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Transition Year Biology Trip to School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology UCC

16 Nov 2022
Demonstrators at the DNA Workshop run for TY students from Presentation Brothers College were: UCC Fourth Year Biochemistry students: John Deane, Eimear Larkin, Katie O'Mahony, Saoirse McAuliffe and Daniel Tomas; Senior Technical Officer, Dr Kate Foley; Technical Officer, Dr Patrycja Zakrys; and Demonstrator, Lisa Breen.

A report of the day of science in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology as experienced by one of the TY students, Sam Hernan. Thank you for your article, Sam!

On November 15th, TY Biology Students went to UCC to attend a day-long workshop about DNA and Genetics, hosted by Dr Sinéad Kerins and the UCC School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Presentation Transition Year students have been hosted in UCC for this workshop for a number of years, and it is a great chance for us to get a sample of what some of UCC’s science courses entail. The day was of particular interest to the many students who are interested in possibly studying medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, or biomedical science.

The day itself was full of content and learning. We started in the Western Gateway Building, and our first port-of-call was a lecture on DNA structure and composition, and Sickle Cell Anaemia. After a short break to get our heads around this not un-complicated topic, we moved on to the labs, where we undertook three experiments. Our experiments were done under the careful eyes of a handful of very helpful 4th Year Biochemistry students. We tested given samples for the presence of Sickle Cell Anaemia, extracted DNA from peas, and extracted our own DNA from our own cheek cells. Everyone really enjoyed the experiments.

Overall the day was a great experience, really interesting, and a great introduction into the content of some of UCC’s courses.

Thank you to 

Thanks to our Biology teachers Ms C. Lynch & Mr. C. Bohane for bringing us & to the UCC Staff & students demonstrating for making the day so successful.

Sam Hernan
Transition Year Student
Presentation College Cork

School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Scoil na Bithcheimice agus na Cillbhitheolaíochta

University College Cork

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