Science Matters is a programme of informal lectures delivered by working scientists about their current research, or a related topic. It is targeted at all sixth form scientists in order to both reinforce their 'A' level teaching and further their interests. It also provides them with an opportunity to question the sort of people who will interview them when they apply to university.

Jump to some photos of meetings

Jump to a separate page showing our viewing of the Venus transit

Over the last few terms, we have been privileged to welcome the following speakers to the School:

• Dr. Jim Cohen, Jodrell Bank Observatory - "Radio Astronomy at Jodrell Bank"
• Professor Peter Weightman, University of Liverpool - "The Physics of Surfaces"
• Dr. Ronan McGrath, University of Liverpool - "Quasicrystals - from Fibbonaci to the Frying Pan"
• Dr. Howard Sherman - "Quantum Computing"

• Dr. Paul Strange, University of Keele - "Rainbows, Mirages and Haloes - Optics of the Atmosphere"
• Dr. Christopher Whitehead, University of Manchester - "Plasma - the Fourth State of Matter"
• Professor Tom Mullin, University of Manchester - "Chaos and the Indian Rope Trick"
• Professor John Williams, University College Chester - "Temperature Switches in the Cell - a Molecular and Genetic Approach"

• Dr. Roger Barlow, University of Manchester - "Antimatter"
• Mr. Glenn Wilson, Shell Global Solutions - "Not all Fuels are the same"
• Dr. Iain Hagan, University of Manchester - "The Science of Cell Division"
• Dr. James Bridge, formerly of University of Kent at Canterbury and King's School, Canterbury - "The Demise of the Dinosaurs"
• Dr. Ali Mobasheri, University of Liverpool, -"Veterinary Science and Related Research"

• Dr. Tim O'Brien, Physics Department, University of Manchester Life in the Universe
• Dr. Colin Wright, Solipsys Ltd, - "Theory and Practice of Juggling"
• Dr. Mark Dickinson, Physics Department, University of Manchester, - "Blood, guts and Lasers"
• Dr. Jonathan Allday, The King's School, Canterbury - "Machines, Mathematicians and Minds"
• Dr. John Charles-Jones - "Aviation Medicine"

• Dr. Ian Bradley, Physics Department, University of Lancaster -" The Colour of the Universe - a light hearted view"
• Dr. John Macdonald, Chemistry Department, University of Bangor -"Molecules in the Milky Way and Beyond"
• Prof. Martin Taylor, School of Informatics, University of Bangor -"Nanotechnology - How can something so mall become so big?"
• Dr. Antony Fairbanks, Chemistry Department, University of Oxford - "Glycoform - a cure for Cancer from Carbohydrates?"

•Dr. Pete Cole, University of Liverpool - "Medical Imaging Techniques"
•Miss. Laura Grant and Miss Katie Spall, University of Liverpool - "Physics is boring ! - Why, and what can we do about it?"
•Mr. Glenn Wilson, Shell Global Solutions - "Not all fuels are the same"
•Dr. James Bridge, formerly of University of Kent at Canterbury - "Climate Changes - Past and Present"
•Dr. Walter Perrie, University of Liverpool Laser Applications in Research and Industry
•Professor Stuart Irvine, University of Bangor - "The Challenge of Solar Energy"

Science Matters - photos of meetings
Click on an image to display a larger version in a new window

Andrew Norman in conversation with Dr Walter Perrie (University of Liverpool) who lectured on laser applications	Glenn Wilson (Shell Global Solutions) uses an endoscope to examine the valves inside a cylinder	The images from the endoscope are viewed on a laptop computer
Laura Grant (University of Liverpool) demonstrates the magnetic levitation of a spinning top	The spinning top levitates	Liquid nitrogen (at -196°C) can be used to investigate properties of materials, such as Ben's tie
Laura Grant pours liquid nitrogen	Ben Turner investigates laser interference

Stargazing
Dr. Steve Barrett, University of Liverpool
A special trip to the speaker’s private Observatory (web address) should (weather permitting) provide an opportunity to do some real-time observations of planets and distant galaxies.

A brief report After three failed attempts due to poor weather, a small group of well-insulated students consisting of Ming-Chee Chung (5MP), Andrew Norman (5PF) and Andrew Roberts (3MB) accompanied Dr. Bosworth on Wednesday 28th January to the private observatory of Steve Barrett, a lecturer at Liverpool University, located on the Wirral. From his observatory (actually a specially adapted shed!) we looked at the surface of the moon, the rings of Saturn and the Orion Nebula, all in extraordinary detail. Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in just as Jupiter was rising, but a second visit is planned for March.

Veterinary Medicine at University
Dr. Ali Mobasheri, Senior Tutor, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
A second visit for this speaker will focus on his postgraduate research and also the practicalities of getting onto a veterinary degree at University. This one is recommended particularly for 5th and lower sixth formers who might be thinking of this particular career.

Careers in Aviation
Dr. John Charles-Jones

A second visit for this speaker, who has a good deal of experience in the forces and as a GP. He has a wonderful collection of stories and photographs, and his lecture should be considered purely for the sake of interest.

Photo: Dr. Charles-Jones chats to pupils Mo Hu, Ben Turner and Jonathan Budzynski following his talk on the history of aviation and related medical issues."

Investigating the Structure of DNA
Dr. Arumugam Mahendrasingham, School of Physics and Chemistry, University of Keele
Expect the subject matter of this talk to complement all three ‘A’ level Science courses. The topic is as relevant as ever.

If for any reason you can't find what you are looking for, have a look in our alphabetical list, or contact us on the following e-mail: info@kingschester.co.uk