Subject Sessions: Engineering and Computer Science
The Faculty of Engineering has a fantastic range of sessions available to deliver either online or at the University of Sheffield campus, ranging from the Flight Simulator Experience, Machine Learning and Data Science through to Hover Crafts and ‘What is Engineering?’.
We have sessions available that can be delivered in-school, virtually, or as part of a campus visit, please contact your regional officer to discuss availability.
Engineering Overview
What is Engineering?
Year 10+ | Session duration: ~ 1hr
Explore the huge range of engineering disciplines at Sheffield! See how A‑Level maths, physics and chemistry solve real‑world challenges, discover hands‑on projects, placements and study abroad, and uncover career paths that show how engineers shape the future.
Learning objectives:
- Discover the wide range of engineering disciplines and how they link to A‑Level maths, physics, and chemistry.
- See how engineers tackle real‑world challenges and create innovations that impact everyday life.
- Explore hands‑on opportunities like projects, placements, and study abroad that build practical skills.
- Uncover career pathways in engineering and how Sheffield equips students for industry success.
General Engineering
General Engineering: Where All Disciplines Meet
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1hr
Explore General Engineering! Learn how this flexible course combines physics, maths, and multiple disciplines, see how teams solve real‑world challenges like electric car design, and learn Sheffield’s unique course features while chatting with students about uni life and careers.
Learning objectives:
- Understand what engineering is and how General Engineering offers a flexible, interdisciplinary alternative to traditional single-discipline pathways
- Describe the key features of the General Engineering course at the University of Sheffield
- Recognise how different engineering disciplines work together to solve real-world challenges, using electric vehicles as a case study.
Aerospace Engineering
From First Flight to Spaceflight: The World of Aerospace Engineering
Year 10+ | Session duration: ~ 1hr
Blast off into aerospace engineering! Students race through the history of flight, see A‑Level maths and physics fuel real aircraft and spacecraft, uncover the future of green planes and space travel, and discover how Sheffield launches them into top aerospace careers.
Learning objectives:
- Explore the evolution of flight
- See A‑Level maths and physics in action and how aerodynamics, forces, and cutting‑edge materials are used in aircraft and spaceship design
- Discover the future of aerospace, from electric planes, green fuels, to space exploration
- Find out how Sheffield prepares students for top aerospace careers
Pilot for a Day: Flight Simulator Experience
Year 10+ | Session duration: ~ 1-2 hrs (campus visit)
Build and test your own cardboard glider, experiment with lift and drag, then take the controls in our flight simulators to pilot planes and drones! Students see A‑Level physics in action, connect models to real aircraft, and explore aerospace careers at Sheffield.
Learning objectives:
- Apply A‑Level physics to flight – experiment with lift, drag, and stability using their own cardboard glider designs
- Understand how model testing links to real aircraft – scale up their findings to full‑sized planes and drones
- Gain hands-on experience with flight simulators – practise flying aircraft and drones, learning key piloting skills
- Explore aerospace careers and study pathways – see how engineering and physics skills lead to roles in aviation and beyond
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering Uncovered: How Science Saves Lives
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1 hr
Discover how biomedical engineering saves lives! Students explore the physics, chemistry, and maths behind medical breakthroughs – from heart valves to prosthetics – see A‑Level science in action, learn how engineers transform healthcare, and uncover exciting career pathways in biomedical engineering.
Learning objectives:
- Discover how physics, chemistry, and maths power innovations like artificial heart valves, prosthetics, and diagnostic tools.
- Explore the role of engineering in transforming healthcare and saving lives through cutting‑edge technology.
- See A‑Level science in action by linking mechanics, materials, and biology to real biomedical breakthroughs.
- Uncover career pathways in biomedical engineering and how studying it at Sheffield could lead to the next big medical breakthrough.
Biomedical Engineering to the Rescue: Helping Patients and Surgeons Alike!
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1-2hrs (campus visit)
Step into the shoes of a biomedical engineer! In this hands-on lab activity students use physics and maths to guide hip replacement decisions, analyse real patient data, solve implant design problems, and discover how engineers turn science into life‑saving careers in healthcare and medical technology.
