Science popularisation festivals attract more and more people every year, showing that there is a need to satisfy public curiosity. Such events are good occasions to disseminate knowledge to a large audience. The results of scientific research bring advances for mankind. Since research mostly depends on public funds, it is important to gain…

School science laboratory classes and hands-on public engagement activities share many common aims and objectives in terms of science learning and literacy. This article describes the development and evaluation of a microbiology public engagement activity, "The Good, the Bad and the Algae", from a school laboratory activity. The school…

Compares scores obtained on a practical examination" with those awarded on the basis of six laboratory investigations over one year. Reports no significant differences in assessed performance, but teaching advantages suggest the continuous assessment is advantageous. (AL)

Describes the evolution of techniques of teaching external and internal students identical biology courses (introductory and advanced). Identifies and describes solutions to problems of communication, organization of practical work, and presents a perspective of course. (AL)

Describes use of laboratory kits to provide practical work for students away from the laboratory. Opportunity for interpretative discussion of data obtained is provided by access to tutors in open laboratories, which contain more elaborate equipment for use when needed. (AL)

Describes a program in applied biology in which the simulation of the production of penicillin in a batch fermentor is used as a teaching technique to give students experience before handling a genuine industrial fermentation process. Details are given for the calculation of minimum production cost. (JR)