Online subject tasters: Science

Cystic fibrosis is a rare inherited genetic condition that causes breathing and digestive problems. 

This talk will explore the condition at a cellular level, showing how genetic mutations can lead to an increased risk to respiratory tract function. 

Professor Louise Robson from the School of Biosciences, whose research focuses on cystic fibrosis, will lead this session and share information about the latest laboratory and clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic value of small molecule treatments.

Schedule

• 5.00pm - 5.20pm - Welcome and introductions to the University
• 5.20pm - 5.50pm - Mini lecture
• 5.50pm - 6.20pm - Q&A
• 6.20pm - 6.25pm - Closing remarks

This talk explores the interface between nanoscience and biological molecules. It focuses on a new class of two-dimensional materials known as metal-organic framework nanosheets (MONs), which combine extremely high surface areas with precisely designed chemical structures. 

Drawing on ideas familiar from A Level chemistry, including intermolecular interactions and catalysis, we will explore how these materials can be engineered to recognise short protein fragments (peptides), accelerate the breakdown of larger proteins, and form soft gel materials for drug delivery. 

These examples highlight how core chemical principles can be applied to address real biological, medical and environmental challenges through cutting-edge nanoscience research.

Schedule

• 5.00pm - 5.20pm - Welcome and introductions to the University
• 5.20pm - 5.50pm - Mini lecture
• 5.50pm - 6.20pm - Q&A
• 6.20pm - 6.25pm - Closing remarks

This talk uses ideas from probability to investigate the game of Monopoly, and answer questions such as whether a player is more likely to land on Park Lane or Trafalgar Square. 

The mathematics involved is related to the original PageRank algorithm used by Google to rank web pages in their search results.

Schedule

• 5.00pm - 5.20pm - Welcome and introductions to the University
• 5.20pm - 5.50pm - Mini lecture
• 5.50pm - 6.20pm - Q&A
• 6.20pm - 6.25pm - Closing remarks

This talk will introduce some of the counterintuitive aspects of quantum mechanics, using them to define a new unit of computation, the quantum bit or qubit. 

We will explore exciting research, including how these qubits can be used to speed up computation.

Schedule

• 5.00pm - 5.20pm - Welcome and introductions to the University
• 5.20pm - 5.50pm - Mini lecture
• 5.50pm - 6.20pm - Q&A
• 6.20pm - 6.25pm - Closing remarks

This session will introduce you to the subject of psychology and how it helps us to understand human behaviour. 

Through activities and demonstrations, we'll share how psychology is relevant in the real world, covering examples from cognitive and social psychology. 

We'll also tell you about some of the exciting and impactful research that's being carried out here at Sheffield.

Schedule

• 5.00pm - 5.20pm - Welcome and introductions to the University
• 5.20pm - 5.50pm - Mini lecture
• 5.50pm - 6.20pm - Q&A
• 6.20pm - 6.25pm - Closing remarks