University of Limerick opens laboratories to Leaving Cert students

OVER 400 Leaving Certificate, Biology students from across Munster will have a chance to conduct experiments at the University of Limerick’s state-of-the-art laboratories during this week.

The special event is being organised by the University to give the students an opportunity to conduct many practical experiments that are set on the Leaving Certificate, Biology curriculum.

Today the University hosted  a group of over 82 students from Limerick, Tipperary and Galway, who were in attendance to take part in the special practical sessions.

Biology teacher, Sinead Dunne from St Killian’s Secondary School in New Inn, Galway said that this was a great revision opportunity for all students.

“They get to take the practical experiments on the Leaving Certificate syllabus while also taking advantage of UL’s state-of-the-art facilities,” she said.

The teacher also said that it was a great opportunity for students to get an insight into the life of a university student, creating an added impetus to strive and reach their full potential.

The Leaving Certificate, Practical Sessions were first introduced by the Department of Life Sciences at the University eight years ago.

Dr Audrey O’Grady of the Life Sciences department said: “Many biology leaving cert students throughout the country don’t get the opportunity to actually carry out and practice the experiments included in their course work and a lot of secondary school laboratories simply don't have the facilities to allow this.”

“Our life science biology laboratories have the most up-to-date experimental equipment to facilitate in depth research and experimentation.  It's a great opportunity for secondary school students to practically engage with the University,” she added.

The biology students will also be given information on UL programmes offered by the Life Sciences Department and the Faculty of Science and Engineering at UL.