Feeding the Future (Biology and Chemistry)

The University of York's Pre-University Summer School is a residential programme designed for students aged 16-18 to get a taste of what it means to study at a top university in the UK.

The programme combines a chosen academic subject option with co-curricular sessions on academic, intercultural and employability skills and a fun-packed schedule of cultural and social visits and activities.

Feeding the Future:
As the global population grows, we face a range of challenges, including an increasing demand for food and other resources. Scientists are working to develop solutions to the problems that threaten our food supply, such as unsustainable farming practices and a changing climate. We need more nutritious and resilient crops, alongside circular processes where food waste is used to make valuable products to reduce the demand for non-renewable resources.

On this short course, you will learn about recent research that aims to better understand and tackle these challenges. You will hear from the people carrying out this important research and gain hands-on experience of laboratory work. As part of a small team, you will also have the opportunity to develop possible solutions to these global challenges.

Course leader

This course is jointly offered by the Department of Biology, a UK top 10 department and the Department of Chemistry, 7th for Chemistry in the 2023 Complete University guide.

Target group

The programme is open to all students aged 16-18 who are currently in secondary or further education. Participants must have had their 16th birthday before the programme starts.

Course aim

The programme is designed to help students prepare for university study through:
- an in-depth exploration of the chosen academic subject option and the teaching and learning methods at undergraduate level
- the development of key academic skills needed for success at university
- intercultural training and employability skills
- university preparation sessions and insight from current students