Qualification

Award Winners in BBO by Invitation

Date

Aug. 2027 (TBD)

Location

China

Language

EN

Place

80

Program Introduction

The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) is organized by the British Biology Olympiad Committee (UKBC) and is officially supported by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). UKBC selects outstanding students from the BBO to participate in the "BBO Camp" held at the University of Warwick in the UK, and gathers excellent students from this training camp to represent UK in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).

In 2024, for the first time, the British Biology Olympiad Committee and ASEEDER introduced this globally top- level academic training camp to China. This camp is only open to award-winning students in the BBO by invitation. It will be led by Dr. Treharne, the head coach of the British Biology Olympiad National Team, who will personally lead the British coaching team to China for teaching. The BBO Asia Camp will adopt the same academic content and teaching methods as the local camps in the UK, guiding students to explore biology deeply, learn biological research methods through practical experiments, and provide advanced guidance for potential future biologists. The topic includes microbiology, photosynthetic pigments and electromagnetic spectra, neurobiology, enzyme kinetics, biochemistry, and other topics. After each lecture, students will participate in relevant biological experiments and verify conclusions through methods such as conducting experiments, observing phenomena, and analyzing data. The practical session of this camp is an advancement and supplement to biological assessments, which is a valuable opportunity for Asian students with less experimental experience.

Preliminary Competition

British Biology Olympiad (BBO):Jan. 17, 2027 (Sun.) (90 mins), Grade 10-12/Year 11-13

Academic Highlights

1. Top-tier coach team


Dr. Andrew Treharne

● Core member of Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
● The chairman of Board of Trustee of UKBC
● The head coach of UK national team

Andrew has a PhD in Biometrical Genetics and is a Fellow of several learned societies, including the Royal Society of Biology. He has been the UK’s National Biology Olympiad Coordinator for fourteen years and has represented the UK on the International Jury on ten occasions.

Dr. Andrew Treharne, the coach of the BBO National Team, leads a coaching team to China for teaching. The coaches are all coaches of the BBO National Team, with many years of experience in both participating in and coaching the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). They are familiar with the BBO syllabus, exam trends, and strategies for high scores. The coaching team employs the UK elite education model, focusing on training critical thinking and practical skills to help students adapt to high-level international academic competition.

Robert Halliday

● Coach of UK National Team
● Coach of UK Team for the International Biology Olympiad
● International Biology Olympiad Gold Medalist

Robert won a Gold Medal as a UK team member at the 2023 IBO in the United Arab Emirates. He is currently
tutoring students prior to studying Natural Sciences at Durham University from September 2024.

* The above is a list of past coaches for reference, subject to change based on the actual coach.

2.Cutting-edge Biology Theory and Inquiry-based Learning


The course strictly aligns with the BBO syllabus, covering core areas such as microbiology, neurobiology, enzymology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and extends to advanced fields like anatomy and genetics. An "theory + inquiry" advanced inquiry-based learning model is employed, where students, under the guidance of coaches, complete tasks such as experimental operations, experimental reasoning, and data analysis, cultivating independent research abilities.

  • Microbiology
  • Neurobiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Enzyme kinetics
  • Anatomy

3. High Proportion of Experimental Courses (Experiments account for approximately 50%)


Theoretical and experimental content are deeply integrated, with each theoretical module accompanied by an experimental course. Students will systematically complete experimental learning, proper operational procedures, data collection, statistical modeling, and conclusion summarization, providing an authentic research experience. Additionally, the camp is equipped with laboratory facilities that meet international Olympiad standards (e.g., PCR machines, gel electrophoresis, etc.), ensuring that students master advanced experimental techniques.

Academic Modules

Instruction from British Biology Olympiad Coaches

All instructors are coaches of the British Biology Olympiad national team, with extensive experience participating in and coaching for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). They have an in‑depth understanding of international biology syllabi and training frameworks. The visiting coaches pursuing advanced studies across diverse biology‑related disciplines will also broaden students’ horizons regarding university studies and career pathways through interactions.

Training Content at International Biology Olympiad Standard

The camp covers IBO‑syllabus‑aligned topics including microbiology, neurobiology, enzyme kinetics, biochemistry and bioinformatics. Under the guidance of coaches, students will engage in advanced biological inquiry.

Hands‑on Biological Experimentation & Simulation

Nearly 50% of the BBO Asia Camp consists of practical experiment sessions, tightly integrated with theoretical lectures. Following each thematic module, students will derive research conclusions through experimental design, phenomenon observation and data analysis.

Previous Lab Projects

* Below are introductions of past lab projects. Specific practical lab courses are subject to adjustment based on actual circumstances.

Microscopic Measurement and Cell Biology

Students will personally calibrate and utilize microscopic micrometer systems to measure the actual dimensions of cells and tissues. By preparing and observing temporary mounts of various biological specimens, students will intuitively understand cell structures and osmotic responses, mastering the fundamental methods of quantitative observation and precision measurement in life sciences

DNA Extraction and PCR Analysis

Students will collect their own buccal epithelial cells to extract DNA and perform PCR amplification. Using gel electrophoresis to analyze genotypes, they will experience the core workflows of molecular genetics firsthand, bridging the gap between genes and traits while understanding the technical foundations of modern medicine and genetic testing.

Animal Dissection and Structural Exploration

Through the dissection of representative specimens such as cow eyes, sheep hearts, crucian carp, and locusts, students will systematically observe organ structures and functional adaptations. This hands-on approach helps students truly grasp the concept that "structure determines function" and establishes a biological perspective based on cross-species comparison.

