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On December 8th 2010 twenty four AS Biology students from HCS had the opportunity of listening to University lecturers all based at Oxford University in the great frame of Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Each professor covered aspects of the AS Biology syllabus, extending and stretching students’ knowledge and understanding by sharing with our students the latest developments in the field of research related to each topic.
In the first lecture Dr Mark Fricker from the Department of Plant Sciences showed how the use of technology and microscopy has improved our understanding of some key cytological processes, including muscle contraction.
Professor Liam Dolan from the same Department, proceeded to give an amazingly detailed account of the evolution of terrestrial eukaryotic plant cells by means of several incredible mechanisms, one of which (TIC/TOC proteins) was based on the theory of endosymbiosis.
Dr Ashley Griffin looked incredibly young to have already completed a couple of PhDs. She is a researcher in the Department of Zoology and her detailed description of the mechanisms of cooperation and conflict between bacteria colonising an agar plate was truly fascinating.
The introduction to the afternoon museum based activities, was by an oncologist who used Lego men to describe the biological principles behind carcinogenic cells.
All speakers were extremely passionate about their field of research and managed to convey great enthusiasm to all students.
The architecture of the Museum itself is simply exquisite, and we left feeling inspired and privileged to have had the opportunity of appreciating once more what a wonderful science Biology is!
Elena Segalini-Bower
Head of Biology
Hereford Cathedral School
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