Step up to Science – Summer Camp 2017

The step-up to University programme aims to raise aspiration, raise attainment and provide support for secondary aged pupils from disadvantaged areas. On Thursday 20^th July 2017, the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences hosted 14 secondary aged visitors from across South Wales to give them an insight into Pharmacy, Microbiology, Antibiotics, University life and, of course, beekeeping!

The Students were taught by Dr. James Blaxland about the screening methods commonly used in microbiology and were shown different types of bacteria. In addition, they were informed about the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, and the need for more research into identifying new drugs.

Following on from this, Dr. Louise Hughes spoke to the students regarding biodiversity and the need of pollinators and gave a demonstration of how a beehive works. The students were then taken onto the roof under the care of Dr. Stephen Hiscox and PhD Students Mellisa Fallon and Michael Pascoe.

The programme is a core part of the universities widening access programme. It develops a three-year relationship with pupils in schools from which there have traditionally been low rates of progression to university. The Step-Up programme is managed and delivered by the Undergraduate Recruitment and Widening Access Team in partnership with the University’s academic schools and with the support of a variety of external organisations.