The day gives sixth-formers and others intending to apply to university a taste of what university life is like. It is reckoned to be the biggest and best such open day in the country. Bristol is the most popular university in the UK in terms of the number of applicants per place.
All the University's departments that teach undergraduates are mounting exhibitions about the programmes and teaching methods in their particular subjects. Many departments are putting on lectures, on subjects as diverse as the mathematics of robbery and investment, and the physics of ice-cream. Others will be showing some of the research projects that students undertake. Both staff and students will be available to answer questions.
Of particular interest this year is an opportunity for students to preview one of the exhibits that will form part of the Royal Society's prestigious Summer Science Exhibition, to be held in London next week [1-3 July]. The Bristol Laboratory for Advanced Dynamics Engineering (BLADE) beat off competition from universities all over the country to be selected to take part in the exhibition. The 'Movers and Shakers' exhibit, on display in the Merchant Venturers Building on Woodland Road, will demonstrate how buildings should be designed to stay standing in an earthquake zone or during severe weather.
Student stewards, wearing yellow T-shirts, will be on hand to help visitors find their way around the University precinct throughout Preview Day. Staff from the Access Unit for Deaf and Disabled Students will be available to offer advice to prospective deaf and disabled students. There will also be a display about the support available to students, including advice services on money, jobs and health.
The University will be open to visitors between 9.45am and 3.30pm on Preview Day.
There will be a further Open Day for the Faculties of Science and Medicine on Monday, June 30 between 10am and 3pm. Please note: Clinical Veterinary Science, Experimental Psychology and Dentistry will not be open to visitors during the Science and Medicine Open Day.