IMPROVING BIOCHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AT SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL

The increasing amount of new information produced in recent years in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology has considerable implications in our daily life and has also led to an increase in scientific questions posed by secondary students. It was more than 15 years ago that the University of Barcelona [1-2] started a summer course. "I love Biochemistry" [3-4] for secondary school students (1997-1998 school course) and "Updating Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" [5-6] (1998-1999 school course) responding to the high-school teachers' need for receiving training in the latest scientific developments; in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology to be precise. This summer course, designed by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [7] of the University of Barcelona for the benefit of secondary school science teachers, wants to be a bridge between the two educational systems, High School and University, with the main goal of helping science teachers. The purpose of this article is to analyze this summer course and it presents details about some concepts in biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology and it represents a stimulating manner to the teachers. Moreover, details of web, university and scientists resources have been offered so that teachers can access the information and the technical support for their experiments. The teachers' opinion was very positive. Their optimistic replies have allowed us to make some innovations in the course and add new concepts and experiments for the improvement of teaching biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology in the science classroom. The course has contributed to increase secondary school science teachers' curiosity and fomenting their participation; to revitalize the relationship between university and secondary schools and to reinforce the general and social study of biochemistry. Finally, the goal is to increase knowledge and interest in biochemistry and related sciences in High School science teachers so they can transmit them to High School students to ensure a new generation of researchers.