Practicals

Ecology

The use of sampling techniques to provide data suitable for processing using Simpson’s index of diversity. This allows a quantitative comparison of the species diversity at two sample sites.

The use of interrupted belt transect sampling. This method of sampling is ideal for investigating the progressive change in the distribution and abundance of several plant species in a habitat.

Microscopy

To use a light microscope to observe and identify the stages of mitosis including calibrating and using an eyepiece graticule and making annotated scientific drawings showing cells in different stages of mitosis.

Making, fixing, staining and examining a blood smear is an excellent way to gain confidence and competence with microscopy as well as a useful insight into the cellular composition of blood.

We also use the microscope to look at the histology of the kidney, liver, and pancreas. We look at muscle fibers, plant cells, plasmodium, amoeba and so much more!

Microbiology

Antibiotics can be used to treat or inhibit a bacterial infection. They work by killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. This activity allows you to investigate the effect of different antibiotics on the growth of Bacillus subtilis.

In this activity you will use plasmid DNA encoding the gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP). When expressed within the bacterial cell, the fluorescence produced by this protein can be visualised using a UV light. This activity will allow you to gain experience of microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth.

By diluting a culture of bacteria, spreading it on an agar plate and incubating that plate it is possible to count individual bacterial colonies. Each colony arises from a single bacterial cell so you will then be able to calculate an estimate of the number of viable bacterial cells in the original culture.

Micro propagation

The use of growth medium and aseptic technique to produce clones of cauliflower plants.

Electrophoresis

In this activity you will use restriction enzymes to digest a plasmid DNA sample and use agarose gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA fragments produced. Comparing the bands to a known marker you will be able to estimate the sizes of the DNA fragments produced and how many restriction sites were in the plasmid DNA.

Using a potometer

The rate of transpiration in a plant varies depending on a range of conditions, including light intensity, relative humidity, wind speeds and temperature. The rate of transpiration can be measured using a potometer.

Dissection

We only dissect when it links to the syllabus and we feel that he students will gain something meaningful from the dissection. Dissections are always optional.

The dissections we carry out are - Heart, kidney, brain, fish head and variety of plant dissections.