Suitable for: Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Biology & Human Biology

Cost: Free of charge

No of pupils: 25 per session max

Timings: 10:15–13:00 or 11:00–13:45 (75 mins workshop, 60 mins exhibition visit)

Dates: Tue 18–Wed 19 Feb 2020

Sleeping sickness is an important parasitic disease found in in sub-Saharan Africa and transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. Early diagnosis is important. Sleeping sickness is diagnosed by testing samples of blood and cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of the trypanosome parasite.

In this session, pupils will work with researchers and postgraduate students to run a ‘mock’ agglutination test that mimics the test carried out in the field and medical centres. We will also discuss current treatments for sleeping sickness, and consider some of the problems scientists have encountered in trying to eliminate this disease.

This event is run in partnership with the Wellcome Centre for Integrative parasitology, the University of Glasgow.

Classes must be accompanied by a teacher.

By reserving 1 timeslot, you can bring up to 25 pupils. If you are bringing less than 25, please let us know on the booking form and we may combine with a small class from a different school.

Class A

10:15–11:30 – Workshop

11:30–12:00 – Visit Science & Technology galleries

12:00–12:30 – Visit Parasites exhibition

12:30–13:00 - Lunch (space set aside in lunchroom for packed lunches)

Class B

11:00–11:30 – Visit Parasites exhibition

11:30–12:00 – Visit Science & Technology galleries

12:00–12:30 – Lunch (space set aside in lunchroom for packed lunches)

12:30–13:45 – Workshop