Are you thinking about studying a STEM subject at university?
This unique pre-university course is specifically designed for high school students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in the life sciences. During an intensive 2-week programme, you will have the opportunity to explore different areas of the life sciences, such as biology, chemistry, genetics and immunology. Working with science specialists, you will learn about different life science careers and develop key skills for undergraduate study.
The course will also include visits to other science organisations and give you the chance to meet and speak with scientists studying and working at the University.
Key information
Subject
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Course teacher
Gail Foy
Eligibility
Students must be in their penultimate or final year of high school and aged 16-18 years.
Students should not have any previous undergraduate learning experience and should have completed general science, biology or chemistry up to GCSE/SQA National 5/IB MYP or secondary school certificate/diploma, or equivalent. If you are unsure, then please contact col.admissions@ed.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants should meet the minimum English language requirements in order to fully benefit from, and engage with, Summer School courses. Your English language ability must be equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component.
Device requirements
Course materials will be delivered via the University of Edinburgh's Virtual Learning Environment. To access these materials, you will require a suitable device, such as a laptop or tablet.
Teaching location
Holyrood Campus
Dates
tbc 2025
Length
2 weeks
Contact hours
30
Course fee
tbc
Application deadline
tbc 2025 (17:00 - BST)
Dr Gail Foy is a Teaching Fellow in STEM (Biology) who recently joined the Open Studies STEM team at the Centre for Open Learning. She will develop and deliver programmes such as the International Foundation Programme, Summer School, Access Programme and short courses. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Chemistry / Biology with Science) and was previously a secondary school science teacher. She is passionate about providing an inclusive and welcoming teaching environment for learners.
Prior to her teaching role, Gail worked in industrial research and development (R&D) for 18 years. After leaving industry, Gail gained her BSc Hons in Biomedical Science from Napier University, which was followed by a role at Roslin CT, Edinburgh (formerly Roslin Cells), where she worked in stem cell R&D. This was followed by a PhD in Bioengineering from Heriot Watt University, where she developed an affinity chromatography purification system, using neuronal SNARE proteins.
The course aims to introduce the life sciences to students who are considering university study. You will explore how the life sciences play a major role in helping us solve problems, in areas such as disease, through learning about real-life research, carrying out science investigations, meeting scientists and discussing some of the biggest questions facing science today.
You will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the knowledge and theory across life sciences, appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research, develop new skills and improve on existing ones, and begin your journey to becoming a professional scientist.
The life sciences involve the scientific study of living organisms such as humans, other animals, plants and microorganisms. It is a globally important area of science, solving global real-world problems that are facing humans, plants, animals and the planet today.
This course will bring together different life science disciplines, you will explore aspects of life from the perspectives of:
- Biochemistry: where you will gain deeper insight into the processes of life at a molecular level.
- Molecular & Cellular Biology: where you will investigate the molecular basis of life.
- Biodiversity & One Health: where you will explore the relationship between microorganisms, animals, humans and the environment.
You will have the opportunity to develop your scientific skills through:
- using the scientific method
- designing and carrying out scientific investigations
- interpreting and critically analysing scientific data
- using scientific equipment and technology
- working collaboratively with peers
- communicating scientific research
Course Structure:
The structure of this course is designed to provide you with an immersive experience, giving you a taster of undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique Edinburgh-based summer school opportunity.
Classes will combine mini-lectures, tutorial discussions, workshop activities and laboratory practical sessions. You will also get expert advice and support in developing your academic language and literacy skills and will receive information on how to apply to a UK university from our University Admissions team.
To successfully complete this course and achieve all learning outcomes you should attend all in-person sessions, actively engage with all learning, work with peers in a collaborative manner and take responsibility for your own personal organisation and study. Teachers will support you to be successful by providing a supportive learning environment in which they shall share regular, meaningful feedback which you should reflect on and use at a future opportunity.
We aim to make visits to other science organisations accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know once your place has been secured.
Week 1 and 2
Mon - Fri (10:00-13:00)
Sample timetable for information - please note that we will share a final timetable with students prior to arrival.
View sample timetable
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe how the life sciences contribute to solving real-world global problems.
- Explain the interdisciplinary nature of science.
- Critically analyse and draw conclusions from scientific data.
- Design and plan a considered scientific investigation, in a group and under the supervision of the course teacher.
- Summarise and communicate a scientific investigation.
We want all Pre-university students to have an enjoyable experience in Edinburgh. We have robust safeguarding measures in place to support students, and look after their safety and welfare during their stay.
The course fee includes accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information.
To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage all students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.
Applications have now closed for 2024.