Our HNC Applied Science and Access to Life Sciences (SWAP) students recently had an exciting opportunity to tour our partners, the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences. This world-class research hub is one of the UK’s top institutions for biological sciences.
During the visit, students got to:
- Discover cutting-edge facilities and equipment
- Learn about degree pathways and career options in science
- See real-world applications of what they’ve been studying
Below is a write-up from one of our Access students sharing her experience:
A Visit to the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences
By Caitlyn Henderson, Access to Life Sciences student
On Tuesday 25th November 2025, I attended a talk at Dundee University about some of their life science courses. During my visit there was a mini presentation from Graeme Christie and a second mini talk from Fede Pediche. Graeme covered the type of courses the Science department covered such as an access to life science degree. During the talk form Fede he talked about amino acids at the beginning and then moved on to his work with Nematode worms. Fede was surprised I recognised a nematode worm from his photo. After the talk, our small group was taken to the microscopy lab to be shown the different types of microscopes.
We were shown two different types of microscopes with Paul. One type of microscope was used to look at a “live” sample, and the second one was used to look at “dead” or still samples. At first, we were shown cells that has been grown on a glass plate under the microscope. When we saw the first sample the group was able to see the “stress” effects of the cells having been grown on glass. Both of the microscopes were able to isolate different parts of the cell and show the different slices of the sample of cells in a series of freeze frame images.
With the second sample we were able to see the nuclei compliment in the sample as a whole. As a whole I feel I’m still unsure which course I want to take but feel better for being able to see both of my areas of interest.
How did the visit to Dundee University benefit me?
The Dundee University visit benefited me because it allowed me to talk to some of the lecturers. Talking to the lecturers helped me to see how passionate they were about their subject. I was able to talk to the life science career advisor, and they were able to show me I could specialise in biology/microbiology at the end of my degree. Meeting the lab technician Jim also gave me confidence that there was the possibility I could become a lab technician at the end of my degree. Talking to Jim helped me to see that I could have a long term career as a lab technician.