10 January 2005
It´s a Bug´s Life!
Sixty students from Chaucer School will be learning about microbes and bacteria, from some of the UK´s leading experts on the subject. The students will be spend three days at the University of Sheffield´s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, where they will explore the world of microbes, as well as learning how to antibiotics can control bacteria and cure infectious disease such as TB, malaria and MRSA. The visit will allow the pupils to learn from top scientists in their field and they will discover some of the techniques microbiologists use on a day-to-day basis.
Professor Jeff Green and Dr Mark Wentworth from the University, alongside Dr Fiona Aitken from Chaucer School, will be teaching the students. Professor Green explains, "We will be relating microbiology to real-life situations, and using laboratory experiments to bring the subject to life. One of the more topical issues we will be talking about is superbugs such as MRSA, and how they become resistant to antibiotics."
Dr Fiona Aitken, a science teacher at Chaucer School explained, "Our aim is to raise the achievement of our students by giving them opportunity to learn about microbiology in one of the UK´s leading research centres. Previous visits have had a lasting impact on the students with many of them seriously considering the opportunities that higher education offers. I believe this work backs up our strong commitment to science teaching at Chaucer".
Prof. David Rice, Chairman of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, said "I am delighted to support this initiative and to use our facilities apart of this programme to encourage students to learn about these fascinating areas of biological research".
Lord May, President of the Royal Society, congratulated the School on securing the grant. He said, "This is an exciting project that will give the pupils chance to work alongside professional scientists. I hope more this experience will inspire more schoolchildren to pursue a career in science and engineering."
Notes for Editors: The Royal Society's Partnership Grant scheme is sponsored by Exxon Mobil and the Mercers' Company.
The Chaucer School visit is sponsored by the Royal Society in partnership with the University of Sheffield and the Society for General Microbiology (SGM).
Photo and broadcast opportunities are available on Thursday 13th and Friday the 14th of January. For more information please contact Dr. Mark Wentworth or Lorna Branton
Please contact 0114 2221032 or email mediateam@sheffield.ac.uk.
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