what it is like to be an undergraduate chemical engineer at Bath.
“Six of our final year undergraduates helped to organise and run the course, which was a fantastic experience for them, but also allowed the visiting pupils to chat with current students and get a real picture of University life.
“The pupils stayed on campus throughout the week in undergraduate accommodation, been into the city centre and to the Sports Training Village for dinner, and had a barbeque and played rounders on one of our sports fields, so they’ve had a real taste of life at the Sunday Times University of the Year!”
Pupil Tristan Tuen-Matthews said: “This was an informative course that has helped me decide what I want to study at University.”
Jon Connolly added: “The week has given me a great insight into not only Chemical Engineering but also student life at the University of Bath.”
For more information on Headstart visit the programme website.
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