Plant Pigment Separation and Photosynthesis

Students will extract and separate photosynthetic pigments from plant leaves to observe pigment band distribution. Through the "algal ball" experiment, they will dynamically monitor the process of photosynthesis, understanding how light energy translates into life activity and deepening their insight into energy conversion and fundamental ecosystem mechanisms

Bioinformatics and Phylogenetic Evolution

Students will learn to use professional software to analyze gene sequences and construct phylogenetic trees. This module focuses on understanding evolutionary relationships between species at the molecular level and appreciating the importance of data analysis in life sciences, providing a methodological basis for disease research, biological evolution, and precision medicine.

Animal Dissection and Structural Exploration

Through the dissection of representative specimens such as cow eyes, sheep hearts, crucian carp, and locusts, students will systematically observe organ structures and functional adaptations. This hands-on approach helps students truly grasp the concept that "structure determines function" and establishes a biological perspective based on cross-species comparison.

Schedule

* Past schedules, reference only

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5
Morning

9:00-12:00

Opening ceremonyCourse: Lecture on photosynthetic pigments and the electromagnetic spectrumCourse: Lecture on evolutionary neuro-ethologyCourse: Exploration of genetic issuesCourse: Lecture on genetic transformation and molecular biology techniques
Course: IBO Lecture

Course: Lecture on microscopy

Experiment: Photosynthesis investigationsCourse: Lecture on Tinbergen questions

Experiment: Photosynthesis investigations

Experiment: Genetic testing experimentsExperiment: Molecular biology
NoonLunch
Afternoon
14:00-17:00
Experiment: Using the light microscopeCourse: Lecture on enzyme kineticsCourse: Lecture on gene editing and the bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 antiviral defence systemCourse: Lecture on protein structureClosing Ceremony
Course: Lecture on data analysis using Excel

Experiment: Enzyme assay

Experiment: Microbiology and geneticsCourse: Lecture on bioinformatic techniques

Experiment: Bioinformatics and dichotomous keys

* The schedule is tentative and may be adjusted according to the actual situation.

Student Reflections

During the camp, I engaged in practical sessions far richer than those in my school curriculum, allowing me to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. This bridge between theory and practice was incredibly rewarding. For instance, the PCR experiment is usually only taught theoretically at school, but here I performed it hands-on. This served as excellent preparation, meaning I will grasp the concepts more easily in future classes and face related exam questions with greater confidence

One of the most memorable experiments was the dissection of the pig heart and fish. When I dissected the heart myself and saw that the internal structures matched the textbook descriptions perfectly, I was awestruck. It is a surreal and wonderful experience to see the concepts you have studied repeatedly in problems presented so realistically before your eyes. Overall, the curriculum was systematic and comprehensive, covering the entire span of high school biology and helping me build a complete knowledge framework.

— Student Sun

RCF Experimental School

For me, hands-on experience was the most critical aspect of this trip. Due to limited resources and equipment at school, the BBO Asia Camp allowed me to access a wide variety of experiments, truly achieving the integration of theory and practice.

The experiment that left the deepest impression on me was the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Since it aligns closely with my academic focus, the professor explained the principles in detail before we began. This allowed me to think about the significance of each step and the molecular mechanisms while operating, and even analyze potential errors. This process gave me a much deeper and more systematic understanding of the principles and applications of PCR technology

— Student Liao

Fettes College Guangzhou

This program offered incredibly rich experimental opportunities, giving me access to content rarely touched upon in the standard classroom, such as observing real heart specimens and performing PCR operations. These experiences allowed me to truly apply textbook knowledge to practice. I gained a lot from this, and it gave me a deeper understanding of the textbook system, which I believe will be very helpful for future competitions and exams.

The most impressive experiment was the locust dissection. After removing the upper cuticle, I clearly saw every single yellow egg—something I could never observe with my own eyes at school. Furthermore, the professor used the specimen I prepared to isolate the tracheal structure, extracting clear white filamentous tissues. This process gave me a much more intuitive and profound understanding of insect and animal anatomy.

— Student Wu

RCF Experimental School

At school, we learn a significant amount of theory but often lack opportunities for hands-on practice. My goal for this activity was to combine classroom learning with actual operations and truly understand the principles behind every step.

What impressed me most was the collaborative nature of the experiments. Most tasks were carried out in groups, requiring us to communicate and cooperate with students from different schools and backgrounds. This process not only honed my manual skills but also improved my ability to work and communicate as part of a team.

In terms of content, the PCR experiment was the most rewarding. Although I had encountered similar experiments in middle school, I had mostly just followed instructions without deep understanding. Here, guided by the professor and lecture notes, I learned the background knowledge and technical details systematically. I now understand the significance of every step at the molecular level and have a more solid grasp of the real-world applications of biology

— Student Liu

RDFZ Xishan School

Participant Information

Fee:

The programme fee includes tuition and academic materials, but does not cover logistical expenses such as hotel accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.
* ASEEDER will provide logistical services for students. When logistical registration opens, students will be informed by email.

Visa Information (If required):

Visa Information (If required): For visa applications, please refer to the relevant policies of your country or region for Visa policies entering China. If you need to apply for a visa, we recommend entering with a (L) Tourism Visa.

Registration deadline:

As places are limited, registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once full.