Pupils gained exciting insights into the world of biotechnical chemistry, mathematics and technical physics on the "Study science for a day!" project day at TU Ilmenau.
On December 13, 2023, the The Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at TU Ilmenau opened its doors for the second time to around 180 curious high school students from all over Thuringia and Halle. Under the motto "Study science for a day!", the event offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of science and research for a day and gain a varied insight into the degree courses in biotechnical chemistry, mathematics and technical physics.
The day began at 9 a.m. in the Röntgen lecture hall with a warm welcome from Junior Professor Dr. Christian Dreßler, head of the Theoretical Solid State Physics Group. He hopes that the project day will give the pupils a better impression of everyday university life in the natural sciences:
'Instead of visiting them in schools where they get little exposure to the university, we attract pupils directly to our campus, give them a first impression of studying and make their eyes light up.
At the beginning, the Bachelor's degree courses and research at the Institutes of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Mathematics and Physics were presented in short talks. Participants had the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the university laboratories for physics and chemistry to take a look behind the scenes and experience research at first hand. A short basic practical course in the Faraday building was also available.
A meeting between the pupils and students in the inner courtyard of the Curie Building offered them the ideal opportunity to ask questions and gain first-hand insights into everyday student life. After a free lunch in the canteen, participants were able to get to know other facets of student life during a campus tour on the main campus of TU Ilmenau. At the same time, there was the opportunity to find out about the compatibility of competitive sport and studying at TU Ilmenau in a special student advisory session.
At the end of the project day, the participants had the choice between two events. They could either take part in a joint chemistry and physics experimental lecture or attend a special mathematics lecture for pupils, which provided a deeper insight into mathematical research.
Ilmenau is still underestimated as a place to study. Through a more intensive exchange with pupils at events like this, we hope to leave a positive impression and a desire to study at the TU Ilmenau ourselves.
says Junior Professor Christian Dreßler. He expresses his deep gratitude and emphasizes that the implementation of such a project day would not have been possible without the dedicated contributions of over 50 staff and students from the entire faculty.
On June 18, school students will once again have the opportunity to gain exciting insights into research at TU Ilmenau. This is when the next edition of "Study science for a day!" will take place.
Young people get a taste of studying natural sciences
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Jun.-Prof. Christian Dreßler
Head of the Theoretical Solid State Physics Group