University of Limerick

The University of Limerick recently hosted Leaving Certificate Biology students at the inaugural Biology for Today Symposium.  The Symposium went beyond the Leaving Certificate syllabus by presenting Biology students with an in-depth analysis of areas such as molecular genetics and genomics, harnessing the power of DNA technology, the biology of cancer and ecology and the use of reproductive biotechnologies in human and animal fertility. 

Speakers at the symposium included Dr. Patrick Kiely, Lecturer in Biology, Department of Life Sciences, and the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI), UL, Dr. Sean Fair, Lecturer in Animal Physiology, Department of Life Sciences, UL, Dr. Audrey O’Grady, Lecturer in Biology and Science Education, Department of Life Sciences, UL and Dr. Paul O’Toole, Lecturer in Microbiology at University College
Cork.

Dr. Patrick Kiely, explained the hallmarks of cancer to the Leaving Certificate Biology students; the causes, prevention and diagnosis and described how some cancer treatment works.  Speaking at the symposium Dr. Kiely said, “It is really critical that we work hard to promote cancer awareness, highlight the causes of the disease and help people focus on the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer.”  Dr. Kiely continued by providing students with details of how this may be achieved; “The single biggest way to reduce cancer risk is to stop the use of tobacco.  Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths.  Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will also reduce cancer risk.  Recent evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating physical exercise as part of your daily routine are critical in reducing cancer risk.  The real message we are trying to get out there is to take early detection seriously as this provides the best opportunity to stop this disease in its tracks.”

Dr. Sean Fairexplained how reproductive biotechnologies are used in humans to treat infertility while technologies based on similar principles are being applied to farm animals to increase the rate of genetic gain and the profitability of farming systems.  Speaking at the symposium Dr. Fair stated; “In the case of cattle, female sperm contain 3.8% more DNA than male sperm and this difference in DNA content can be used to sort the sperm cells.  While this technology is currently commercially available it does reduce the ability of the selected sperm to achieve a pregnancy and therefore, should be used with caution.”

Dr. Audrey O’Grady, Lecturer in Biology and Science Education, Department of Life Sciences, gave students a greater insight into ecology, which accounts for a significant portion of the Leaving Certificate syllabus; “Rote learning is a serious problem in the Irish Education system, so by teaching Ecology in context, I hope that the students understand ecological concepts and can relate them to everyday examples.  Insects are extremely useful to demonstrate many of these concepts and can be easily integrated into the classroom.  Biodiversity is starting to become a media buzz word, and I hope that after today students will be more aware of the importance of being more environmentally conscious.”

The Biology for Today symposium was organised by the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL) based in UL in association with the Institute of Biology of Ireland.  Following the success of the inaugural symposium at UL it will take place annually for Leaving Certificate Biology students.

For Further information go to www.nce-mstl.ieand www.ibioli.net