Learning Outcomes
- What are the instructions for life? Students will develop an understanding of DNA, RNA, genes, proteins, gene mutations.
- What technologies help us to analyse and manipulate life? Students will develop an understanding of PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, online databases.
- What does the future hold for biotechnology? Students will investigate the major advances in biotechnology and how technology is rapidly advancing our understanding of life.
Homework
Assessment
- Gene and Protein Research Investigation:
Students research a protein, use online databases to DNA sequence protein code and explore the protein structure and function in depth. -
Topic Test
:
Students will be tested on the content of the course, ranging from the structure and function of DNA to genes, proteins and biotechnology.
The Nature and Beauty of Mathematics
In this course, students will explore the world of fractals, multiple dimensions, irrational numbers and their relationship with the natural world, the mathematics of paper folding and topology, the nature of mathematics itself, as well as the complexities of infinity.
Brainstorm: Big Ideas in Neuroscience
Brainstorm: Big Ideas in Neuroscience will tackle what we already know about the brain and how cutting edge technologies are changing this, using a mix of videos, discussion, practical activities, guest speakers, group and individual work.
Frontiers of Physics
In Frontiers of Physics, students journey through the Universe where they explore the phenomenon of black holes, quasars, dark matter and dark energy. We discuss how stars, the solar system and other objects are formed and link this to the likelihood of life existing on these objects.
Synchrotron Science
Captivating students’ personal interests and building from a highly accessible, first principles approach into the development of genuine understanding, Synchrotron Science will dive into the physics, properties and scientific applications of the synchrotron.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study of the world at a scale that is larger than the atom but smaller than a bacteria. In this course, students will engage in a range of activities to gain an understanding of the nano-scale and establish the difference between bulk properties and nano scale properties.
Earth Science
Learn about the way Earth Science affects our everyday lives, including exploring concepts connected to meteorology, hydrology, seismology and geology, and their application to real-world data, problems and predictions.