The University Centre sponsored yesterday’s (Sunday 15 February 2015) sell-out event, which is part of the annual Darwin Festival.

Professor Tim Jenkins, who is among the academics developing University Centre Shrewsbury’s curriculum, shared details on the new History of Science master’s course ahead of the lecture on Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel, the “Father of Genetics”.

The course draws upon the unique contributions of Shropshire’s famous sons and daughters to many areas of science, including the theory of evolution, major geology advances and leading roles in the industrial use of iron and other materials.

The modules feature the impact of the work of pioneers including Charles Darwin; William Penny Brookes, “Father of the Modern Olympics”; Agnes Hunt, the first orthopaedic nurse and founder of the Shropshire Orthopaedic Hospital; and Abraham Darby, who changed the industrial world.

The lecture, by Professor Gregory Radick, explored the questions of what Darwin believed about inheritance, how he came to think about inheritance in the ways he did, and why more might be lost than gained if his efforts are classed as a ‘brilliant blunder’.  The event at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury was organised by the Friends of Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“Shropshire forefathers have made an extraordinary contribution to the development of science since the 19th century.  The master’s programme covers scientific advances over the centuries, including the county’s influence.

“We were extremely proud to sponsor the Darwin Memorial Lecture and it was the perfect event to launch the History of Science course.”

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“This promises to be a fascinating course, one that I’m sure will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in Shropshire’s unique contribution to the world we know today.”

University Centre Shrewsbury is being established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county affording a range of potential benefits.

For further information on the University Centre Shrewsbury History of Science master’s course go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/pg/history-science

For more details on University Centre Shrewsbury, go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk, email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01244 511000.

Further information

More information on University Centre Shrewsbury is available at:

• Facebook – /ucshrewsbury
• Twitter – @ucshrewsbury

Gregory Radick is a Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Leeds.  His main area of research is the history of biology and the human sciences from the 18th century to the present, and in particular, Darwinism, genetics and animal behaviour.

For more information on Prof Radick go to www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/people/40000/research/person/861/gregory_radick