Science & Technology Group
For subjects of current and historical interest.
The Science and Technology Group meets monthly to learn about and discuss topics of current and historical interest. The format for the meetings is not fixed but will include presentations, discussions and possibly visits. No prior knowledge of particular subjects will be assumed and everyone will have a chance to ask questions or contribute a point of view.
Our meetings are normally at 2pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 81 Hyndland Road. (This is also known as Russell House and is the main door flat next to Hyndland Parish Church.) All GWE U3A members are welcome but it's helpful if you use the pigeon link to notify the co-ordinator in advance if you expect to attend. You can also use the link to ask for more information or to request that your name be put on the mailing list for the Group.
Our Programme for 2019 - 2020
18 September
The Internet. Guest speaker, Walter Patterson. "The Internet is something that we use and take for granted in our daily lives. But what exactly is 'the Internet'? Why was it first created - and by whom? Who controls it, and is that a matter of concern? What is net neutrality and why should it be preserved? What is the dark web? These fascinating (and sometimes troubling) questions will be examined."
16 October
Farming for a Better Climate – how farmers can help us move towards net zero carbon. Guest speaker Rebecca Audsley, Scotland's Rural College. “Some of the expected impacts of climate change on farmers and the measures they are putting in place both to cope with changes and to reduce their contribution to it.”
20 November
The a State of Nature in Scotland. Guest speaker, Dr Sheena Wurthmann. ”Earlier this year, Scottish Natural Heritage published a report titled The State of Nature Scotland 2019. This report draws on evidence from numerous sources to present a picture of the status of wildlife species in the country and to try to interpret this information.”
18 December
Improving the Clyde - Wind turbines, walls, dams and dredging Guest Speaker: Charles Scott. "A trip down the Clyde from the Lowther hills to the Erskine Bridge looking at the man-made enhancements to the river and what provoked them - with illustrations and maps."
15 January
The threat of new and emerging infections. Speaker: GWE member Dr Dermot Kennedy
19 February
“Glasgow’s rocks and landscape - record of a voyage through deep time”.. Guest speaker: Dr Simon Cuthbert, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow.
18 March
Vaccines from Jenner to the future. Speaker: GWE member Prof David Stott
15 April
What's inside the box - a look inside the miniature world of electronics. Speaker: GWE member Alan Watt
20 May
Photosynthesis - the chemistry which keeps our planet and us alive! Guest speaker: Rosalind Holmes of East Renfrewshire U3A
17 June
TBC
New members are always welcome, even if there is only one talk that interests you. We also welcome your suggestions for subjects that you would like to discuss.
Click on the pigeon if you want to ask the co-ordinator a question by email.