Higher Level Students Gear Up for CAST/CAPS at SPACE

The College is hosting a half-day Conference for the Advancement of Studies in Technology (CAST) and Advancement of Professional Studies (CAPS) on Tuesday 21 May at SPACE, Bangor Campus.    

Students are nominated by their lecturers to present their projects that they have been working on throughout the year. The presentations offer students an opportunity to develop essential non-cognitive skills and prepare them for further study in HE.     

Kieran McKenna, Head of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at SERC said, “With the CAST/CAPS event now well established in the SERC calendar, we find the standard and quality of work increases each year.   Our students recognise that they are in competition for places at university and in the workplace, so they know that project-based learning and the presentation of how they convey their work is going to give them they edge.  

“CAST/CAPS provides students with a platform to share best practice in industry and vocational focused project work, the opportunity to develop higher level employability skills and encourages the extension of their research skills through the use of these live projects.  

He added “A judging panel will hear from 13 individuals and teams studying on foundation degrees, HNCs, HNDs and degree level programmes.   These will range from the determination of hydroxyl vitamin D concentration from bovine plasma and serum samples presented by Foundation Degree in Applied and Medical Science students through to the development of a tour by our Foundation and HND Hospitality and Events students  and a plan for restoration of the Royal Hotel on Bangor Seafront by our HNC/HND Construction and the Built Environment Students.   The groups will receive feedback and recognition for their efforts at the end of the conference.”

Running Order

Group One CAST Presentations: 

• Foundation Degree in Science in Applied and Medical Sciences- The determination of hydroxyl vitamin D concentration from bovine plasma and serum samples.
• HND Engineering-  Design and construction of Electronic Drum kit to be developed for commercial gain.
• Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering- TBC
• HND/Foundation Degree in Computing- Games / Virtual Reality Development.
• HNC/HND in Construction and the Built Environment- Plan for the Restoration of the Royal Hotel on Bangor Seafront.
• HNC/HND in Applied Biology- Impact of water quality on fish species in Craigavon rivers.

Group Two CAST Presentations:

• Foundation Degree in Sports Science, Coaching and Fitness- 'Investigation into Strength and Power Endurance Training for Senior Squad Hockey Players
• HND/FD In Tourism, Hospitality and Events- Bozzy Pub Tour
• HNC in Photography- Art and Design in the Public Realm
• HND in Performing Arts- Glass Umbrella Commissions
• John Moores University BA Business Studies- TBC
• Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management- TBC