Learning objectives:
- See physics and maths come alive by using fo and materials to guide hip replacement decisions.
- Work with real patient data to solve healthcare engineering challenges.
- Tackle implant design puzzles and recommend the best solutions.
- Discover how biomedical engineers turn science into life‑saving careers.
Chemical Engineering
Engineer Your Future: Chemical Engineering in Action
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1.5 hrs
Dive into the world of chemical engineering in this fast‑paced virtual challenge! Students will use A‑Level science to design and optimise a bioethanol plant, tackle real sustainability issues, sharpen problem‑solving skills, and discover inspiring university and career pathways.
Learning objectives:
- Explore how chemical engineers tackle real-world challenges – apply A-Level chemistry and physics concepts to optimise a bioethanol plant.
- See science in action – understand how chemical engineering contributes to sustainability, clean energy, and climate solutions.
- Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills – balance efficiency, cost, and product quality in practical design tasks.
- Discover future pathways – learn about university study and careers in chemical engineering, and how these roles shape the future.
Stirred, not shaken – how chemical engineers control mixing at scales from the tiniest nanodroplet to the largest biogas reactors
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 2hrs (campus visit)
Mix things up – literally! In this interactive lab session students experiment with lab‑scale mixing, link energy and fluid dynamics to A‑Level science, predict how giant reactors behave, apply maths and science to solve real engineering problems, and test their skills on pilot‑scale equipment where theory meets reality.
Learning objectives:
- Explore how materials mix in the lab and discover how this relates to energy, volume, and flow in science.
- Use experimental data to predict scale-up challenges in industrial reactors.
- Apply maths and science skills to solve real chemical engineering problems.
- Test your knowledge on pilot‑scale equipment and see theory in action.
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering the Unshakable: Building for Earthquakes
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1 hr
Can we build earthquake‑proof buildings? Students explore how engineers use maths, physics, and cutting‑edge materials to design structures that withstand massive earthquakes – and discover how Sheffield prepares them to tackle the world’s biggest engineering challenges.
Learning objectives:
- Explore how engineers protect buildings from earthquakes – understanding forces, stresses, and how structures respond.
- See A‑Level physics and maths in action – link concepts like energy transfer, wave motion, and material strength to real-world engineering solutions.
- Discover cutting-edge materials – learn how composites and super-strong lightweight materials reinforce buildings and save lives.
- Understand future opportunities in civil engineering – explore how studying at Sheffield equips students to tackle global challenges.
Innovations in Structural Engineering: Strengthening against earthquakes
Year 10+ | Session duration: ~ 1-2hrs (campus visit)
Step into the world of structural engineering! Students test materials, assess damage, and try repair techniques to see how A‑Level physics concepts like forces and energy transfer protect buildings from seismic forces – and discover how engineers save lives during natural disasters.
Learning objectives:
- Understand earthquake fundamentals – link seismic waves, forces, and structural response to A‑Level physics.
- Identify earthquake damage in structures – connect real-world failure modes to materials and stress concepts.
- Explore repair and strengthening methods – discover traditional and modern techniques used in civil engineering.
Computer Science
From Data to Decisions: The Power of Machine Learning & Data Science
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1.5hrs
Can you outsmart an AI? In this hands‑on session, students use A‑Level maths to train and fine‑tune machine learning models, tackle real‑world challenges like disease detection and online safety, and hear from Sheffield students about Computer Science and uni life.
Learning objectives:
- Bring A-Level Maths to life by exploring how probability and gradients power machine learning.
- Tackle real world AI challenges like disease detection and online safety
- Fine tune models in a hands on optimisation challenge
- Hear first hand from current students about the course and student life.
Mastering Big Data with Large Language Models
Year 12-23 | Session duration: ~ 1-2hrs (campus visit)
Explore how large language models power AI! Students link A‑Level maths to programming and data science, use LLMs to analyse real datasets, tackle challenges inspired by industry, and uncover career pathways in computer science and AI shaping the future.
