STEM students visit Hart Biologicals

Students from Hartlepool Sixth Form were recently given the opportunity to get out of their classrooms and into a working environment. 

Ten A-Level Biology and Chemistry students visited Hart Biologicals, which is engaged in research, development, manufacture and marketing of a range of in-vitro diagnostic products for use in the detection, prevention and monitoring or a number of medical related conditions. 

The students took a tour of the facilities and attended a talk from staff about the vital work the company carries out into coagulation and platelet aggregation. They then followed this up by carrying out their own research into haemophilia A diagnosis by measuring factor VIII activity. 

Students greatly valued the opportunity to see how theory studied at college is applied in lifesaving research such as haemophilia A diagnosis. They were also given an excellent insight into possible career pathways in both the scientific research and healthcare sectors. 

James Donkin, Chemistry Tutor, said: “The visit to Hart Biologicals gave the students the opportunity to apply the theory learned in college to such important research. They were a credit to us, and I’m so proud of them all.” 

A-Level Biology and Chemistry student, Elizabeth Greaves, said: “It was great to visit Hart Biologicals. The trip gave me an insight into what opportunities are available to me and jobs I could potentially do if I decided to do a degree related to biology. The trip also helped me to evaluate the different types of jobs available within the health care sector.”