Public Understanding of Science

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is nationally recognised as a centre actively involved in promoting the public understanding of science. Two of the key events organised annually within the department are the Masterclass series and Bath Taps Into Science, both of which take place during the early spring.

The masterclass series is aimed at Year 8 school children (12-13 year olds) who have shown interest and/or aptitude in mathematics. It involves a series of 6-8 Saturday morning workshops during which the children are exposed to new mathematical concepts, ideas or applications. Using mathematics to explain biological phenomenon including population dynamics and genetic diversity are common topics for the workshops.

Bath Taps Into Science is an event open to the general public during Science Week, co-ordinated from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Volunteers from the University, local schools and scientific companies set up stalls in central Bath to allow the public to explore a wide range of scientific phenomena including applied mathematics.

Students enrolled on the MSc programme will be actively encouraged to participate in one of these activities, to present ideas to the public based on the role of mathematics in understanding biological processes. This will not be included in the formal requirements of the MSc programme. However, we are confident that students will understand the opportunities which this voluntary component will offer them and we anticipate a high level of uptake. The benefits of developing communication skills will be stressed to the students.

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