National Residential 2019

BIOSCIENCES: Life: The Weird and Wonderful

Penryn Campus, Cornwall

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July 2019

Biology is the study of life, from the microscopic bacteria on our skin to the enormous blue whales inhabiting the oceans. As biologists, we ask questions about living organisms and how they interact with their environment. We try to understand the weird and wonderful behaviours that we observe and why these vary among different individuals and species. We study the evolutionary processes that produced the amazing diversity of life on Earth and how we can best conserve it.

Our activities will provide an insight into life as a bioscience student. We believe in research-inspired teaching, and this will be reflected in the activities we run, which include lab work, a field trip and research project, and interacting with our current students.

Through this strand, you will broaden your knowledge of the bioscience subjects taught on the Penryn Campus: animal behaviour, conservation biology and ecology, marine biology, evolutionary biology, and zoology. You will experience these areas and gain experience of different university learning styles in the classroom, lab, and in the field. Activities will include a laboratory practical, a mini research conference led by our postgraduate students, and a marine biology themed fieldtrip which will give you the opportunity to explore some of Cornwall’s amazing wildlife. During all of these activities you will be joined by students and staff from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation and will be able to find out more about their research and where a degree in biosciences could take you. This is the perfect opportunity for budding scientists to learn more about what studying biosciences at university is all about!

Specific Entry Requirements:

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying Biology at A Level.

BIOSCIENCES: Outbreak! When Humans and Microbes Collide

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

Biology is the study of life, in all its forms and at all scales – from microscopic single-celled organisms to the giant two-mile-long fungus that is the largest living organism on earth. There are many types of biologist, but we all seek to understand how living organisms function and how they interact with their environment. We work with doctors to advance medicine, with farmers to develop pest-resistant fruits and vegetables, with companies to improve industrial processes, and with people all over the world to understand the effect that humans have on our planet and how we can minimise and/or repair damage.

Our programme will introduce you to some of the fundamental knowledge and experience of a biologist. You will:

• experience what it is like to perform research in the field and in a laboratory, by working through a scenario that showcases how biological research can be applied to the real world
• gain hands-on experience with real scientific techniques and equipment, and a glimpse into life as a researcher
• interact with our current students and staff and gain hints and tips on biology as a career option
• broaden your knowledge of bioscience subjects and gain experience of different university learning styles.

Join us to see what studying biosciences at university is all about, and how biologists come together to investigate the science of complex problems.

You will investigate the following scenario: Dr Jones, a researcher at the University, recently travelled to a rural village to investigate an emerging disease outbreak. She began working to understand the biology of the disease with the aim of developing a preliminary vaccine. However, there has now been an outbreak of the disease here at the University, and Dr Jones herself has fallen sick. Your task is to identify the people who are most susceptible to the infection, collect and isolate the organism responsible, and figure out what is going wrong in the patients’ cells … before it’s too late!

Specific Entry Requirements:

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying Biology at A Level.

BUSINESS SCHOOL: Could You Be An Entrepreneur?

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

This subject strand will provide you with an opportunity to find out more about what it would be like to study Business at university. Studying Business incorporates the study of disciplines such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management. This subject activity strand will include presentations led by academics from across the Business School, who will share insights from their teaching and research. There will also be plenty of exciting opportunities to explore your entrepreneurial potential through team work, interactive activities, and hands-on projects with current Business School students. You will develop your communication skills and techniques for generating business ideas… Maybe in the future you could enter into Dragon’s Den?!

Specific Entry Requirements:

Minimum grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying Mathematics at A Level. 

DRAMA: Devising Performance: Approaches to Making and Thinking Critically

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

This workshop will provide participants with a sustained creative and critical experience through a series of devising games and collaborative tasks. We will explore visual storytelling techniques, ensemble work and improvisation, space dynamics, and object and voice work as the foundational tools for making performance and thinking critically through embodied research. The sessions will be rigorous but fun! The workshop will provide participants with a positive taster experience of a practical Drama module, as well as the skills and knowledge to embark on their own devised projects for the future. There will be a short sharing of performance work at the end of the residential. 

No prior experience in Drama required!

Specific Entry Requirements:

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying Drama / Theatre / Performance Studies at A Level. 

ENGLISH & FILM: Creating Texts and Cultures

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

This subject activity strand will explore the ways that texts and cultures interact and the effects that they have upon each other. Across a variety of texts in different genres and forms (fiction, poetry, film), we will be looking at the extent to which art acts as a window on culture, and the ways that different cultures shape the art that they produce. From medieval literature to creative writing to contemporary film, we will employ close reading and critical analysis to interpret the ways that texts reflect and influence our lives.

