Masterclass description

Introduction

Eleven online lectures on broad topics relevant to the A-level curriculum and current research within our department. These will include areas of Biomedical Science, Ecology and Plant Science. Lectures will be accompanied by Q&A forums as well as a journal club type activity to direct students to read current scientific literature and research news. The event will culminate in the Biology Master Class Symposium at Royal Holloway University of London that will also be made available online for schools that cannot travel.

Hosting schools

This year the Royal Holloway Biology Masterclass will be hosted by five local schools; Herschel Grammar School Slough, Upton Court Grammar Slough, Tiffin School Kingston, Guru Nanak Sikh Academy Hayes, Salesian School Chertsey. Additionally we will stream the events online via Teams for all other schools.

If you would like to host a talk next year please contact Prof. Laci Bogre BiologyMasterclass@rhul.ac.uk

Aims of the Masterclass

  • Enthuse students in broad areas of biology and current research challenges

  • Expose students to university-level teaching and learning

  • Provide links between exciting, contemporary science and A-level syllabus

  • Help students to be successful in the A-level exam, university entry and the transition to university.

  • Engage students to read scientific papers, study topics and present their work on the Master Class symposium.

  • Develop practical experimental skills through exposing students to online clips presenting University practical classes.

Benefits of registering

  • Twelve streamed and recorded online talks and the following week a Q&A session submitted through the Master Class padlet forum https://en-gb.padlet.com/pamelachimutwi/zza51job9fi3gbw0 . Talks will be on selected topics linked to A-level syllabus covering a broad range of topics relevant to great challenges in the 21st century.

  • Masterclass library, encourages students to read science books, popular science articles as well as research papers. An opportunity for students to develop their broader knowledge in biology and geography.

  • Interaction with academics, encourages students to present questions, suggestions, and enquiries for placement possibilities and labs.

  • Master class symposium where attending students will be encouraged to submit abstracts and present their work either as short (selected) online talks or posters.

  • Short practical clips, chosen from a selection of University courses.