Lab Skills| DNA Profiling: The Great Escape

A full day workshop to develop pupils’ practical lab skills and knowledge through working in our laboratory. They will prepare the solutions and agarose gels needed to carry out gel electrophoresis, supported by scientists and technicians working at the University.

Learning Level: Skills for Work: Laboratory Science National 5 (SCQF level 5)

Location: Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG

Minimum attendance: 16*

Maximum attendance: 24

Duration: 4.5 hours

Timings: 10am - 2.30pm

Cost: £5 per pupil

Availability: Our secondary programme will be released Autumn 2023, to remain updated about our workshops, events and exciting opportunities please  sign up to our mailing list and/or follow us on Twitter @EBSOClab. In the meantime, why not check out our classroom resources that are free to download!

* If your numbers are below 16, please let us know and we will do our best to twin you with another group.

 

Workshop Description

During this workshop pupils will develop practical lab skills and knowledge through working in our laboratory. They will prepare the solutions and agarose gels that they will need to carry out to use DNA profiling to compare the DNA of five sheepy suspects. There is also opportunity to meet with scientists and technicians working on our campus. 

It was perfectly pitched, the pupils got a huge amount from the day!

Lab Skills Teacher

Learning Objectives

  • To perform manual laboratory molecular techniques 
  • To prepare solutions for laboratory use
  • To increase confidence in working in the lab
  • To work safely and efficiently in a laboratory setting
  • To interpret and discuss experimental results

Techniques used

  • Micropipetting
  • Chemical handling
  • Preparation of solutions
  • Preparation of agarose gels
  • DNA gel electrophoresis

Workshop timeline

  • Analysis of sheep fleece from the scene of the escape
  • Introduction to micropipettes
  • Preparation of solutions
  • Preparation of agarose gels
  • Introduction to DNA profiling and DNA fragment analysis
  • DNA electrophoresis using agarose gels
  • Analysis and interpretation of results

Curriculum Links

National 5 | Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
 
The main skills developed in this workshop, relevant to the National 5 qualification are: 
  • safely carrying out practical skills
  • collecting scientific data
  • recording scientific data
  • knowledge of health and safety procedures
  • generic and specific employability skills
  • planning and investigating skills
  • review and evaluation skills
  • working with others in teams

Developing the Young Workforce – “I can” statements 

The following "I can" statements are supported through EBSOC’s workshops: 

  • I can demonstrate and apply the skills I have learnt across the curriculum in relation to the world of work.
  • I can demonstrate diverse thinking when exploring learning opportunities and pathways.
  • I can investigate and assess ethical issues in business and trade decisions.

Availability

More details about our secondary programme will be released shortly, to remain updated about our workshops, events and exciting opportunities please join our mailing list by clicking here.

Important Notes

*  Please contact us ebsoc@ed.ac.uk if your group falls below the minimum as we may be able to accommodate your request

    through our small groups waiting list.  

 

Downloadable Resources

Risk Assessment 
 
 
Workshop Description 
 
 

Testimonials

The workshop catered exactly to the needs of a Lab Science learner. The skills learned were exactly the sort of skills required for course assessment.  Learners were engaged throughout the entire workshop!

Biology Teacher

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