A Question Of Taste: Polymerase Chain Reaction Masterclasses At The University Of Edinburgh

A Question Of Taste: Polymerase Chain Reaction Masterclasses At The University Of Edinburgh

On the 12th and 13th of October 2024, a group of 28 young people, studying Higher Biology, attended one of two full days of hands-on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) masterclasses at the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, part of the University of Edinburgh.

This workshop provided the young people with the hands-on experience of working in a university laboratory. Pupils were able to collect, analyse and amplify their own DNA to identify their genotype in regard to being able to taste specific bitter tastes.

In addition, the young people were offered the unique opportunity to meet and work with the Scientists at BSOC.

Workshop Objectives

1.To give the cohort the opportunity to apply their curricular learning to real life scenarios to gain a further understanding of the techniques and processes used in PCR.

2.To improve their knowledge and understanding of higher biology and higher human biology relating to key areas: structure of DNA; gene expression; mutations; genomic sequencing; and human genomics.

3.EBSOC’s workshops are also designed to support DYW’s ‘I can statements’ which identify the skills they have learnt across the curriculum, how these relate to the world of work and how they can apply these appropriately during work placements and other work-related learning.

Learning Objectives

1.To understand DNA structure and function
2.To understand that we can identify genotypes using molecular biology techniques and how restriction enzymes cut DNA 3.To acquire knowledge in the use of restriction enzymes and electrophoresis to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their own DNA.
4.To gain experience in the Interpretation of experimental results
5.To reveal the world of work in scientific research

Outcomes
Students reported they could confidently access and interpret the information they needed to make well-informed choices about their learning options, pathways and how these relate to possible future careers.

Students felt better equipped to work towards achieving qualifications which support them to achieve their future career aspirations.

Detailed of Involved Parties

ORE Catapult: ORE Catapult enables innovation and accelerates the development of offshore renewable energy, growing businesses and creating jobs throughout the UK. ORE Catapult has provided continued funding to Levenmouth Academy, supporting the DYW agenda, which improves the experiences and outcomes of the young people in the area. Both participation and travel was sponsored by ORE Catapult.

The Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre:
The Secondary school workshops provided at The University of Edinburgh are all curriculum-linked, interactive and reveal the real-life science being done across the University of Edinburgh. All of their workshops are led by the Roslin Institute Public Engagement team and supported by their researchers, postgraduate students and scientific staff, giving pupils the opportunity to find out more about studying and working in science.

Feedback
Pupils feedback based on their experiences was very positive. The pupils rated the PCR Masterclass on average as an 8.1/10, with pupil testimonials from:

Corey Bayne: “Completing the practical side of the masterclass was enjoyable and a different experience from what’s available in class.”

Mya Campbell: “It gave me hands on experience of working in lab.”

Scarlett Hogan: “I enjoyed getting to use the lab equipment and having what it does being explained.”