Last week (14 May), 28 secondary school biology teachers from across Northern Ireland gathered for an inspiring and practical Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session in Molecular Biology Techniques, on the Coleraine campus.
This event was funded by the Garfield Weston Trust and STEM Learning’s Enthuse Charitable Trust.
The day struck a balance between professional rigour and scientific curiosity, reinforcing how such techniques can be applied in classrooms to deepen student understanding of CCEA GCE Biology, Life and Health Sciences and OCR Cambridge Technicals.
This event was made possible through the School of Biomedical Sciences recently formed Ulster Life Science and Biotechnology (ULife) Education Hub, which partners with schools and colleges to deliver innovative educational resources through on-campus and in-school training.
This training was coordinated by ULife lead Dr Andrew McDowell, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology and Course Director for the MSc in Biotechnology Research, alongside Dr Sarah Atkinson (Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science) and Dr Rachelle Irwin (Lecturer in Genomic Medicine) from the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Hosted in partnership with Dr Gill Humes, Director of Deliberate Learning, the training offered a rare opportunity for teachers to step into the lab themselves and build confidence with key techniques now central to the post-16 science curriculum, including DNA extraction, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and gel electrophoresis.
Taught by academic experts at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus, the participants used state-of-the-art Bento Labs, portable, all-in-one molecular biology workstations – to not only explore the theory behind these methods but to engage in a fascinating practical investigation: determining their own genetic predisposition to tasting bitter compounds.
Teachers predicted their ‘bitterness genotype’ based on prior tasting experience and by using specialised bitterness paper strips, extracted their own DNA, amplified a target gene using PCR and analysed their findings via agarose gel electrophoresis. At the end of the experiments, they were then able to compare their tasting phenotype to their genotype that had been predicted in advance.
The 28 teachers to attend the training came from the following schools:
Dominican College (Belfast), Cookstown High School, Limavady Grammar School, Slemish College (Ballymena), Omagh High School, Assumption Grammar School (Ballynahinch), St Patrick’s High School (Keady), Parkhall Integrated College (Antrim), Dalriada School (Ballymoney), Magherafelt High School, Wallace High School (Lisburn), Cross and Passion College (Ballycastle), St. John the Baptist College (Portadown), Omagh High School, Lagan College (Belfast), Ashfield Boys’ High School (Belfast), Grosvenor Grammar School (Belfast) and St Brigid’s College (Derry).
Dr Andrew McDowell commented:
“It was fantastic to see teachers so engaged. Many had never used this kind of molecular biology equipment before, but left feeling confident and energised to take their newly acquired skills and practical knowledge back to their students. This kind of training is essential in bridging the gap between textbook and lab bench.
“With a strong emphasis on practical learning and peer collaboration, the event also fostered valuable connections among educators from across the region, paving the way for future exchange of ideas and best practice.”
Feedback from the teachers included:
“This was a brilliant day that was really insightful into the real-life application of PCR.”
“An amazing opportunity to have a hands-on experience. Lots to take back to school.”
“An excellent day in the lab with helpful, experienced and expert staff. A great opportunity to see the fantastic facilities at the Coleraine campus.”
Teachers returned to their schools equipped not just with new technical skills but with the enthusiasm and expertise to inspire the next generation of scientists, bringing hands-on molecular biology into the heart of the classroom.
Find out more:
If you have any questions about this event, contact Dr Andrew McDowell by email to a.mcdowell@ulster.ac.uk
