The annual Science Winter Week hosted by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of science will be presented virtually this year, due to the social restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was according to Maambele Khosa, recruitment and marketing officer of SU’s science faculty.
“It will take place on Microsoft Teams [from] 13 to 15 July, and will be free of charge,” stated Khosa. Each session will run for 30 minutes from 11:00 to 13:00, added Khosa.
The virtual Science Winter Week hosted by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of science, will consist of four 30 minute-long sessions from 11:00 to 13:00 on Microsoft Teams, according to Maambele Khosa, recruitment and marketing officer of SU’s science faculty. PHOTO: Facebook/Stellenbosch University faculty of science
“The aim of the Science Winter Week is to expose Grade 11 learners to degree programmes and career options in the natural sciences,” said Khosa in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
High school learners are generally unfamiliar with study opportunities and careers in the natural sciences, and usually have a better understanding of opportunities in applied sciences, such as engineering or medicine, stated Khosa.
“During the Science Winter Week we provide [high school learners] with more specific information and context about our programme offerings,” said Khosa, with specific reference to the department of natural science and mathematics.
This will equip learners to make a more informed study choice, as well as encourage them to persevere in their studies to meet the admission criteria, she explained.
Specific information on SU science degree options ranges across biology, biochemistry, biometry, chemistry, physiology, biomathematics and physics, which will also be introduced during the virtual Science Winter Week sessions. This was according to Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, professor in physiological sciences at the science faculty.
A bachelor of science (BSc) degree offers critical thinking and problem-solving to tackle a wide-range of challenges, including climate change, food security, provision of clean drinking water, sanitation and biodiversity, said Maambele Khosa, recruitment and marketing officer of Stellenbosch University’s science faculty. PHOTO: Jana Scheepers
The department of mathematical sciences will co-host the virtual Science Winter Week. Topics of interest will include mathematics, applied mathematics and computer science, according to Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, professor in physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) science faculty. PHOTO: Jana Scheepers
To keep sessions interactive, departmental videos on science and mathematics, including the study experiences of alumni, postgraduate, and current students, will also be provided, stated Khosa.
“Additional information will include details on accommodation, bursaries and loans, as well as virtual faculty tours,” continued Khosa.
The first Science Winter Week kicked off in 2002. Since then, it has developed into an annual event hosted on campus, said Mariétta van den Worm, director of faculty management at SU’s faculty of science, in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
In the past, this event was always well attended by parents, as well as high school learners, stated Van den Worm.
In previous years, the Science Winter Week had to be offered at a fee to cover the costs of hosting the event, explained Van den Worm. This, in turn, placed a “limit on the number of learners [SU’s faculty of science] could accommodate”, added Van den Worm.
However, this year’s Science Winter Week, being virtual and free of charge, ensures there are no monetary limitations, or restrictions on the number of people joining the event, concluded Van den Worm.