PHYSICS

Advanced Higher Physics Investigations

In January 2009, as part of a new pilot scheme, six Form VI pupils from the Academy had a week-long placement in the Electrical Engineering Department of Strathclyde University.  This was designed to support them in the Investigations component of Advanced Higher Physics.  Professor Gordon Hayward arranged for the pupils to work in the University’s research centres, gaining access to state of the art facilities, with supervision by academic staff and mentoring by postgraduate researchers.

The projects undertaken were broad ranging and highly specialised, encompassing ultrasonics, signal processing, communications, biomedical engineering and microsystems.

• Optical Mirrors Produced by Thin Film Deposition (Eilidh Stewart)
• Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (Stewart Mackay)
• Laser Vibrometry (Calum Burt)
• Inactivation of Bacteria using UV Light (Alasdair McDougall)
• Ultrasonic Characterisation of Elastic Properties (William Bowers)
• Active Noise Cancellation (Callum Wishart)

The pilot scheme was a great success and it is hoped to extend it in the years to come.  The opportunities to experience University life and have access to first rate facilities will be valuable assets as our Form VI Physicists take the next steps in their educational careers.  We are greatly indebted to Professor Hayward  and the staff at Strathclyde University.

Mr Jim Fulton

May 2009