Hands-On learning for Leaving Certificate students at UL Biology Workshops

The University of Limerick's Department of Biological Sciences is providing a unique, hands-on experience for over 450 Leaving Certificate Biology students this week. These students, from secondary schools across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, and Galway, are participating in practical laboratory sessions designed to enhance their understanding of key topics in the Leaving Cert Biology curriculum.

Hosted in the Department of Biological Sciences state-of-the-art laboratories, the workshops allow students to engage in 18 essential experiments, including sheep heart dissection, DNA extraction, and various food and plant-based studies.

Tina McNamara, a Biology and Chemistry teacher at Ennis Community College, attended the workshops with her class on Thursday and highlighted their value.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students who might have missed the practical elements of their syllabus,” she said. “It lets them conduct experiments in a fully equipped laboratory, giving them a real sense of what it’s like to study science at third level. They also get to see the excellent facilities here at UL.”

The Leaving Certificate Biology Practical Sessions have been a key feature of UL for over a decade. Edel Durack, Chief Technical Officer in the Department of Biological Sciences, emphasized their importance:

“These workshops help students refine their lab skills ahead of their Leaving Certificate exams in June 2025. At the same time, they offer a glimpse into what life at UL could look like, as students experience a professional laboratory setting. Feedback is consistently positive.”

Many schools lack the resources to cover all the practical components of the curriculum. UL’s revision course bridges that gap, enabling students to complete all 18 experiments in a single day. The programme’s popularity is evident, with this year’s places filling within 24 hours.

“We’re fortunate to have cutting-edge laboratories capable of accommodating large groups,” Durack added. “Our technical staff, postgraduate students, and teaching assistants are on hand throughout the sessions to guide and support students as they work through the experiments.”

In addition to refining their practical skills, visiting students also gain insight into UL’s Biological Sciences programmes and broader offerings from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity for Leaving Certificate students, blending academic preparation with a taste of third-level education in a vibrant, hands-on environment.