Frequently Asked Questions

Who is it for?

The programme is for school and college science teachers and technicians. It is relevant for A level, T level and key stage 4, and is used in some schools with key stage 3 students to introduce molecular biology and practical techniques.

Where are courses held?

Our hubs are at:

• Cambridge - Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges, Cambridge, CB24 2QT
• Hatfield - University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB
• Gillingham - MidKent College, Medway Campus, Medway Road, Gillingham, ME7 1FN
• Norwich - Teacher Scientist Network, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UH
• Hull - University of Hull, Hardy Building, Kingston upon Hull, HU6 7RX

CPD details

Our CPD develops participants’ knowledge of biotechnology theory, technical and practical skills, including restriction enzyme digestion, ligation reactions and agarose gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, DNA profiling and PCR (polymerase chain reaction). It is practical – offering first-hand experience of activities that students will undertake, including producing a functional protein from genetically modified bacteria.

Teacher and technician training typically takes place across our hubs in June and July to enable participating schools and colleges to take up kit loan in the upcoming academic year.

Compulsory year 1 CPD - Course 1 - Introduction to DNA manipulation (day 1 for teachers and technicians, day 2 for technicians)*

At least one teacher and technician from participating schools is required to attend at least once every three years in order to qualify for the free kit loan service.

* Course 1 runs over 1 day, for both teachers and technicians, at University of Hull and MidKent College

Course 2- Extending practical work (1-day course for teachers and technicians with follow-up 1-hour online session the following day from 16.00- 17.00)

For teachers and technicians from participating schools to extend activities and understanding from Course 1.

Kit loan to school is dependent on CPD participation.

What will I get out of it?

The programme is a unique opportunity to participate in training about the teaching of biotechnology and gain free access to laboratory-grade equipment. It trains you to deliver a fun, informative, hands-on molecular biology curriculum, so you can introduce students to the excitement of scientific discovery.

For more information email ABEUK@nbi.ac.uk.

How do I book CPD

Bookings will be via Eventbrite once the dates of the 2027 courses are announced and a booking link will be added to the Programme page.

Who is eligible to borrow ABE kit?

ABE kit loans are available to those who have attended CPD within the last three years. 

What equipment do schools need to provide themselves?

Before booking a kit loan, please refer to the list of standard laboratory equipment required to support the ABE practical activities. Schools must ensure they have access to this equipment before borrowing the kit.

• -20C freezer (for storing iso-freeze box containing samples)
• Ice machine or cubes (crushed) for lab set up
• Water-bath or hot block @37C (lab 2 and 9) / @70C (start of Lab 3) / @42C (Lab 6/6a)
• Set of plastic/glass beakers for disposal of tips and tubes (1 beaker per pair of students)
• Elga grade / distilled water - LOTS - appox. 400ml per pair of students - less if using MiniOne
• Microwave - to prepare agarose gels
• Foil-covered bottle 500-1000ml (for storing gel red solution)
• Autoclave / pressure cooker for preparation of media for bacterial transformation (Lab 6 only) and disposal of waste and tubes
• Virkol or equivalent disinfectant when using E.coli (Lab 6/7 only)

How do I book my kit loan?

Eligible teachers/technicians will be able to complete the school planning and health and safety forms and book a free kit loan. These forms can be found in the kit loan section of the Programme page and should be returned to ABEUK@nbi.ac.uk.

The kit loan is typically for a two-week period, although on occasion a longer loan or second loan depending on availability can be arranged on request. You will collect and return your kit loan by arrangement from your local hub.