UK Centre for Materials Education
Working with you to enhance the student experience
Working with you to enhance the student experience
Awarded to: Dr Cheryl Anderson
Institution: University of Wales, Swansea
Funded in: 2001
Project description: The major aim of this project is to instil interest and enthusiasm in the subject of Materials science and engineering by identifying key areas of GCSE and AS subjects that cover aspects of materials.
Background: Unfortunately, at present, it appears that whilst some school subjects touch on the area of Materials, it is not identified as a subject in its own right. Key aspects of this project are to instil interest and enthusiasm in Materials and highlight the link with modules studied within chemistry, physics and D&T and university degree courses, as well as careers in Materials-related fields. The first year of the project is intended as a pilot study. A small (up to 6) number of participating target schools will be involved in the project for the first year with the aim of expanding the number of schools involved in the following years.
Objectives: The initial aim is to identify key areas where Materials/Engineering aspects are taught in the curricula of chemistry, physics and D&T. Having identified local schools that are keen to be involved in the project, the University team will then participate in the teaching of Materials modules. The anticipated assistance will involve provision of suitable teaching aids as well as participation in relevant practical classes. An important aspect of the close participation will be the knowledge the university team is able to provide the students in terms of the important applications of Materials Science and the abundance of industry requiring Materials graduates. Overall, it will be critical for the students to be able to relate the modules studied to 'real life' situations.
Deliverables: