Member Article

DNA Workshop produces great results for Biology Students

A Level Biology Students at Newcastle Sixth Form College had the unique experience of studying their own DNA samples at a specially designed workshop at the International Centre for Life. Over three days, a group of 65 students from the sixth form college were invited to take part in the workshop. They extracted their own DNA and amplified it using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction, before digesting their DNA samples with restriction enzymes and then analysing the gels under UV light to determine their genotypes for taste.

The workshops had several modules which they followed and enabled the students to take part the series of practical experiments and analysis which really generated extra understanding and awareness of this ground breaking area of scientific research. With a laboratory lead at each stage and teachers working alongside the students, the workshops were a major learning experience for the students.

Lauren Plews, Mike Solomon and Nimerta Virdee were the teachers from Newcastle Sixth Form College who led the groups of students on the workshop and Lauren commented:

‘The facilities and expertise available at the International Centre for Life are world class, and it was a great opportunity for our students to learn this complex part of the syllabus with such a practical workshop, which put them in the real life experience of working in laboratory conditions. The students enjoyed the opportunity immensely but more importantly, they were inspired by the opportunity to work in this environment and manage their own work.’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Newcastle Sixth Form College .