Amgen Biotech Experience - New Schools

Summary

A unique opportunity to access training in the teaching of Biotechnology and to gain access to free lab grade biotechnology equipment and consumables.

 1 day course for teachers/2 day course for technicians

 £30 total fee to cover all CPD and the free loan of lab grade equipment and all consumables

The Regional Science Learning Centre Consortia Central England, the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge and the Teacher Scientist Network secured a further grant from the Amgen Foundation to bring Biotechnology to life in Cambridge secondary schools and colleges. We are recruiting new schools now for June 2014.

The Amgen Biotechnology Experience is an education outreach programme that can transform Biology lessons Post 16 and extend students at KS4 by encouraging students to experience the excitement of real-life Bio-science. The programme involves CPD for Biology teachers and school Science technicians and the free loan of materials and resources to the schools involved. The Programme has already made a significant impact on schools in the US, with over $4 million invested.

The course will cover practical aspects of Biotechnology including restriction enzyme digestion, ligation reactions and agarose gel electrophoresis. We will be using research grade equipment, including Gilson micropipettes and Biorad gel electrophoresis tanks. After participating  in the CPD, each school will be able to borrow the equipment for use within their classrooms. Participants will also be given an unlimited quantity of consumables free of charge for use in these lessons (including all necessary reagents). A booking system is agreed that rotates equipment around participating schools.

This is an intensive course which will include essential pre-course reading and preparation. It will require a level of commitment from both teachers and technicians so that the programme can be used in lessons. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and implement Biotechnology for teachers, technicians and students. We offer support to participating schools in following years with new practical opportunities, updated materials and continued consumable provisions/equipment loans.

How will it work?

We are asking one teacher and one technician from each participating school to attend Day 1 and then the technician only to attend Day 2. Please select which location is most suitable for you.

How is it appropriate to the curriculum?

An expanding part of the A2 specification relates to genomes, DNA and its manipulation. This series of practical experiments will link to A2 students’ required knowledge and provide invaluable experience for those planning further study in this area. It is also relevant to KS4 and an abbreviated version would provide an excellent opportunity for students to extend their knowledge, develop practical skills and gain insight into the techniques which underpin practical research in this area.

How much will the course cost?

The cost to each participating school is £30 in total. This covers the basic costs of sending both a teacher and technician to the training. The Amgen Foundation is funding all other aspects of the program. This fee covers the cost of the training for one teacher and one technician, the loan of extensive research grade equipment and all necessary consumables to run the practical activities in school.

How do I apply?

There are limited places on this programme. Places will be allocated to schools on a first come, first served basis. Participating schools and colleges will be required to collect and return kits before and after the designated loan period from the Faculty of Education, Cambridge. Please only register for the programme if you are able to do this. For any queries please contact Alison McCree directly a.1.mccree@herts.ac.uk. Alternatively, please call the Science Learning Centre on 01992 503498.

Places will be bookable from April 2014: