Talks & lectures
We have a wide selection of talks and lectures that can be provided to schools and colleges as a taster of University life - see the list below for a sample of what is available.
Content Accordions
- Business
Accounting and Finance
Financial Management is essential to all kinds of organisations. This interactive session will explain how to make good financial decisions through case studies and group exercises.
Business Law
An introduction to the main areas that a business must consider to ensure they are compliant in the eyes of the law. With an increase in the compensation culture and a rise in communication through channels such as social media, a small legal error can result in expensive fines and payouts for companies. Need we say more than PPI!
Financial Technology (FinTech)
FinTech (Financial Technology) is a cross-disciplinary subject that combines Finance, Technology Management and Innovation Management. It is estimated that increasing investment in the UK FinTech sector would help to create an additional 100,000 jobs in the UK by 2020. This session will introduce the latest trends of FinTech and how FinTech can help businesses to maintain their competitiveness. Last but not least, this session will also involve group work and an elevator pitch presentation.
Marketing
A session which covers market research, SWOT analysis and the 5 Ps of marketing. We will look at how the customer thinks and uses that knowledge to inform marketing decisions.
Human Resource Management
People are a company’s most expensive resource but how can they ensure this resource is efficient? We are all human after all! Managing a workforce effectively can have massive benefits both for productivity and profit but a company must do more than simply pay the wages. This session can support specific curriculum topic areas or look at emerging trends in companies that are employing ever more sophisticated techniques to improve motivation, engagement and retention.
Tourism & Events Management
Sustainable Planning and Development
'Tourism planning and policy is, arguably, one of the most significant influences on how tourism develops' (Dredge and Jamal, 2015: p.285)
Tourism development requires considerable planning if it is to be successful and sustainable. Academically challenging and complex to apply, sustainable planning and development is increasingly relevant to the growing tourism industry. For many years, tourism development has received criticism for its unsustainable growth, which led to environmental contamination, disregard for local culture and displacement of local and indigenous people. Tourism is key to many developing economies, including Wales, who rely on it to foster further growth and thus a desire for constant development is present within the industry. However, whilst the importance of tourism is recognised, a concern exists among stakeholders in regards to the preservation of our natural heritage. Thus, a desire exists to develop tourism, but in a sustainable manner. Indeed, sustainable planning and development is so key to tourism, one of the top-ranked tourism journals focuses solely on this subject, Tourism Planning & Development.
North Wales: the adventure tourism capital of Europe
Adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism subsectors with reported growth figures of 65% and a value in excess of $683 billion globally. A trend has emerged of established tourism operators adding adventure tourism activities to their product portfolios. The industry has undergone considerable changes, most notably the commercialisation and mass accessiblity of its activities. North Wales has seen an explosion of adventure tourism activities over the past decade which in turn has helped establish itself as the adventure tourism capital of Europe, with major brands such as Zip World and Adventure Parc Snowdonia established. The growth of adventure tourism is particularly due to the increased accessiblity of a wide range of adventure tourism activities. Activities that were once reserved for highly skilled professionals with a great deal of experience have become increasingly available to a wider audience, now attracting families and young people in general. The growth of adventure tourism in North Wales is assisting as means of local economic development, with Zip World alone directly supporting almost 500 jobs, and industry supporting over 8000 jobs. Yet, support from government is declining, development is restricted due to protections of the environment and competing destinations are looking to catch up with North Wales. With a local economy dependant on tourism, and adventure tourism in particular, what does the future look like for North Wales as an adventure tourism destination? And what does this mean to North Wales as a tourism destination in general?
Developing Accessible Tourism Destinations
Accessible Tourism is 'a form of tourism [...] that enables people with access requirements [...] to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments'. (Buhalis and Darcy, 2011: p.10)
The World Health Organisation estimates that 15% of the global population have a disability and that this number will increase to 1.2 billion by 2050. Research shows that vacations can improve quality of life, including benefits to physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing. To achieve this, destinations play a critical role. Depending on their levels of accessibility, destinations contribute to the type of experience delivered, with holidays consisting of considerable amounts of work, anxiety and emotional labour for carers. Accessible tourism strives to include all people in tourism activities and is, in the western world, linked to disability legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK. Whilst disability legislation provides a framework for the industry, it has yet to take into account the requirements of the wider universe which encapsulates disability, perhaps due to a lack of understanding thereof. Recent research finds that stakeholders within destinations simply assume PwD are not interested in travelling or stereotype them as wheelchair users. Thus, by being wheelchair accessible, the assumption seems to be the attractions are accessible to all disabilities, when in fact this demographic is incredibly dynamic and covers various types and levels of disabilities. Thus, how do we develop destinations accessible to all?
