Open Day 2025 at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology

This year, the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB) will showcase an exciting combination of educational puzzles, quizzes, interactive demonstrations, and intricate models, offering visitors an engaging look into its diverse research domains. These captivating exhibits promise to fascinate both children and adults through reward-based fun games and carefully crafted informational displays focused on disease-related research.

 

 

In the area of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, guests will encounter:

  • Disc Diffusion Assay showcasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics like Ampicillin, Kanamycin, and Chloramphenicol.
  • Awareness posters on hospital-acquired infections and preventive measures.
  • A physiological model demonstrating how pathogens form biofilms on medical devices, using catheter tubes grown with microbes.
  • Agar Art exhibit featuring microbial artwork made with fluorescent bacteria.
  • An interactive bacteria labelling game, rewarding participants who correctly identify bacterial organelles.

Exploring Molecular and Cell Biology, groups from MCB will illustrate:

  • Cell division and cytokinesis through engaging model demonstrations.
  • Fun science quizzes, word searches, and size arrangement challenges emphasizing fundamental concepts in cell biology.

Highlighting the critical interactions between Cancer and the Immune System we will showcase:

  • How cells turn malignant in cancer.
  • How immune cells recognize and combat cancer cells.
  • Cellular responses to viral infections.

In Plant and Developmental Biology, visitors will delve into:

  • The function and importance of plastids, essential organelles for plant survival.
  • Exploration of natural and mutant variants showcasing altered plastid transformations.
  • Interactive quizzes and games to deepen understanding of plant biology.

Finally, in the domain of microRNAs, AlphaFold, and emerging viruses:

  • Visitors will learn about groundbreaking Nobel Prize-winning research on microRNAs and their impact on gene regulation and disease.
  • Hands-on experiences with AlphaFold, an innovative AI tool revolutionizing protein structure prediction.
  • Discussions and displays on significant viral threats, including Guillain-Barré syndrome-associated viruses, evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2, and their implications for global health.

Together, these thoughtfully designed exhibits and interactive activities will bring complex biological concepts to life, making science accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

 

You can find us on the 2nd floor of the Biological Sciences building.