Students get chance to take part in leading DNA science project
By Maurice Garvey
STUDENTS in Ballyfermot expressed their inner ‘CSI’ this week – taking part in scientific programme in conjunction with a leading biotech company.
Caritas College 5th and 6th year students carried out laboratory projects including forensic work, with Amegen – enjoying a unique opportunity in a biology workshop in DNA profiling and analysis.
The Amgen Biotech Experience workshop, gave students a glimpse into studying biology at university and of some of the techniques used in a career in biotechnology.
Darren Bolger, Biology teacher, Caritas College, said: “This is a great opportunity for our students to gain experience using equipment and lab techniques that they will use at third-level and, hopefully, if they go on and have a science-related profession”
Students carried out DNA profiling, which is used in forensic science to link suspects to DNA samples found at crime scenes and in paternal cases.
ABE is an innovative science education programme that empowers teachers to bring biotechnology into their classrooms.
ABE-Ireland offers training in molecular biology experiments for secondary school teachers at locations in University College Dublin and Dublin City University.
Amegen use cutting-edge science and technology to study and search for therapies that will improve the lives of those suffering from serious diseases.
For further information on the workshop, contact ABE-Ireland [at] ucd [dot] ie or visit www.abeireland.com
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