Pre-University: Using Data in the Sciences

Students will explore what data is and the different types found across various science disciplines. Data will be explored in the context of the data science life cycle alongside how best to manage different data and where and how to obtain it.

Are you thinking about studying a science subject at university?

This course is specifically designed for 16-18 year olds in their final or penultimate year of school who are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). During this 2-week programme, students will have the opportunity to explore different types of data used in STEM research.

Working with STEM specialists, students will learn about how different areas of science generate and use data and develop key skills for undergraduate study.

The course will also include visits to other science organisations and give students the chance to meet and speak with scientists studying and working at the University of Edinburgh

Course teacher

Andrea Moore and Angus Miller

Credit bearing

No

Eligibility

Students must be in their penultimate or final year of high school and aged 16-18 years.

Students should not have any previous undergraduate learning experience and should have strong interest in science. This does not need to include knowledge of probability or statistics. No knowledge of computer programming is required. Students should have completed mathematics up to SCQF level 5 GCSE/SQA National 5/IB MYP or secondary school certificate/diploma, or equivalent. If you are unsure, then please contact col.admissions@ed.ac.uk.

Language requirements

Applicants should meet the minimum English language requirements in order to fully benefit from, and engage with, Summer School courses. Your English language ability must be equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component.

Device requirements

Course materials will be delivered via the University of Edinburgh's Virtual Learning Environment. To access these materials, you will require a suitable device, such as a laptop or tablet. 

Teaching location

Holyrood Campus

Dates

30 June - 11 July 2025

Length

2 weeks

Course fee

£4995

Application deadline

Tuesday 20 May 2025, 17:00 (BST)


Andrea Moore is one of the STEM teaching fellows at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Open Learning, where she works with students delivering STEM courses. Andrea has over 13 years of experience in chemistry education, having taught chemistry at secondary and college levels internationally before joining the university. She is passionate about making chemistry accessible and engaging for all students.

Andrea received her degree in chemistry from the University of Glasgow and studied her PGDE at Strathclyde University, also in Glasgow. Her research focused on developing new methodologies in organic synthesis and spectroscopy.

At the University of Edinburgh, Andrea designs curriculum, teaches short courses and summer STEM courses, and mentors' students in STEM research projects. She aims to foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore chemistry and all aspects of STEM

Angus Miller is a STEM teaching fellow in geology at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Open Learning (COL). Angus has been teaching lifelong learning courses for COL for over 20 years, and he specialises in exploring the geology of Scotland. His background is in volcanic earthquakes, and he has worked on and visited volcanoes in the Caribbean, Iceland and Japan. Although he is slightly disappointed that there are no active volcanoes in Scotland, he spends a lot of time exploring the extinct volcanoes to be found scattered around the country. He has a particular interest in how geological activity in the past has shaped Scotland’s landscape, and the ways in which this has influenced the society and culture of Scotland.


Students will explore what data is and the different types found across various science disciplines. Data will be explored in the context of the data science life cycle alongside how best to manage different data and where and how to obtain data.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their data science skills through:

  • interpreting and critically analysing scientific data
  • using basic statistical and computational tools
  • creating and testing hypotheses
  • using the data science life cycle
  • working collaboratively with peers
  • communicating scientific research

The structure of this course is designed to provide students with an immersive experience, giving them a taster of undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique Edinburgh-based summer school opportunity.

Classes will combine mini-lectures and practical sessions. Students will also get expert advice and support in developing academic language and literacy skills and will receive information on how to apply to a UK university from the University of Edinburgh Admissions team.

To successfully complete this course and achieve all learning outcomes students should attend all in-person sessions, actively engage with all learning, work with peers in a collaborative manner and take responsibility for their personal organisation and study. Teachers will support students to be successful by providing a supportive learning environment in which they shall share regular, meaningful feedback for reflection and use at a future opportunity.


Class times

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 - 12:00

Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00

 

View our Sample Timetable for an idea of what to expect


On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain what data and the data science life cycle is.
  • Generate and capture some data of their own.
  • Describe which statistical method is appropriate for a given data set and hypothesis to be tested.
  • Use technology and statistical methods to analyse, manipulate and communicate data.
  • Summarise and communicate a data science investigation.

The Pre-University courses are based at the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood campus. This campus sits just off the Royal Mile, which connects Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Caste. The campus houses a library, cafe and several study spaces and is surrounded by a number of cafes and grocery stores where you can buy lunch. It is also just around the corner from the Pleasance Sports Complex and Gym which you will have the opportunity to visit as part of the programme.

The Holyrood campus is approximately 20 minutes from the accommodation. You will be expected to walk to and from campus each day. The weather in Edinburgh can be changeable - so make sure to pack a rain coat and umbrella!


Applications open at 09:00 (GMT) on Friday 10 January 2025.


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