Laboratory workshop equips Leeds students with essential skills
Several undergraduate University of Leeds students have participated in an exciting scientific workshop, giving them the skills and experience they need for long-term careers prosperity.
Several undergraduate University of Leeds students have participated in an exciting scientific workshop, giving them the skills and experience they need for long-term careers prosperity.
The University of Leeds is keen to equip its students with the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives once their degrees have ended. A key element of that idea is employability – delivering courses and experiences that help students find quality jobs. That idea has been put into practice through the LabCorp bootcamp, which was recently attended by students from the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Organised by the FBS Opportunity Team in collaboration with LabCorp – an international pharmaceutical company with facilities in Leeds, Harrogate and York – the bootcamp offered students a first-hand look at working in a regulated laboratory environment. During their visit, various activities gave students a better understanding of professional expectations, as well as individual roles and responsibilities. They also received tips on navigating interviews and potential career paths.
Student participation in the bootcamp was arranged by University staff Tim Goodall, Ruth Lee, Chris Jones and Jon Wright, with 30 University of Leeds students attending. The final-year students came from the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Biology.
“I’m pleased to announce I have completed the bootcamp held by Labcorp, after not only passing all the theory and practical assessments, but also having gained a plethora of skills”, said Neuroscience student Ciara Gasson-Hudson.
“The bootcamp’s activities included rigorous pipette technique during a gravimetric assessment, validation and mock clinical ELISA assays. We also practised industry level laboratory conduct such as ALCOA data recording principles, to understand what is required for GLP and GMP in an industry level lab.
“I’m grateful for yet another opportunity provided through the University of Leeds, and for the expertise provided by the team at Labcorp. I am excited to apply what I’ve learnt in the future.”
