Celebration of science as Abertay showcases Biomedical, Forensics and Food graduate projects

Science showcases puts spotlight on best of Abertay graduate talent

A two-day celebration of innovative honours projects from Abertay University science graduates will take place later this month.

Generation Science, a showcase of the work of final year students from the Biomedical and Forensic Sciences programmes, will be held in the University’s Old College building on Wednesday 24 May, followed by a Food Science Poster Day held on the same site on Thursday 25 May.

Both events will feature presentations of unique work that has formed a core and credit-bearing part of the participants’ studies.

Some of the projects in the Generation Science academic poster display include:

Biomedical

• Screening seal faeces for antibiotic resistant bacterial genes
• The effect of environmental toxins on boar sperm function
• Comparing the virulence factors produced by opportunistic pathogens
• Antimicrobial resistance in wild birds
• Developing better methods for measuring the motility of boar sperm

Forensics

• Analysis of alkyl nitrite 'Poppers'
• Effects on clothing of household corrosive chemicals used in acid attacks
• Investigation of unconventional powders used in crime scene investigation
• Transfer and persistence of perfume
• Development and identification of lip marks
• Effects of increased hand sanitiser use on successful fingermark development
• The use of RNA in sexual offence investigations to identify body fluids

Food Nutrition & Health and Food & Consumer Science:

• Analysis of consumer attitudes towards plastic food packaging alternatives in Scotland
• The influence of the Mediterranean and Ketogenic diets on the management of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms
• Exploration of the barriers and influences to healthy food choices encountered by young people in socially disadvantaged areas
• Investigation into nutritional food labelling

In addition to a project grading session, Generation Science will include community engagement, with the event open to members of the public and local school children. Funding for prizes has been generously gifted by The Bonnetmakers Craft of Dundee and Abertay supporter, Charles River.

Andrea Cameron, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences said the events mark a culmination of four years of work by the Class of 2023. She added: “Both Generation Science and the Food Science Poster Day are always fantastic events and it’s great to see such high-quality projects coming through this year – it demonstrates the commitment our students have shown to their disciplines and the support provided by our team of excellent staff. It’s really pleasing to get the chance to use our students’ work to inspire those following in their footsteps and I have no doubt that all of this year’s graduates will go on to achieve great success, be that in the world of work or progressing on to further study.”

Abertay was recently named Scotland’s top university for nutrition and food science by the Guardian Guide 2023 and our Biomedical Science course ranked in the UK top 10 for both teaching and course satisfaction in the same publication.

Bruce Donaldson, Deacon of The Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee said: “The future of our city, and country, depends on highly motivated and capable young people being given such opportunities by respected institutions such as Abertay University. In recognition of this, The Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee is delighted to support this initiative.”