NUI Galway will hold their annual Open Days this Friday, 1 October and Saturday, 2 October. An important occasion for prospective students, Open Days provides an opportunity to talk to NUI Galway students and staff, explore the campus and find out more about courses of interest. Friday's Open Day, on 1 October, is aimed at school groups, although individuals are also very welcome to attend. Saturday's Open Day on 2 October, is for students thinking about university and their parents and families. With over 60 degree programmes on offer at NUI Galway, lecturers and Deans will be on hand at exhibition stands to answer questions on courses, CAO points and career paths. A talk specifically for parents at 11am on Saturday will give an overview of the career paths of NUI Galway graduates, as well as looking ahead to the job market of the future. Many of the newer courses at the University have been designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the employment market and meet the needs of the Smart Economy. The Open Days will feature a mix of taster sessions and short lectures to provide a feel for university life. Events will include hands-on science workshops, interactive demonstrations with cameras, media equipment and podcasts and interactive sessions with IT systems and robotics. According to NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, the Open Day is an ideal opportunity to find out exactly what the University has to offer: "Our Open Days offer prospective students the opportunity to meet our lecturers and find out about courses which might be of interest. NUI Galway has a long-standing reputation and dedicated staff, many of whom are world leaders in their fields, committed to delivering the highest quality education and student experience. The Open Day will help students make an informed decision when it comes to filling out the CAO form." During the Open Days, tours of the campus will allow prospective students to visit the Sports Centre, home to 45 student sports clubs, and Áras na Mac Léinn, the base for over 100 student societies. The tours will also take in, among other elements, accommodation and library facilities. For further details on NUI Galway Open Days, visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/. -Ends-