Secondary School and Further Education Engagement

Discover a range of engaging, curriculum-aligned opportunities from the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences, designed to support teachers, inspire pupils, and enrich school science learning. From interactive workshops and campus visits to tailored sessions on biological and biomedical sciences, we offer flexible experiences that provide insights into university study and the wide-ranging careers it can lead to—shaped to suit your students’ needs and class sizes. 

The School of Life Sciences conducts research that covers topics such as:

• Cell biology
• Genetics
• Drug discovery
• Immunology
• Developmental biology
• Plant science
• Diseases such as Parkinson’s, dementia, cancer, neglected tropical diseases 

In-person / Online sessions

To fit the time available, we can offer in-person sessions at your school or here on campus or online. Session examples include:

• On campus visits
  • Options include laboratory tours, visiting undergraduate teaching facilities, sessions listed below
• Ethics discussions
  • Examples include animals in research, genetic modification of plants, sustainable science
• Interactive activities and workshops
  • such as science themed games, simple experiments, problem-solving challenges  
• Meet a scientist
  • Learn about their job, their research and ask them questions

Work Experience

• Work Experience Week (in-person) - A competitive application process open to S5/6 pupils to attend a week of activity at the School of Life Sciences during the school summer holidays (late July).
• Work Experience Placements (in-person) - Opportunities to gain a week of experience in a laboratory as part of your school's work experience placement programme. Note: limited places. 

Presentations

• Discover Life Sciences – An introductory talk or workshop highlighting what the School of Life Sciences has to offer.
• Careers in Life Sciences – A presentation or workshop on the career / pathways a Life Sciences degree can open up.
• Life Sciences or Medicine – Explore how a Life Sciences degree can serve as a route into Medicine, or as an exciting alternative. 

University Events

The University offer various taster and information events including: 

• Discover STEM Day (in-person) - an opportunity for S5 and S6 students to explore STEM subjects at university and beyond at an on-campus event. Throughout the day, pupils can self-select from interactive, hands-on taster sessions including life sciences.
• Open Days (in-person - June, September and October) - learn about doing a Biological & Biomedical Sciences Degree at Dundee and meet our staff. More widely, discover more about student life and our welcoming university community.
• Campus Tours (in-person) - tours led by a student ambassador 

Our Open Days web page advertises these opportunities.

Teacher and advisors information and support

Sign up to our mailing list to receive:

• Termly email update
• Upcoming outreach activities
• Highlights from recent school visits
• CPD invitations
• Student stories or application guidance
• Invitations to themed networking events for teachers and advisors (example topics: Curriculum, Research, Employability, Student Experience)

Sign up here: