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Cambridge University (by Kelly Smith)
16th December 1999 The final official visit of the Gledden tour and facing stiff competition if we were to have ‘saved the best for last’, Cambridge University. Cambridge itself did not disappoint, the history of the city was evident both its buildings and atmosphere. Do not allow this to disillusion you, the university still managed to produce an aesthetically displeasing engineering building.The group has now been enlightened with regards to the world of engineering at Cambridge University. Application procedures are somewhat ‘interesting’ with students applying for a college rather than a course. It is also interesting to note that the colleges run all tutorials, with only one or two students per tutor. Interesting research is being conducted with regards to the containment of contaminated land areas, possibly with the use of recycled tyres. I’m sorry to say that the electrical department and research area was nothing more than bits of plastic and metal to me, but I am aware that it was very interesting to those more electrically informed than myself. A midday wander around town was most enjoyable. Some of the colleges and associated chapels were well worth the look. It was a decent walk across to the Whittle Laboratory, but the small English town ambience (complete with grey skies) was most pleasant (oh, except for the greyness, but it just wouldn’t be England without grey sky would it?). Ben Leishman, formerly of the prestigious UWA, showed us around the Whittle Labs, where he has just started some Graduate Research. This laboratory is sponsored by Rolls Royce and carries out research into turbines. Currently they are looking at turbine blade shape, amongst other things. This visit was a nice way to wrap up a most enjoyable tour. |
