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This 5-day science course is aimed at students aged 16-18 with an interest in science.

It may be of particular interest to students hoping to pursue a career in biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or other disciplines with a focus on laboratory techniques.

You will spend your week at Castle Head and experience working in an industrial standard laboratory.

You will be working in teams to complete workplace-linked science investigations exploring synthesising insulin, breast cancer gene mutations and DNA barcoding. Lab work will be combined with adventurous outdoor activities such as ghyll scrambling and high ropes to allow you to develop your problem solving, effective communication and team working- all essential for those wishing to pursue a career in science.

If you are Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the ‘Residential’ section of the award.

This course is for 16-18 year olds only. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  For attendees under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

Tutor: Centre Staff

This course will be led by our experienced and enthusiastic tutors.
  • Young people looking in to microscopes
  • Young people looking through microscopes

Our centres are operated in a fully Covid-secure way and accommodation will be in suitably shared rooms based on the current government guidance.

Example Timetable

Example Timetable

Day 1 - Arrive-12.00pm
Afternoon

Welcome to the Centre introduction, tour and ice breakers.
Team building activities
Evening
Introduction to the lab

Day 2
Morning
Sea level traversing
Afternoon
PCR in Medicine
Selecting bacterial clones and set up cultures
Evening
Gel electrophoresis of PCR product

Day 3
Morning
Isolate DNA and enzyme reactions
Afternoon
Ghyll Scrambling
Evening
Gel electrophoresis of enzyme reaction samples

Day 4
Morning
Sigh DNA barcoding
Afternoon
High ropes
Evening
Camp fire

Day 5
Morning
Low ropes and bushcraft activities
Afternoon
Team presentation

Depart at 1500

Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • In Course Transport
  • Lunch

Before You Attend

What shall I bring?  

Boots or wellingtons
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
Wash kit
Suitable clothing for the time of year
Small day rucksack
Head torch
Water bottle and lunch box
This course is open to young people aged 16-18. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.   The booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

Sorry this course has ended