Learning objectives:
- Uncover how large language models work and link A‑Level maths concepts like probability and vectors to cutting‑edge AI.
- Use programming and data science skills to apply LLMs for analysing and interpreting large datasets.
- Explore real-world applications of AI – from research to business – and how machine learning drives innovation.
- Discover career and study pathways in computer science, data science, and AI that transform industries.
Computer Systems Engineering
Robotics: How can we control and shape our future with robots?
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1 hr
Ready to meet the robots of the future? In this fast-paced session, students will find out how sensors, motors, and coding bring robots to life. They'll see A‑Level maths and physics in action, and explore how these skills power medical robots, driverless cars, and space technology for a range of future careers in robotics.
Learning objectives:
- Learn what makes a robot ‘smart’ – link A‑Level maths and physics to sensing, movement, and control systems.
- Explore real‑world robotics applications – from medical robots delivering targeted treatments to autonomous vehicles.
- Discover how to design and code robotic behaviour – see how programming drives intelligent decision-making.
- Understand future opportunities in robotics and mechatronics – connect classroom learning to university study and careers in automation, AI, and space exploration.
Master the Mover6: Robotic Arm Experience
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1-2 hrs (campus visit)
Take control of a six‑axis robot arm! Students will use A‑Level maths and physics to guide movements, program real manufacturing tasks, master coordinate systems for pinpoint accuracy, and work in teams to solve robotics challenges – all while exploring future careers in cutting‑edge technologies.
Learning objectives:
- Control a six‑axis robotic arm using A‑Level maths and physics concepts.
- Program and operate robotic movements for real manufacturing tasks.
- Apply co‑ordinate systems to guide precise robotic positioning.
- Work in teams to solve robotics challenges and explore future careers.
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Virtual Arduino Lab - an introduction to Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE)
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1.5hrs
Build and code your own circuit in this interactive online Arduino lab! Students will use A‑Level maths and physics to control LEDs, motors, and sensors, develop real‑time coding and testing skills, and discover how Electrical and Electronic Engineering powers everything from robotics to renewable energy.
Learning objectives:
- Apply A‑Level maths and physics to design and test real electronic circuits
- Build and program a virtual Arduino system using LEDs, motors, and sensors
- Develop real-time coding, circuit design, and testing skills through interactive challenges.
- Discover life as an EEE student and where these skills can take them.
Arduino Lab - An introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1.5hrs (campus visit)
Build and program your own automated cat flap in this hands-on workshop! Students use A‑Level maths and physics to design, code, and test real circuits, work in teams to solve engineering challenges, and explore careers and uni life in Electronic & Electrical Engineering at Sheffield.
Learning objectives:
- Bring A‑Level maths and physics to life by designing and building electronic circuits.
- Code in real time to control LEDs, motors, and sensors using Arduino microcontrollers.
- Test and refine circuits they’ve physically built, developing practical engineering and problem‑solving skills.
- Work as part of a team to tackle design challenges and experience what real engineering collaboration feels like.
- Explore careers and university pathways in Electrical and Electronic Engineering through direct interaction with Sheffield engineers.
Lighting the Way: the Physics and Chemistry of Light Emitting Diodes
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1hr
Light up your classroom with science! In this fast‑paced session, students will discover how semiconductors create dazzling colours, see physics and chemistry combine to power LEDs, learn how our eyes trick us into seeing white light, and explore the Nobel Prize‑winning blue LED breakthrough.
Learning objectives:
- Uncover how semiconductors create light and why different materials shine in different colours
- See chemistry and physics combine to power LED efficiency and colour mixing
- Understand how our eyes perceive colour and how LEDs exploit this to create white light
- Discover Nobel Prize‑winning breakthroughs and see A‑Level science applied to real‑world technology.
