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AUG

Tzu Chi University

Biology Camp 2024

Reported by Sr2ScB Yong Zoe Yee Photography by Lab Assistant Law Xue Qi

The Tzu Chi University Biology Camp 2024 was held at Kuen Cheng High School on

the 26th of August 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., bringing together students from
the Senior Middle 2 and Senior Middle 3 Science streams. The event aimed at
providing an immersive experience in advanced biological techniques, fostering a
deeper understanding of the subject among young, aspiring students.

The camp commenced with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from key
figures:
Koo Lai Ping, Vice Principal of Kuen Cheng High School

Ooi Hun Huang, Academic Department Assistant Admin Head of Kuen Cheng
High School
Dr. Ming-Der Lin, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu
Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Tan Ji Wei, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Monash
University Malaysia, School of Science
Huang Yu-Kai, Master's Student in the Department of Molecular Biology and
Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University (Teaching Assistant)

Chang Yu-Min, Undergraduate Student in the Department of Molecular Biology
and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University (Teaching Assistant)
The speakers emphasised the importance of hands-on learning in biology and
encouraged students to explore various opportunities in the field.

The camp was conducted by Dr. Ming-Der Lin, assisted by Tan Ji Wei and two
teaching assistants, Huang Yu-Kai and Chang Yu-Min. The first practical session
involved extracting DNA from the oral mucosa, a fundamental procedure necessary

for subsequent experiments. Students learnt how to isolate DNA from their own cells
using specialised laboratory equipment. This process was crucial for the Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR) that followed, allowing students to visualise and work with
their own genetic material.