University of Worcester Conference - Biology Practicals RC227 / B19

Join University of Worcester staff from the School of Science and the Environment for some hands-on Biology practicals; ideas from which can be brought back into the classroom.  Suitable for anyone teaching Biology at any stage of their career and of any specialism.

Dr Susanna Prankel - Practical biomechanics and its applications in biology and beyond - Dr Prankel would demonstrate two 3D motion capture systems - similar to those used for animations in the film/advert industry - and use of pressure plates within the University's custom built motion research lab. This session will link to biology, physics and PE curricula with potential for application beyond.

Dr Mike Wheeler – Bioinformatics – This will involve a demonstration of how you can use easily available data and user-friendly web based tools to demonstrate evolutionary relationships by building phylogenetic trees.

Dr Amy Cherry Using Mushrooms to Make Biofuel - Through this activity participants can use an enquiry-based approach to learn about factors affecting enzyme activity, the carbon cycle, biofuels and habitats and evolution.

Keith Unwin – Applications of Biology within Forensic Science – In this session Forensic scientist Keith Unwin will take participants through a selection of practical set ups that can be used within the classroom and beyond to contextualise the use of techniques such as microscopy and DNA analysis within criminal investigations.