Although an academic interest in literature or film will be a requirement for the programme, no particular specialist knowledge or preparation is required. Seminars and workshops will include a variety of different literatures and a visit to the nationally important Bill Douglas Cinema Museum on the University of Exeter Streatham campus.

Specific Entry Requirements:

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying English at A Level.

GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: People and Planet

Penryn Campus, Cornwall

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July

Geography is an all-encompassing subject, covering the patterns and processes that shape both human society and the physical processes on Earth, and indeed how the two interact. As such, Geographers study the atmosphere, ocean, ice, land, life, renewable energy, and the relationships between communities and cultures and their environment.

Environmental Science is the study of our environment and the solutions to environmental problems. It covers plant and soil science, oceanography, atmosphere, geology, and the influence of humans on the environment. Here at Exeter, we also teach environmental law which is key to providing solutions to many of the environmental problems we face today, such as climate change and habitat loss.

This subject activity strand will provide a taster of studying Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science at degree level. We will run several activities, including a field trip to our beautiful Cornish landscapes, lab work, interactive activities, and talks about some of our exciting current research such as a research voyage to the Antarctic. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet some of our current students. We are a friendly and welcoming bunch, and this strand of the Exeter Scholars programme will provide a great opportunity to find out what studying at university is like.

HISTORY: Fragments of the Past

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

This thematic strand will introduce you to different ways of thinking of and through the past in different times and different spaces. We shall introduce you to different forms of historical testimony – from monastic manuscripts to early film – and discuss how such historical fragments can help us to reconstruct aspects of the past. In each seminar you will not only study history, but be asked to be historians. We will also take a trip away from the campus to explore local archives. You will sample the University of Exeter History Department's expertise in different forms of historical thought and analysis. We shall journey from medieval Europe to the contemporary world, and introduce you to different ways in which the past can be conceived, read, and written.

Each seminar will be similar to how we teach undergraduates; not a lecture, but a discussion based around a fragment of the past. Through such fragments we shall discuss the different ways in which the past can be rethought – of political, social, cultural, economic, military, diplomatic, and postcolonial histories.

This subject strand will act as both an introduction to history and equip you with the analytical skills necessary to succeed at university and beyond. It is not only a chance to experience what it is like to be a history undergraduate, but what it is like to be a historian. 

Specific Entry Requirements:

In the event of this subject strand being oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to students studying History at A Level. 

HISTORY & POLITICS: Learning from the Past in a Globalising World

Penryn Campus, Cornwall

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July 2019

The need for thinking long-term has never been more pressing. It's painfully clear that short-term solutions to such global issues as religious conflict, food security, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the inequalities of wealth and gender are inadequate. More robust solutions require thinking about these and other problems in the long-term, and it's this kind of thinking where historians command formidable authority.

The sessions of this subject activity strand will showcase this kind of thinking via the specialisms of the University of Exeter's historians and social scientists, and how understanding of themes such as religious conflict, human nature, and technology can better prepare us for critically appraising the burgeoning problems facing humanity.

LAW, CRIMINOLOGY, & SOCIOLOGY: Shaping Society in a Contemporary World

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

In this subject strand, you will discover how people behave and interact, and how they have adapted over time, shaping societies across the globe. You will tackle fundamental questions about society and culture in the present and past.

Law is the exploration of the legal system, Criminology is the study of criminal behaviour, and Sociology focuses on society and social life. Together they form an exciting, varied, and relevant stream of study, in which you will have the opportunity to explore a broad range of sociological, cultural, legal, political, historical, and economic issues. The sessions will be facilitated by top researchers across departments: your programme will include a visit to Exeter’s Combined Law Courts, in which you have the opportunity to see court cases and various sentencing outcomes in action. Law, Criminology and Sociology are fascinating areas of study that can open up many doors in shaping your future career. So whether you are interested in a career in the Law, the Criminal Justice sector, the Social Work industry, or you are simply captivated by human behaviour, culture, society and the legal system, this may be the programme for you!

MEDICINE: Critical Competencies and Clinical Skills

Streatham & St Luke's Campuses, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

From the front lines of everyday healthcare to the cutting edge of science and practice, all doctors begin their journeys as part of one of the most competitive and highly skilled cohorts in UK medical schools.

Our programme will introduce you to the fundamental knowledge and experience of the medical student, from learning CPR in our cutting-edge Clinical Skills Resource Centre to exploring our engaging, exciting Problem Based Learning workshop style, facilitated by our experienced, enthusiastic staff and students. Skills-focused workshops and activities will help you hone the essential skills of a medical student, and guide you through the process of application, from entrance tests to interviews, with top tips and support from our senior undergraduates. Opportunities will also be available to learn about the wealth of roles and experiences involved in and allied to medicine, including the exciting disciplines of nursing, neuroscience, medical sciences, and radiography.

