Dummy mummy gives birth . .

Technical administrator Rebecca Murray delivers a 'baby' at the Sighthill campus.

Just down the corridor, an adventurer is simulating the conditions he will face when he tackles Everest, while a pro golfer is monitoring his swing using the latest biomechanical technology.

Welcome to Edinburgh Napier University's newest addition.

The 60 million revamped campus at Sighthill opened its doors this morning to thousands of students and staff eager to get a first glimpse of the facilities.

The new campus housing the Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences boasts six separate mock hospital wards including a high dependency unit, scrub room, midwifery suite and dummy patients. One of the "dummy mummies" can even "give birth" to a baby.

Ian McIntosh, deputy dean of the faculty, said: "This is the biggest and most modern training facility in Scotland which is based on real hospitals and, in many cases, is better than real hospitals.

"I would claim it is the best training facility in the country. Most of our equipment is compatible with what's being used in the local NHS."

The campus' sport and social sciences department has a new state-of-the-art environmental chamber which can recreate high altitude conditions, with controllable temperatures ranging from -10C to 50C to simulate various climactic conditions, such as climbing Everest.

It is equipped with a treadmill so students can monitor body temperatures when running for both training and research purposes.

Within the same department, the biomechanics lab monitors and improves athletes' techniques in sports such as running or golf.

Elsewhere, forensic science students can use the new crime scene room and forensics lab where they can carry out blood splatter analysis, matching trace materials and footwear analysis.

The new campus also has modern sports facilities including a gym and large hall the size of two basketball courts which are available to the public.

Dame Professor Joan Stringer, principal of Edinburgh Napier University, said she was "exceptionally proud of this new landmark building for the city".

She said: "I believe that we have created a truly special centre for the teaching of health, science and sports of which both our students and Scotland can be proud.

"The architectural 'wow' factor and innovative facilities combine to make it a first-class environment in which to learn.

"In this boldly designed campus we have fantastic sports teaching facilities, mock hospital wards, laboratories and state-of-the-art lecture theatres."

She added: "I am particularly delighted that we have delivered this on time, on budget and in an environmental manner."