An Adventure in Genetic Engineering

Working in teams, pupils seek to identify a bacterial clone able to produce human insulin for diabetic patients. They will culture potential clones, isolate DNA and carry out restriction mapping and analysis by gel electrophoresis, collecting their data using laptop computers in the lab. Each team will represent a Biotechnology Research Team keen to help diabetic patients. There will be an element of competition between teams and emphasis on collaboration between teams. Outdoor Adventure will be run alongside the scientific activities to develop skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork and collaboration. Activities help to challenge and invigorate the pupils and balance the academic load ! The course concludes with presentations of findings and discussion of the results and implications.

Keywords: residential, explore, genetic engineering, microbiology, bacteria, enzyme, bioscience, Cumbria, lancashire, workplace, industry how science works, present, ICT, biotechnology, genes and chromosomes, project, course, communication, problem solving, ethical, science in society, active approaches