- Education
Working in Education (suitable for 16+)
With many individuals finding themselves having a role as an educator this presentation explores a number of pathways and career opportunities within education.
Ever Thought About Teaching (suitable for 16+)
Recent events may have sparked an interest in what it is to be a teacher. This introduction to teaching explores a newly respected role and includes a Q & A session.
A Creative Curriculum (suitable for 16+)
Introductory lecture about cross curricular planning and learning.
I Don't Do Maths (suitable for 16+)
An exploration into maths anxiety and how to gain confidence in maths.
Learning Beyond the Classroom (suitable for 16+)
Looking at teaching outside the classroom and the benefits of utilising alternative spaces.
The Love of Literature (suitable for 16+)
Why start with books? Where else would we start. Exploring children’s texts as a stimulus for learning.
Discovering Science (suitable for 16+)
Introduction into teaching practical science in primary education.
Physical Literacy (suitable for 16+)
What is physical literacy? Wrexham University presents an interactive workshop to explore the importance of a holistic approach to physical activity and engagement.
- Health and Wellbeing
Careers in Public Health, Mental Health and Well-being (suitable for 14+)
Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you interested in helping people to live happier and healthier lives? This workshop will introduce you to the field of public health, mental health and wellbeing, and show you the wide range of exciting and worthwhile careers it encompasses.
Mental Health and How to Achieve It (suitable for 15+)
Every day there’s something new in the media about the rise in mental health problems across the world. But what is mental health? Can we prevent mental health problems? How can we look after ourselves and our friends and family to keep ourselves mentally healthy? We’ll cover all this and more in this enlightening, inspiring and invigorating workshop.
Public Health: what it is, why we need it, and what the future holds (suitable for 14+)The Corona Virus pandemic has thrown the field of public health into the spotlight. But what exactly is public health, and what do public health experts and practitioners do? At the heart of public health is preventing disease and promoting health and wellbeing, and this workshop will introduce you to this exciting, vital, and changing field.
Understanding your inner chimp and how it influences your health and wellbeing! (suitable for 11+)
Have you ever wondered why you eat that extra piece of chocolate or bag of crisps, even when you don’t really want to? Have you ever talked to yourself, reassured yourself or had battles within your own head? Welcome to your inner chimp! This workshop will introduce you to Professor Steve Peters’ scientific but fun mind management model as a way of understanding health behaviours.
An introduction to child and adolescent mental health (For school staff only)
This workshop will provide a whistle-stop tour of some key concepts in the field of child and adolescent mental health. Going back to basics, there will be lots of opportunities to ask questions, reflect on your own practice, and think about the small things that you can do to make a real difference.
What is a whole school approach to health and wellbeing? (For school staff only)
‘Health and Wellbeing’ is one of the six Areas of Learning and Experience in the Welsh Curriculum 2022, and the value of a whole school approach to health and wellbeing has long been recognised. This workshop will explore the topics of health, mental health and wellbeing and how they can be promoted in a school setting, with a view to benefitting pupils, teachers and the whole school community.
Self-care and resilience for practitioners (For school staff only)
School staff are a cornerstone of wellbeing support for children and adolescents, providing a wealth of advice, guidance and pastoral care. But how often do we stop to consider our own wellbeing needs? This workshop will consider ways to build resilience both as individuals and as a community of colleagues.
- Nursing and Allied Heath
What is Occupational Therapy? (suitable for 16+)
An opportunity to explore a career within health/social care beyond nursing/midwifery. Students will think about their own occupations and then discover the vast range of opportunities within occupational therapy as a career.
An Introduction to Physiotheraphy (suitable for 15+)
This talk will provide an overview of what physiotherapy is and the challenges and opportunities that the career and the programme can offer. There is also an opportunity to have a taste of what a seminar at University would be like.
- Psychology
Our ideal and actual selves: never the twain shall meet or will they? (suitable for 16+)
Carl Rogers’ self-actualisation theory explains the basic human motive to achieve our potential, and become what we would like to be, i.e., our ‘ideal self’. The tendency to strive towards our ‘ideal self’ means we are constantly in battle with how we see ourselves at present, i.e. our ‘actual self’. What is the story of this journey of our ‘actual self’ to becoming our ‘ideal self’ and how does it affect our lives?
What is Psychology? (suitable for 16+)
An overview of Psychology including a brief history.
Approaches in Psychology (suitable for 16+)
A brief overview of the different approaches in Psychology, each offering a different explanation and perspective on human behaviour. The approaches discussed include behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, humanistic, evolutionary, biological and sociocultural.
Key Experiments in Psychology (suitable for 16+)
Come delve into some of the key experiments in psychology including the Stanford Prison Experiment and Milgram’s Obedience study.
Why Psychology? (suitable for 16+)
A discussion of some of the key concepts you will learn about when studying for a degree in Psychology; with an overview of professional routes and relevant skills for future careers.
Who was Phineas Gage? (suitable for 16+)
Who was Phineas Gage and what can his case study tell us about some of the different core areas of psychology?
- Criminology
Nature vs Nurture (suitable for 16+)
Are individuals biologically influenced to commit crime or is the surrounding environment to blame? This interactive lecture will explore the nature/nurture debate which exists in criminology by discussing relevant case studies and the factors which may encourage offending behaviour. The lecture starts with the definitions of nature and nurture and an explanation is given as to why they both exist in criminological through biological and sociological theories. Furthermore, two case studies are discussed which acknowledge both sides of the debate. The lecture considers the contemporary biosocial criminology, exploring the ways biological and environmental aspects which influence behaviour whilst considering the life course of individuals and their offending trajectories.
Crime and Punishment Through the Ages (suitable for 16+)
How has punishment changed through the ages? What did punishment look like in the past? This interactive session will explore the various forms of punishment used in the United Kingdom and around the world throughout history. The lecture starts with acts considered criminal in the Medieval period and the punishment inflicted on those found guilty. The early Modern period is then explored deconstructing the changes around crime and punishment. Furthermore, the criminal justice system in the time period 1700 to 1900 is examined before moving on to 1900 to the 21st century. Each time period will include case studies and examples of the differing punishments and devices used to elicit confessions.
- Youth and Community
Overview of course offer, discussion around youth and community work principles, job opportunities and progression. Q&A session.
What is Youth Work? (suitable for 16+)
Mini youth and community work session delivered (around substance misuse, sexual health, healthy relationships, budgeting, etc.) with overview of course offer, discussion around youth and community work principles, job opportunities and progression. Q&A session.
- Sport
Obesity and the challenges: Fat to fit (suitable for 16+)
This would look at the current obesity crisis and the issues faced by health practitioners and policy writers when trying to motivate the population into becoming more aware of the effects of obesity on health and the current crisis faced. This mini-lecture will be interactive exploring notions of how society is set up and if this is a factor in preventing us from getting fat to fit. The sugar levy and food environment and its impact on the population, our general habits and attitudes towards food and exercise.
Coaching Science: Integration of Sports Science into Coaching (suitable for 16+)
This lecture looks at introducing students to the four elements of coaching science and how they are integrated to inform coaching practice and the development of the performer. This is an interactive workshop to engage student learning with performance analysis. Learning through the development of physiology, psychology, performance analysis, and utilising coaching pedagogy as the communicating pathway.
Football Coaching and Football Science (suitable for 16+)
This lecture looks at introducing students to the world of football. Individuals will be provided with the opportunity to understand the coaching process in football and the application of a multi-disciplined approach. Individuals will develop an understanding of how engagement with the programme would enable them to become an effective football coach. Additionally, the participants will understand the careers and opportunities open to them as a psychologist/physiologist and performance analysis working in the sport of football. This is an interactive workshop/lecture exploring concepts in football and football science.
Practitioners Don’t Need Walls and a Ceiling to Inspire Young Children and Adults (suitable for 16+)
This lecture will introduce the possibilities for children, young people, and adults to engage in learning, play and creativity in the natural outdoor environment. There is an ever-increasing focus on our responsibility, as citizens of the UK, to consider sustainability, and maintain our natural environment for future generations. This lecture highlights how the outdoor environment helps to provide humans with sustainability in terms of health and well-being.
The Management of Acute Injuries (suitable for 16+)
A modern understanding into the management of acute injuries. This can be modified to suit the module specification of a particular programme or be delivered as an additional/complimentary lecture.
Concussion in Sport (suitable for 16+)
A modern understanding of concussion in sport. This can be modified to suit the module specification of a particular programme or be delivered as an additional/complimentary lecture.
In the past this has been delivered online and also as a workshop containing a mixture of theory and practical elements.
