Civil Engineering Taster Sessions
Wednesday 9 December 2015 13.00-15.30hrs
You are warmly invited to join us in the School of Science, Engineering and
Technology for our Civil Engineering Taster Sessions. The afternoon starts with
introduction to the unique features of our programme and the opportunity to meet
some of our current students. We will then break into small groups and do two
interactive hands-on workshops that will give you a chance to experience student
life at Abertay and to understand some of the skills developed in our programmes
and to learn about the exciting careers opportunities for our graduates.
The workshops will look at:

How we can make better use of materials such as concrete. We will do an
experiment to see how the final strength of concrete in structure and its
behaviour as a liquid are influenced by the choice and proportions of the
materials used in the mix. We will discuss why this is important in projects
such as multi-story mega structures and in exciting projects like the road
bridge across the Firth of Forth.

How water flows in rivers and channels and how this helps us understand
flood risks and impacts. We will do an experiment to see how flow depths
can change depending on the amount of water that is flowing in the river
and also see how, and understand and discuss why, the depth can change
when the flow encounters features such a weir in a river or a change in the
slope and nature of the river bed.

How we use modern surveying equipment to produce maps and plans and
how these instruments are used by Engineers to make sure that large
projects are built with amazing accuracy so that, for example, long bridges
and the channel tunnel meet in the middle.
What is a Taster Session?
Our Taster Sessions provide an excellent opportunity for students to get a taste of
what it is like to study a particular subject at university level. Taster Sessions differ
from a more generalised Open Day or lecture, as students will undertake various
hands on activities to provide an insight into a specific degree area. Taster
Sessions allow students to establish a more clear understanding of what university
level study involves and help in the decision making process of what to do after
school.
Who are Taster Sessions aimed at?
Taster Sessions are aimed at current and future applicants usually aged 16-18 with
an interest in post-school study in the specific subject area and are an ideal
introduction to university for pupils considering moving on to university.
How do I book places?
You are invited to book a place by emailing sro@abertay.ac.uk with the following
details: number of pupil places required, number of staff places required, year
group of pupils, name of school and contact details.