Begin your journey into medicine, from application to qualification – and beyond!

Specific Entry Requirements:

Must be studying Biology and Chemistry at A Level or at Higher Level (International Baccalaureate) or equivalent. 

Minimum grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths.

MODERN LANGUAGES: Translating Cultures

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

Modern Languages at the University of Exeter offers seven major languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish. As well as learning a language, great emphasis is placed on the understanding of cultures from medieval times to today, including art, history, philosophy, linguistics, literature, gender studies, and, from a modern perspective, film and museums. The study of Modern Languages and Cultures boosts your employability while also helping you to become a knowledgeable citizen of the world.

The Modern Languages strand will therefore encourage you to expand the boundaries of your experience. We will look at a variety of cultures and settings to explore current themes that matter across Europe and beyond. The residential includes a visit to the University’s unique Bill Douglas Cinema museum for a 'hands-on' experience.

No prior experience of a language is required.

OUR EARTH, ENVIRONMENT, & RESOURCES: Discover the World Beneath Your Feet

Penryn Campus, Cornwall

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July 2019

This exciting subject activity strand will take you on a journey to discover more about the dynamic and diverse planet we live on. The University of Exeter is home to an internationally recognised geoscience and mining engineering department, which tackles some of the world’s most important environmental challenges. You will find staff conducting research into a range of globally significant areas, including climate change, environmental management and remediation, volcanoes and natural hazards, mineral deposits, fossils, smart mine design, and sustainable and intelligent mining.

You will engage with both staff and students, gaining an insight into life as a geoscientist or mining engineer and working at the forefront of Earth’s environmental challenges. Work in these vibrant sectors is highly varied – you could be in a laboratory one day, collecting data in the field another day, and then analysing your results with high-tech computer software and 3D virtual reality (VR) modelling the next. This subject activity strand reflects this variety, by combining field, laboratory, and classroom activities.

This is the perfect opportunity for any aspiring scientists, engineers, or geographers with an interest in how the Earth works or how we can manage Earth’s resources in a sustainable and smart way. Discover the world beneath your feet!

PHYSICS: Matter, Energy, and Questions about the Universe

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

Studying Physics at university is a challenging, stimulating, thought-provoking, and ultimately rewarding experience! In this Physics residential, you will have the unique opportunity to experience this first-hand by attending a wide range of lectures giving samples of both undergraduate-level content as well as lectures that give an insight into our world-leading Physics research. Meet our academic staff, postgraduate researchers, and current undergraduate students, take part in exciting, hands-on Physics activities in our teaching laboratories, and carry out a fun team project that will test your problem solving skills.

Specific Entry Requirements:

Must be studying Mathematics at A Level.

POLITICS & PHILOSOPHY: Power and Thought in a Changing World

Streatham Campus, Exeter

Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019

Politics and Philosophy is an exciting new strand which will offer you the opportunity to explore two distinct subjects in a programme which reflects teaching across the main disciplines of Politics & International Relations, and Philosophy.

Sessions will engage you with topics such as philosophical thought and political foundations, while simultaneously exploring some of the major questions facing human society. Sessions will be facilitated by specialist academics in their field and you will explore a broad range of political, cultural, historical, and philosophical issues throughout the programme. You will discuss challenging political concerns from national and international perspectives, and reflect on a range of stimulating philosophical topics.

This programme will inspire you to examine critical ideas and ask thought-provoking questions, teaching you to think rigorously, debate, and defend your views. 

RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENGINEERING: Engineering Clean Energy

Penryn Campus, Cornwall

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July 2019

The increasing demand on energy and electricity means that we need to find new and innovative ways to create this with minimum impact on the environment. Our Renewable Energy department, comprising Renewable Energy Engineering and Renewable Energy BSc degrees, looks at ways to solve this ever-growing problem.

We believe in research-inspired teaching, and, in line with the department’s focus on practical skills development, this course will largely be held in laboratory and field settings alongside class-based learning – immersing you in the subject. Throughout the residential, we will be looking at engineering principles and how they apply to the creation of new renewable energy technologies. You will have the opportunity to experiment with hands-on workshops, hear inspiring talks from our lecturers and researchers, and experience university life on the Penryn Campus. Current undergraduate students will be joining you throughout your time here to provide their insight into the courses and answer any questions. We will also have the opportunity to visit a local wind and solar operation to see how it is run from day to day to inform the practical element of the week.