Feburary 2016
8th-10th February 2016:
Twelve transition year students from Dublin and its surrounding areas commenced a three day interactive science programme led and co-ordinated by Dr. Helena Bonner in the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) in conjunction with the the Centre for Systems Medicine, based at RCSI.
Lab Manager Ina woods shows students how to extract DNA from saliva
Dr. Ian Miller also shows students how to extract DNA from a bannana
As part of the TY MiniScience programme, that was run from the 8th – 10th February, students experienced life as a scientist while taking part in interactive workshops where they learned about the ageing of the human brain, neuronal cell structure and functioning. They listened about our research on Motor Neuron Disease and got the opportunity to observe and treat cancer cells.
Other highlights from the week included students gaining hands on experience in separating DNA using gel electrophoresis. They also heard from our researchers about the daily working lives of CSM researchers and about their careers to date. The programme also featured a guest lecture from Claire Mc Donald, Programmes Directorate, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), who spoke about SFI’s “STEM and the Smart Futures” initiative. The programme end with sessions on the importance of Systems Biology and Biostatistics in translational research.
Speaking on the programme, Professor Jochen Prehn, Professor of Physiology and Medical Physics & Director for the Centre for Systems Medicine, RCSI said, “I am delighted to welcome the students to RCSI for this programme. Over the next three days they will get a real experience for what life is really like for researchers and scientists. I hope, from this programme, that the students will learn a lot and perhaps it will lead to them considering a career in science”.
For information regarding our TY Mini-Science Programme, contact Dr. Helena Bonner
hbonner@rcsi.ie
01 402 2289