Science, technology, engineering and maths subject sessions

In these sessions, students will get a taste of a specific field of physics research. Through a mix of introductory material and hands-on activities, we will introduce new concepts and share experiences of further study in physics and future career options. There will be a strong focus on transferrable scientific skills throughout.

Year group: Years 10-13, and Years 12-13 (delivered separately)

Delivery format: On campus

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Emma Willett, Dr Stuart Pirrie 

This session introduces students to what it is like to study mathematics at university level. Delivered by academics from the School of Mathematics at the University of Birmingham, the session is designed for students who are considering continuing their mathematics studies beyond A level and want to understand how university study differs.

Year group: Years 11-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30 minutes

Session type: A-level curriculum

Academic lead: Professor Simon Goodwin

This session introduces students to the key differences between studying Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at university. While both subjects share a strong scientific foundation, they focus on different approaches to solving real-world problems.

Students will explore how chemists investigate the structure and behaviour of molecules, while chemical engineers focus on designing and scaling processes that turn chemical discoveries into useful products and technologies. The session also introduces an example of research from the University of Birmingham that demonstrates how chemistry contributes to innovations in healthcare.

Through this example, students gain insight into how chemical research can lead to developments in areas such as diagnostics, medicines and medical technologies. Designed for students considering science degrees, the session helps clarify the different academic pathways available and highlights the wide range of careers open to graduates in chemistry and chemical engineering.

Year group: Year 12

Delivery format: In school

Duration: 30 minutes

Session type: Careers pathways

Academic lead: Professor Zoe Pikramenou

Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most important technological developments in modern chemistry and underpin many devices used in everyday life, from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles and large-scale renewable energy storage. Their impact on science and technology was recognised with the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to John Goodenough, Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino.

In this session, students will learn how lithium-ion batteries work and explore the chemistry behind the materials used in their construction. Using familiar examples such as smartphone batteries, the talk explains how electrochemical processes allow energy to be stored and released efficiently.

The session then considers the rapidly expanding role of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Students will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with the global transition to electric transport, including the growing demand for battery production and the importance of recycling technologies to ensure sustainable use of resources.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 50 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Professor Peter Slater

This session introduces students to the pharmaceutical industry and the scientific process behind discovering new medicines. Using examples from the development of anticancer therapeutics, the talk explores how chemists and biologists work together to design and develop new drugs.

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Professor Andy Wilson 

This session supports students preparing for A-level Chemistry by providing a structured review of key topics in organic chemistry. The session revisits core concepts from the organic chemistry curriculum and helps students understand how different parts of the syllabus connect.Students will review major reaction types and reaction mechanisms while exploring how these processes relate to one another across the organic chemistry syllabus.

The session aims to strengthen students’ understanding of fundamental concepts while helping them develop confidence in applying their knowledge to examination-style questions.Where appropriate, students will also have the opportunity to work through practice questions during the session, allowing them to consolidate their understanding and discuss common challenges in organic chemistry.

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: Revision session

Academic lead: Professor Andy Wilson

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed modern technology by enabling efficient energy storage for a wide range of devices, from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles. As governments around the world set targets to phase out fossil fuel vehicles and transition to cleaner energy systems, demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to grow rapidly.

This online session introduces students to the chemistry behind lithium-ion batteries and explains how these devices store and release energy. Students will explore the materials used in battery design and learn how advances in solid-state chemistry have enabled improvements in battery performance.

The course also examines how lithium-ion batteries are manufactured and considers the environmental and technological challenges associated with their increasing use. In particular, students will explore how battery recycling and resource recovery will play an important role in supporting the sustainable growth of electric transport and renewable energy technologies.

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: Online webinar

Academic lead: Professor Peter Slater

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance has become one of the most important analytical tools used in chemistry and is the foundation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which has become one of the most important diagnostic techniques used in medicine.

This course will introduce the importance of spectroscopy and explain the basic principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Students will learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum and spectroscopy and discover how NMR forms the basis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: Canvas

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: General taster session

Academic lead: Professor Melanie Britton

This session introduces the fundamentals of engineering and its vital role in shaping the modern world. Participants will explore how engineering combines science, mathematics, and creativity to solve real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.

The session covers key engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, providing a clear overview of what each field involves. It also highlights the wide range of career opportunities available with an engineering degree, from designing infrastructure and technology to working in research, business, and entrepreneurship.

Through examples and discussion, participants will gain insight into the skills engineers use, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and design. This session is ideal for anyone interested in understanding how engineering impacts everyday life and what pathways are available for those considering a future in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Richard Hood

This session explores the rapidly evolving world of autonomous systems and their growing impact on engineering. As technology advances, engineers are no longer just building machines, they are creating intelligent systems that can operate, adapt, and make decisions independently. From self-driving cars to automated factories and smart cities, autonomy is transforming industries and redefining what engineering means.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: Research skills session

Academic lead: Dr Richard Hood

This session focuses on the exciting and fast-growing field of drone engineering, where innovation meets autonomy in the air. Participants will explore how engineers design and develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can fly, navigate, and perform tasks with little or no human input. Drones are transforming industries by making processes faster, safer, and more efficient.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: Research skills session

Academic lead: Dr Richard Hood

This session explores how modern engineering uses digital tools to design, optimise, and manufacture products, with a focus on Autodesk Fusion as an all-in-one platform. Participants will learn how ideas move from concept to reality using integrated CAD, CAM, and generative design tools. Widely used in industry, Autodesk Fusion allows engineers to design, simulate, and manufacture within a single environment, streamlining the entire engineering process.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus, or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Richard Hood

This session offers an engaging physical or virtual tour of a makerspace, a collaborative workshop where creativity, engineering, and innovation come together. Participants will explore how makerspaces provide access to tools, technologies, and resources that allow individuals to design, build, and test their own ideas. From beginners to experienced engineers, makerspaces support hands-on learning and experimentation.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: In school, on campus or online

Duration: 60 minutes

Session type: A-level curriculum session

Academic lead: Dr Richard Hood