Level-3 Immunology Loch Lomond Field Trip
Published: 21 October 2024
School of Infection & Immunity staff recently spent an enjoyable couple of days with our new third year immunology class on the annual SCENE field trip.
School of Infection & Immunity staff recently spent an enjoyable couple of days with our new third year immunology class on the annual SCENE field trip.
Held over the course of two days at the beginning of term each year, undergraduate students are driven to the University of Glasgow facility situated in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
SCENE, or the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment to give it its full title, is a pioneering teaching and research facility established in 1946.
On day one of the visit, students gave their first immunology presentations, in pairs, and received feedback in a supportive environment.
An interactive careers session, to encourage the students to begin considering their future direction, was the focus of the second day.
The trip is balanced between academic activities and free time, with optional trips to Balmaha for a walk up Conic Hill, and to the Rowedennan Hotel to socialise and make new friends.
Several students took advantage of the opportunity and spent some time exploring the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond (see media gallery, bottom).
Some staff - Rob Nibbs, Julia Edgar, Simon Milling, Claire Bourke, Katie Chapple, and PhD student Olivia Ridgewell all made the trip - even made it into the water, on purpose.
Olivia also doubled up as host for the annual general knowledge quiz, which, Professor Simon Milling admits, the immunology staff never win.
The Sii Deputy Director of Education said: “We all really enjoyed our SCENE trip this year. The presentations were very high quality, and the weather stayed dry for our traditional walk up Conic Hill.
"The class has now begun to gel together and get to know each other, and I’m really looking forward to working with them through their first full year of studying immunology.”
Immunology class rep Tianyang Zhang added: "The two-day SCENE trip, near Loch Lomond, was an unforgettable and fun experience.
"We were able to practice our presentation skills and become more confident for the future, with Professor Rob Nibbs critiquing our work and Professor Simon Milling advising us on our future career plans.
"There were also enjoyable hiking and pub activities, and the food and accommodation were very pleasant."
Student Sabayna Hammad managed to capture some images and videos of the stunning scenery during the field trip and shared them with us, including the photograph below. The rest of these can be viewed on the Sii Sharepoint site.
First published: 21 October 2024