Human Anatomy (suitable for 16+)
A modern understanding into the management of acute injuries. This can be modified to suit the module specification of a particular programme or be delivered as an additional/complimentary lecture.
Why Exercise? (suitable for all ages 4+)
This talk can be altered to suit a specific student population. It will be based around exercise, why it is important from a physical, psychological and social perspective. It could include the importance of play and why we should be promoting this.
- Science
Fingerprint Workshop (suitable for all ages, 45 mins, up to 20 max per group)
Students will get a taste of the different elements involved in the examination of fingerprints. Techniques used by Forensic Scientists from the dusting and collection at the scene through to how prints are compared and matched by experts will be covered. Students will also learn more about what happens if the police take a record of your fingerprints. With plenty of hands-on work, it can get a little messy but the students will take home with them a full set of their own fingerprints to look at in more detail.
Simulated drug testing workshop (suitable for 16+, 45 mins, up to 20 max per group)
Identification of unknown substances through qualitative chemical analysis.
Slime demonstration workshop (suitable for 11+, up to 20 max per group)
A workshop where students will be able to make slime and at the same time learn about the chemistry and physics of slime. Suitable for all ages.
Green Chemistry (suitable for 16+)
The transition from an oil-based economy to a bio-based one in order to develop a truly sustainable manufacturing industry is reliant largely upon new technologies such as green chemistry and nanotechnology. This lecture covers the 12 fundamental principles of green chemistry.
Gas Chromatography in Arson Investigations (suitable for 16+)
This session will introduce students to the technique of gas chromatography (GC) and will demonstrate the use of the technique in the investigation of suspected arson cases. Other applications of GC will be considered, along with the latest developments in the technique including fast GC and 2D GC.
The Forensic Examination of Human Remains (suitable for 16+)
An introduction to the techniques in the search, recovery and identification of human remains. The session will touch on aspects of pathology, archaeology and anthropology, and their application to contemporary and historical cases such as missing people and mass disasters.
Water for the Nation (suitable for 11+, 45 mins, up to 20 max per group)
A workshop and lecture exploring the science behind the purification techniques employed in the water industry but also how to purify water yourself as a survival tactic in the wild! Content can be adapted for groups of different ages to suit years 7 through to 13.
- Art and Design
Creating Your Portfolio for Art and Design Applicants (suitable for 16+, 45 mins, up to 8-10 per group)
A discussion of the core content that interviewees and interviewers find helpful within student port-folios and achieving the best balance of skills evidence with creative, innovative experimentation to bring to an interview.
Career Opportunities for Creative People (suitable for 16+, 45 mins, up to 8-10 per group)
A discussion regarding the role of creativity in dynamic career planning and asking how predictable career planning can be within complex society and technological change. This incorporates the potential for creative self employment.
Who Thinks They Can Draw? (suitable for 16+, 45 mins, up to 8-10 per group)
A discussion about the communication possible through drawing and sketching as an alternative way to using words (written or spoken) and how thinking differently can be explored through visualisation.
- Built environment
An Introduction to the Built Environment - Careers in Technology (suitable for all ages)
An introduction to the nature of the Built Environment, the roles and responsibilities of those engaged in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure, and an exploration of the humble brick (a hands-on desk-top exercise in structural failure).
- Computing
Can Machines Think? (suitable for 16+)
What does ‘artificial intelligence’ really mean?
Graphs in the Real World (suitable for 16+)
A practical introduction to graph theory.
How Hard Can It Be? (suitable for 16+)
An introduction to ‘difficult’ problems in computing.
Technocapitalism (suitable for 16+)
‘Data becomes the new gold and we’re all going to become innovators!’ How’s that going to work out?
The ‘Prof on a Train’ Game (suitable for 16+)
Can ‘big data’ and the ‘Internet of Things’ leave us with any privacy?
What Could Computers do if they Understood Human Emotions? (suitable for 16+)
This talk provides an introduction to the emerging field known as “Affective Computing”, which is concerned with how technologies might be enhanced by providing them with emotional intelligence. We broadly consider what might happen if technologies: (a) could understand human emotion; (b) could imitate human emotion, and (c) actually had their own emotions. The talk is peppered with examples from current practice and research and there is scope for interaction and lively debate as we discuss this new field of computing!
AI in Engineering Design (suitable for 16+)
This talk provides an introduction to AI driven engineering design techniques and software tool development.
