August 15, 2016

High school students treated to hands-on science week

High school students with a passion for science were invited to UOW last month to dabble in DNA, undertake the same training nurses do at university and use satellite data to investigate climate change.

Now in it’s 25th year, The University of Wollongong (UOW) ConocoPhillips Science Experience is an event held annually by the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.

The event, held in July, encompassed three days of hands­-on, exciting and challenging sessions for students in years 9 and 10.

UOW Schools Liaison and Recruitment Coordinator Dr Colin Cortie said the event is a great opportunity for teenagers with a keen interest in science to spend time with like-minded students.

“Students learnt about the human body in our new physiology labs, visited sustainable buildings, made ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and visited the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium,” Dr Cortie said.

“We also gave students tips on courses and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) including how to apply to UOW through our Early Admissions system and new degrees such as the Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health and our new degrees in Bionanotechnology –which is new in 2017.”

The event is aimed at encouraging students to consider pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines throughout the later years of high school and eventually at university.