Astromatters
Maurane Gisiger (maurane.gisiger.18@ucl.ac.uk), Estelle Janin (estelle.janin.18@ucl.ac.uk), and Vincent Yariv (vincent.yariv.18@ucl.ac.uk)
Many disciplines have links with Astronomy: from Biology to Music over Literature, many students don’t appreciate how their favourite subject might link with this science. With our website, we provide individuals and teachers with information and resources to develop young people’s curiosity.
Potential Career Pathways for Natural Sciences Students
Olivia Li (zcqslif@ucl.ac.uk), Lella Lam, Jing Pan, Jingzhao Shu
The theme of our innovation lab is to explore the different potential career paths of Natural Sciences graduates. The experience and perspective of alumni can bring insights to current Natural Sciences students and help their career planning.
NSCI0007 Module Resources
Jevan Cousins (jevan.cousins.19@ucl.ac.uk), Maya Roopra (maya.roopra.19@ucl.ac.uk)
When taking the second year NSCI0007 module, we found that, although a great introductory module to Python coding, many of the weekly coding exercises were quite general or only related to the genetics stream. The group project was the first time we had the opportunity to see how Python could be applied to the individual streams we took, but even in this case, not every stream was included, and so not everyone had the opportunity to see the benefits. This gap in the curriculum created an opportunity for us to make resources, similar to the weekly exercises, and specific to the different Natural Sciences streams.
The Genomic Revolution
Anna Lewicka (anna.lewicka.20@ucl.ac.uk), Viktoria Weisz (viktoria.weisz.20@ucl.ac.uk), Andreea-Maria Dinu (andreea-maria.dinu@ucl.ac.uk)
In our project, we explored the legacy of the Human Genome Project, which resulted in a completely new approach to medicine and therapeutics, popularly called a genomic revolution. Commenting on the Human Genome Project, Bill Clinton famously said: Today we are learning the language in which God created life. We answered a question: to what extent did we actually learn this language of life and where does that lead us?
Global Warming: Effects and Prevention
Eoin Samuels (eoin.samuels.19@ucl.ac.uk), Oliver Pearce (oliver.pearce.19@ucl.ac.uk), George Larrington (george.larrington.19@ucl.ac.uk)
We have created a website on the ‘Reflect at UCL’ platform with the aim of informing the general public about the current and predicted situation surrounding global warming and its effects. Our intention is that by providing this information in an easy to access platform, it will allow the public to make informed decisions and put pressure on policymakers to act further to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. During our project, we have focused on two main themes: the effects that global warming is having on the human body, and the cutting-edge technologies which are being put in place to attempt to combat, reverse and adapt to the damaging effects of global warming.
An Introduction to Academic Writing for University
Alessandra Quigley (zcqsrsc@ucl.ac.uk) and Rachel Scott (zcqsaqu@ucl.ac.uk)
As an interdisciplinary course, we are expected to pick up a lot of skills throughout our studies, including scientific writing in those streams that require it. Based on our experiences writing essays across the life sciences, earth and environment and medical physics we felt there was a need for a curated place with advice on academic writing that can be provided to new students. This project aims to curate all the resources and information we have acquired to make it easier for new students to navigate and hopefully boost their essay marks and give an introduction to essay writing.
Peer Support Platform
Alexa Wong (zcqsawo@ucl.ac.uk), Rebecca Nasterlack, Asma Laali
The Peer Support Project (PSP) was launched to increase accessibility and alleviate the burden on disabled individuals by supporting them through improved facilities.
This Innovation Lab project was subsequently developed into a UCL ChangeMakers project, ‘Evaluation of Disability Services’.
Odour Systems
Maria Yuffa (maria.yuffa.20@ucl.ac.uk), Rasmum Haeggkvist (rasmus.haeggkvist.20@ucl.ac.uk), Jamanvir Kumar (jamanvir.kumar.20@ucl.ac.uk)
In our project, we highlight some of the fundamental mechanisms of our olfactory system. We move onto discussing the connection between odour and memory and finish with a section on olfactory computational neurobiology. We have covered a broad representation of our olfactory system, including the genetics behind olfactory receptor activation, all the way to discussing the anatomical structure and layout of our brains, as a reason for such a strong association between odour perception and memory.