News

Durham sees marked increase in sciences

(20 September 2004)

In a reversal of national trends, there has been a marked increase in students taking up sciences at the University of Durham.

The 2004 intakes in chemistry and physics are full and there is an increase in students in biological sciences and engineering.

At a time when other universities have been phasing out sciences, Durham has not only attracted more science students this year, but there has continued to be an improvement in the calibre of new students.

With fewer students nationally pursuing A-level chemistry, physics or sciences, admissions staff at Durham are reporting a noticeable increase in the calibre of this year’s intake.

“With many of our new students in the sciences achieving three A’s, Durham is clearly attracting top level achievers. We have exceeded our expectations in chemistry and physics making 2004 a record year for sciences, as well as recruiting good candidates at a time when there is a national shortage of science students”, said Matthew Andrews, Head of Undergraduate Admissions.

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For further information contact : Matthew Andrews, Head of Undergraduate Admissions Tel 0191 334 6105

Media enquiries to Tom Fennelly, Public Relations Office, University of Durham, Tel 0191 334 6078 or e-mail : t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk.


Notes to Editors

1. The Department of Chemistry in Durham has an excellent reputation for both teaching and research. Research in the Chemistry Department cuts across the traditional disciplines and is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach. A wide range of research is carried out; from theory and computational modelling of molecular interactions to development of new luminescent probes for bioactive species. The Department has strong research activities in polymer and materials chemistry and has young, enthusiastic staff who are committed to the interdisciplinary approach that underpins the research strategy of the Department. A key component for the future is the investment in equipment and laboratory space that has been enabled by JIF (Multidisciplinary Condensed Matter Chemistry) and SRIF (Bioactive Chemistry). This spread of research and level of activity resulted in the Department being awarded grade 5*A in the in the national Research Assessment exercise in 2001. Undergraduate teaching in the Department has a modular structure that emphasises the connections between the traditional disciplines rather than their divisions. The Department was also graded "Excellent", in the most recent HEFCE Teaching Quality Assessment exercise for Chemistry.
2. For the fourth year running, Durham has come out top in The Times survey of Physics and Astronomy departments. The University is one of the leading physics departments in the UK. With a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching. students study for degrees in Physics, Physics & Astronomy, Theoretical Physics and Physics & Mathematics. In the latest round of the HEFCE Quality Assurance Agency national assessment of university teaching standards Durham received the maximum possible rating of 24. Research ranges from fundamental topics such as elementary particle physics and cosmology to applied areas which receive substantial support from industry.
3. The School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Durham University aims for excellence in teaching and research across the wide range of bioscience; from the population biology of whales to the molecular biology of human genetic disease. This RAE 5 rated department occupies purpose built facilities in the Mountjoy Park above the main University Science Site, as well as playing a major role in the success of the Wolfson Research Institute at the University’s Queen’s Campus in Stockton. Independently assessed as demonstrating "excellence" in teaching, the department has developed a teaching and learning programme that includes seven undergraduate and two post-graduate degree routes in Biology and Biomedicine. The Department also supports teaching programmes in Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Medicine.
4. The 2004 Times Good University Guide ranks Durham 5th in the UK for General Engineering (for the second year running) The only other Universities offering undergraduate General Engineering courses above Durham in the table are Cambridge and Oxford. The Guardian's 2004 survey ranks Durham 8th in the UK for General Engineering. The German magazine Der Spiegel recently performed an extensive survey of Universities in Europe. In the field of Engineering, the School was ranked 11th in the whole of Europe.