Workshops

Holiday workshops: A Question of Taste (Year 12 & 13)

In this genetics workshop, students will extract and test their own DNA using modern molecular biological techniques.

Image credit: Ri

In this workshop, students will test their phenotypic and genotypic ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a chemical found in vegetables such as broccoli. Students will perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction digest and gel electrophoresis to analyse their DNA. This unique workshop will give students degree level practical experience.

This workshop takes place in the Urenco Young Scientist Centre’s teaching laboratory. For safety reasons, all participants must wear closed-toe shoes, and anyone with long hair is required to tie it back.

For young people who have just completed Years 12 or 13 this term — please book based on their current/most recent school year, not their new year group from September. This typically corresponds to young people aged around 16-18 years old. We reserve the right to refund or deny entry to those who are not in the correct year group.

This workshop will include a 30 minute unsupervised lunch break. Students should bring their own lunch and a drink.

Refunds can only be issued for tickets cancelled at least two weeks (14 calendar days) in advance of the event date. Please note that this supersedes our normal event terms and conditions. Please also note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

About the Urenco Young Scientist Centre

The Urenco Young Scientist Centre (UYSC) is an imaginative science laboratory in the Ri, where young people can experience and explore science outside of the classroom. 

In a UYSC workshop, students become a scientist for the day, exploring science through hands-on experiments. They are encouraged to engage in scientific discovery through curiosity-driven learning. In our workshops, students are encouraged to use a range of scientific skills including: making observations, collecting data, analysing results, in addition to teamwork and communication skills. Just as in the best research laboratories, students have access to advanced technology and techniques outside the normal school curriculum, making this a science trip to remember. 

For any queries regarding this workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

Event terms and conditions