29-31 March, 2026

During the exercise, students learn the basic principles of chromatographic separation methods. They separate the different pigments from the extract of sorrel leaves using paper and thin-layer chromatography methods, then compare the results obtained using the different methods. They use paper chromatography to determine the amino acids in a solution with an unknown amino acid composition.

During the exercise, participants learn about the theoretical background of DNA restriction and the use of tools needed for the exercise, then analyze lambda phage DNA restriction products using gel electrophoresis.

The first part of the exercise involves dissecting a pig's eye. During this process, we expose the different parts of the eye. We examine the sclera, cornea, associated conjunctiva, and eye muscles, as well as the optic nerve exit point. In connection with the choroid, we dissect the lens, the vitreous body, the iris, the lens suspensory fibers, and the ciliary body. Finally, we examine the macroscopic structure of the retina and dissect it under water. The students take photographs of each step of the exercise. In the second part of the exercise, a cataract model surgery is performed on a pig's eye. Here, after exposing the eye and removing the lens, the students implant an agarose gel-based artificial lens. At the end of the exercise, the students dissect the eye and examine the artificial lenses they have made themselves. The exercise greatly contributes to the development of hand-eye coordination, the acquisition of basic surgical skills, and the practice of specific surgical procedures. It also helps students understand the structure and function of the eye.

Step into the world of virtual reality and experience what it is like to interview and care for a patient in an immersive, interactive environment. Using the VRPatients simulation software, participants will meet virtual patients, explore symptoms, ask questions, and make diagnostic and treatment decisions in a safe, risk-free setting.

On the afternoon of March 29, the Lauder Multiverse Innovation Space Student Lab is relocating from Budapest to Szeged. Come and explore the world of science with the help of modern educational technology tools! Over the past two school years, more than 120 groups from 50 schools have used these machines and kits to learn about energy, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. Now, we’re using them to teach biology! Complete the missions and make biology an experience!

After a theoretical introduction, students will become familiar with the ucsc and omim.org databases. Retrieving the HBB allele genome and CDS nucleotide sequences allows them to be compared with the HBS allele variants of sickle cell emergency types listed under code # 603903, find the amino acid and point mutation causing the phenotypic change in the most common variant. Students then design primers for the section containing the point mutation using the Primer3.ut.ee program. Our goal is to amplify the section containing the mutation in silico using PCR. Using the nc3.neb.com web interface, at the end of the exercise, students create a restriction endonuclease cleavage pattern of the amplified polynucleotide section. The difference between the cleavage patterns of the normal and mutant alleles allows the selection of an enzyme that can be used to separate the HBB and HBS alleles in a biological sample, thus enabling the diagnosis of different genotypes.

Step into the world of virtual reality and experience what it is like to interview and care for a patient in an immersive, interactive environment. Using the VRPatients simulation software, participants will meet virtual patients, explore symptoms, ask questions, and make diagnostic and treatment decisions in a safe, risk-free setting.