Galaxian to Guitar Hero: Computer and Video Game Sound (suitable for 16+)
This session provides an introduction to the scientific principles of sound and the way in which it is used in computer and video games to achieve realism and immersion. Media principles of sound and visuals are explored along with a discussion and demonstration of what makes sound for games different to sound for television and film. Participants will experience a wide range of sounds and music during the talk and lots of discussion. (1 to 1.5 hour presentation. Can include a sound recording workshop, which requires computers and editing software. The workshops add another 2 hours)
Playspace (suitable for all ages)
This workshop provides an introduction to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, 3d scanning & printing, cyber security hacking tools, and Arduino and the Internet of Things.
3D Sculpting for Video Games (suitable for 16+)
This session provides an introduction to sculpting 3D video game characters using Autodesk Mudbox. The basic tools and principles of sculpting and modelling are explored and underpinned with a demonstration and hands-on classroom activity. Participants will experience a range of tools and techniques during the session. (1-hour presentation. Will include an introduction to the software, which requires computers and the Mudbox software. The workshop adds another 2 hours). Participants are encouraged to bring a pen drive.
3D Modelling for Video Games (suitable for 16+)
This session provides an introduction to 3D Modelling for video games using Autodesk Maya. The basic tools and principles of 3D Modelling will be explored and underpinned with a demonstration and hands-on classroom activity. Participants will experience a range of tools and techniques during the session. (1-hour presentation. Will include an introduction to the software, which requires computers and the Maya software. The workshop adds another 2 hours). Participants are encouraged to bring a pen drive.
- Media
Introduction to Sound and Music in Computer and Video Games (suitable for 11 years and over)
Most people that play (and make) computer games tend to get excited about the slick graphics and engaging gameplay they experience. However, the use of sound is often the forgotten hero of successful games. This talk examines the role that sound and music plays in computer games and how it is used to bring games to life and make us not only think, but feel, the games we play.
Introduction to the TV Studio (1hr, up to 10-12 per group)
Students will learn about how the studio works as a team environment and gain an understanding of the technology that drives it.
This is an interactive workshop where students will create a short video of a TV studio session.
Introduction to Sound Synthesis (1hr, up to 24 per group)
Students will learn what a synthesiser is, as well as the blocks that make it function. Students will work together to build a working software-based synthesiser.
Introduction to Audio Post Production for Film and TV (1hr, up to 8 per group)
Find out more about Post Production, including dialogue replacement and Foley techniques. Students on this workshop will create a short film and add audio to it.
Introduction to Radio Production (1hr, up to 12 per group)
Students will learn about the art of Radio Production, which will include writing scripts and recording dialogue. Students will go on to create a short piece for radio broadcast on Calon FM.
- Engineering
Flight Simulator Experience (suitable for all ages, 45-60 mins, up to 20 max per group)
Car Simulator Experience (suitable for all ages, 45 mins, up to 10-15 per group)
Fuel for the Future (suitable for all ages)
Oil will start to run out in our lifetimes. This lecture looks at the possible alternatives to fossil fuels and the opportunities available to future businesses to take advantage of the coming paradigm shift in new energy technologies. We briefly cover wind, solar, hydro and biomass energy.
Drone Technology (suitable for 16+)
Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) which are more commonly referred to as “Drones” are becoming increasingly popular in our society and are used in a wide range of commercial and recreational applications. The lecture discusses the state-of-the-art and tries to predict the future of drone technology in the UK
Silicon Power (suitable for 16+)
Every hour, the Sun bombards Earth with enough energy to power all human activity for an entire year. But how exactly do we convert that sunlight efficiently into electricity?
Climate Change, Without the Hot Air (suitable for all ages)
There is a lot of misinformation surrounding climate change and this lecture gets to the facts of what is really happening and, more importantly, what is causing it. We look at the science, evidence we are seeing now, possible future consequences, and how the general media interprets these issues.
Introduction to Composite Materials session (at Airbus/Wrexham Composite Research Centre) (suitable for 16+)
Composite materials have revolutionised engineering over the past few decades. Their low mass combined with high strength and stiffness has enabled aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing to make their aircraft more fuel efficient and Formula 1 cars to become safer and quicker. This presentation, combined with a laboratory session at the Airbus/WrexhamAdvanced Composites Training and Development Centre will give students an understanding of how engineers can utilise these materials.
- Performing arts
Theatre and Performance Workshop (suitable for all ages)
A range of theatre and performance demonstrations and skills, including juggling and circus skills.
