Qualification

Award Winners in BC

by Invitation

Date

Aug. 2027 (TBD)

Location

Qingdao, China

Language

EN

Place

60

Program Introduction

The Biology Challenge(BC) is organized by the British Biology Olympiad Committee (UKBC) and isofficially supported by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). The BC Camp is hosted by Dr. Andrew Treharne,who has served as the chairman of the British Biology Olympiad BBO and the head coach of the national team for 15 times, and has represented Britain in the IBO international jury 12 times. He is an authoritative expert in the field of international high school biology Olympiads.

In 2025, for the first time, the British Biology Olympiad Committee (UKBC) and ASEEDER introduced this globally top- level academic training camp to China. 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. This top-tier biology event aims to provide outstanding award-winning students with an international platform for exchange and an opportunity to deeply explore the field of biology. The BC Advanced Challenge and Experimental Camp adopts a localized training model from the UK Biology Challenge, targeting students who have already mastered the knowledge at the junior high school level and guides them to understand and develop a passion for biological research.

This BC Camp delivers age‑appropriate biological knowledge and laboratory practices. Most of the curriculum is adapted from the original UK‑based training camps, with selected knowledge and experimental practices from senior‑secondary biology olympiad syllabi integrated into the programme. Blending engagement and intellectual challenge, the camp allows students to study biology in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere and nurtures them to become rising stars in future scientific fields.

Preliminary Competition

Biology Challenge (BC): May 10, 2027 (Mon.) (50 mins) Grade 7-9/Year 8-10

Introduction to Excellent Program Supervisor

1. The head coach of the UK Biology Olympiad national team will provide on-site training


Dr. Andrew Treharne

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.

Robert Halliday

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.

2. Compete alongside outstanding students, take on progressive challenges, and win medals and certificates.


The BC Advanced Challenge and Experiment Camp is an advanced challenge of the BC, consisting of both individual and team challenges. The challenge questions are written by Dr. Andrew Treharne, the Chairman of the UK Biology Olympiad and the head coach of the UK team, along with his team. The aim of the challenge is to further expand the depth and breadth of middle school biology knowledge, providing award-winning students from the Biology Challenge (BC) with an opportunity for advanced challenges. The team challenge allows students to experience the collaborative model of scientists, helping them develop teamwork and leadership skills. Individuals and teams who win in the BC Advanced Challenge will receive the medal and certificate.


3. Explore cutting-edge international biological topics and trends, inspiring interest in scientific research.


The BC Advanced Challenge and Experiment Camp not only includes academic sections focused on biological competitions, but also brings cutting-edge biological topics and experiments into the classroom. Students have the opportunity to explore core biological issues like researchers, formulate hypotheses, and test them through experiments. In addition to the experimental challenges, there are additional higher-order experiments that provide a theoretical foundation for future iBO or even BBO learning.

4. Extensive experimental topics and practical skills training to enhance research abilities and competitiveness for top university applications.


Biology is a discipline that relies heavily on experiments, and laboratory experience and skills are crucial for advanced biological studies. In the BC Advanced Challenge and Experiment Camp, students will engage in hands-on experiments on multiple topics. They will not only experience the research process of observing phenomena, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions through experimental methods, but also follow standardized experimental procedures under the professional guidance of instructors.

Academic Module

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.

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.

Schedule

* Past schedules, reference only

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6
Morning
9:00-12:00
/Opening CeremonyLecture:
Using microscopes
Lecture:Introduction of using micropipettesLecture: Introduction of DissectionProblem Session & Poster Preparation
Individual ChallengeExp Challenge 2:
Using microscopes
Advanced Exp 1:
Using micropipettes and gel electrophoresis
Advanced Exp 2: DissectionPoster Presentation
NoonLunch
Afternoon
14:00-17:00
ArrivingLecture:

Circulation

Lecture:

Osmosis & Enzyme

Posters introductionAdvanced Exp 3:Bioinformatics and dichotomous keysClosing&Award Ceremony
Exp Challenge 1: Factors affecting heart rateExp Challenge 3&4:

Osmosis & Enzyme

Posters researchBioCarnival/

* Note: The coaching team may adjust the course sequence, content, and difficulty. Specific schedule will be released before camp.

Student Reflections

I really enjoyed my time at BC Camp. The balance between experiments and lectures was very well done — it never felt too heavy on one side. I was most impressed by the heart, eye, and fish dissection, and I also loved learning about dichotomous keys because the way they work is so interesting. I got to explore the structure of the eye in depth, which I found fascinating. Overall, I gained a lot of biology knowledge and would definitely recommend this camp to others.

— Hyowon, Student, Chadwick International School

BC Camp was an amazing experience for me. The camp fully met my expectations — I'd give it five stars. The micropipette and genetic fingerprinting experiment, along with the heart, eye, and fish dissection, were the most impressive parts. I learned so much about biology and also grew in teamwork. The dissection class stood out to me the most. The balance between experiments and theory was perfect — a true 1:1 ratio. I really enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to others.

— Zhang, Student, International School of Beijing Academy

Participant Information

Programme 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 message, email, etc

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.