Materials Science & Engineering
From Engines to Atoms: The Power of Materials Science Engineering
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1.5 hrs
In this taster lecture, students will step into the world of Materials Science and Engineering, exploring how this field combines physics, chemistry, and maths to create materials that perform under extreme conditions. Using the jet engine as a case study, they’ll uncover how structure at the atomic scale affects properties like strength, durability, and heat resistance – and how these insights lead to better alloys and more efficient designs.
Learning objectives:
- Apply physics, chemistry, and maths to investigate how materials perform in extreme conditions, using jet engines as an example.
- Explore how materials’ structure and properties—from alloys to atomic scale—affect strength, heat resistance, and performance.
- Observe examples of material design and optimisation used in aerospace applications.
- Explore careers in Materials Science and how these roles contribute to engineering and technological innovation.
Materials Science and Engineering - Designing, Solving, Making and Testing!
Year 10+ | Session duration: ~ 1-2hrs (campus visit)
Test, design, and solve engineering challenges—exploring materials in everything from airplanes to chocolate! Students will investigate how different materials behave, get hands-on with strength and flexibility tests, use maths and science to tackle real problems, and learn about exciting careers in materials science and engineering.
Learning objectives:
- Apply maths and science to solve real engineering problems by investigating materials in everyday objects
- Explore how materials’ structure and properties affect their performance in real engineering challenges
- Get hands-on testing and designing materials for strength, flexibility, and durability
- Explore careers in materials science and how they contribute to solving global challenges.
Mechanical Engineering
Robots in the Sewers: Engineering the Hidden Underground
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1hr
Dive underground in this interactive session as students use A‑Level maths and physics to power sewer‑exploring robots, tackle real engineering challenges, and take on a sound‑detecting game. Plus, they’ll hear from Sheffield students about Mechanical Engineering and uni life.
Learning objectives:
- Turn A‑Level maths and physics into robot superpowers to explore sewers
- Uncover how engineers and AI solve underground mysteries and prevent disasters
- Take part in a sound challenge to see if they can beat the robot
- Gain inside knowledge on Mechanical Engineering and student life from our current students
Hovercraft Challenge: Build, Race, Ride!
Year 12-13 | Session duration: 2-3 hrs (campus visit)
Build, race, and ride your own hovercraft in this thrilling activity! Students apply A‑Level physics to forces and motion, design and test real hovercrafts, and experience first‑hand how engineering turns science into speed – with a chance to ride their creation if they dare!
Learning objectives:
- Apply A‑Level physics to motion and forces – explore lift, drag, thrust, and friction in real hovercraft design
- Design, build, and race their own hovercrafts – developing hands‑on engineering and problem‑solving skills
- Test and refine their designs through practical experiments
- Experience the thrill of riding their creation – and see how these principles link to real‑world engineering and careers
Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering
Robotics: How can we control and shape our future with robots?
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1 hr
Ready to meet the robots of the future? In this fast-paced session, students will find out how sensors, motors, and coding bring robots to life. They'll see A‑Level maths and physics in action, and explore how these skills power medical robots, driverless cars, and space technology for a range of future careers in robotics.
Learning objectives:
- Learn what makes a robot ‘smart’ – link A‑Level maths and physics to sensing, movement, and control systems.
- Explore real‑world robotics applications – from medical robots delivering targeted treatments to autonomous vehicles.
- Discover how to design and code robotic behaviour – see how programming drives intelligent decision-making.
- Understand future opportunities in robotics and mechatronics – connect classroom learning to university study and careers in automation, AI, and space exploration.
Master the Mover6: Robotic Arm Experience
Year 12-13 | Session duration: ~ 1-2 hrs (campus visit)
Take control of a six‑axis robot arm! Students will use A‑Level maths and physics to guide movements, program real manufacturing tasks, master coordinate systems for pinpoint accuracy, and work in teams to solve robotics challenges – all while exploring future careers in cutting‑edge technologies.
Learning objectives:
- Control a six‑axis robotic arm using A‑Level maths and physics concepts.
- Program and operate robotic movements for real manufacturing tasks.
- Apply co‑ordinate systems to guide precise robotic positioning.
- Work in teams to solve robotics challenges and explore future careers.