Information on Loughborough

Chance for Leicestershire youngsters to get to grips with DNA

Posted on 02/03/2009
University of Leicester

The University of Leicesters world class Department of Genetics will be holding three hands-on sessions on DNA technology for young people as part of the Universitys celebrations for National Science and Engineering Week.

On Monday March 9th (9.30am-1.30pm) sixth form students can live out a dream and become Forensic Scientists for a morning, amplifying and analysing DNA samples taken from a crime scene using pioneering technology and laboratory equipment.

Theyve seen it on television and theyve read about it in the press, but will they be able to solve the crime using the DNA fingerprints?

On Thursday 12th March (10.00am-2.00pm) eleven- and twelve-year-olds can try their hands at preparing DNA and seeing how scientists can use the information it holds. In a day packed with fun activities, they can also find out what enzymes do in our bodies - and what they can do in the laboratory.

Dr Cas Kramer, who is organising these events commented: "We always try to enthuse students about science, whatever their age. Youngsters are amazed to see they can extract DNA from a banana, while sixth formers are thrilled to be able to use high-tech equipment in a real laboratory.

Further information on these two events is available from Dr Cas Kramer, email ck53@le.ac.uk.

Also on Thursday March 12 (5.00-6.30pm), Café Biotechnique offers sixth formers an opportunity to discuss topical breakthroughs in biomedical science with international scientists, in a session led by Leicester geneticist, Professor Mark Jobling. The issue under discussion is: "Personal DNA testing: curse, con or harmless fun? Pizza and refreshments will be available and the session will be informal.

Further information on this event is available from Annette Cashmore, Director of the Universitys GENIE Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Genetics and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, email genie@le.ac.uk.

Professor Cashmore commented: "These events give exciting opportunities to really raise awareness of science to a cross section of the public. They also raise the awareness of academics of the need to showcase their work to the public !

All three events are run by GENIE, with the Department of Chemistry (March 12th).

GENIE (Genetics Education Networking for Innovation and Excellence) is a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). In March 2005 the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) agreed to fund 74 CETLs across all English regions as part of a £315 million programme to promote excellence in teaching and learning covering a wide range of subjects and aspects of higher education.

The University of Leicester is the lead institution for two CETLs, including GENIE, and is a partner in a third.

GENIE is based within the Department of Genetics, which is internationally recognised for its pioneering, revolutionary research and dynamic teaching by academics at the cutting edge of their discipline. The GENIE project creates a learning experience that is both innovative and intellectually exciting.