Teaching A Level Biotechnology

I have tought for many years in school`s and found their labs not suited for biotechnology. Their is now a whole movement called biohack that looks at genetic engineering and diy protocols. After spending a number of holidays developing skills as diverse as programming and welding I have managed to build pcr machines, Incubators, gel electrophoresis chambers and simple dna extraction protocols.

Last week my students and I finished our first canine hormone assay. The practice skills aid the empa and ISA elements within A level teaching and even more so now that the new syllabus is being implemented. Alongside this advantage,students wishing to follow degree level studies such as engineering, medicine or dentistry gain an invite into working biotechnology who have has implications across all strands of life sciences.

I have been lucky enough to teach year 7 students who were analysing the foxo gene and implications of ageing this leading to an entrant for the Google science fair.

A good mix of practical with heavy, complex theory pushes students to levels and grades that they would not expect.

Personally my suggestion to all aspiring students at any level is to look at the biohack community and take part in some of the projects or look into the Google science fair and maybe win funding for further education.