Senior secondary students from more than ten schools in Macao participate in the MPI Summer Camp 2016

Over 40 senior secondary students from more than ten schools in Macao participated in the “MPI Science Summer Camp 2016” organised by Macao Polytechnic Institute's School of Health Sciences from 4^th to 7^th July. The summer camp aims to arouse the interest of Macao youth in the field of science, introduce them to the wonders of medical science and establish a foundation for their further studies in this area, as well as to help secondary students choose a suitable bachelor's programme in the future.

The summer camp kicked off at 10am on 4^th July with an opening ceremony at MPI, after which a series of interesting workshops and campus orienteering events were held.  At the ‘Blood Type and Body Fluid Test Workshop’ students were given an opportunity to find out their own blood types and by doing so, they had a basic understanding of the nature of medical laboratory work and the secrets behind our human body. The ‘Moisturiser DIY Workshop’ was a fun-filled activity in which students walked through the steps of making their own tubs of moisturiser from scratch; in the process they gained useful knowledge of the science and techniques of creating creams and had a glimpse into the science of skincare. Students discovered what it is like to work in pharmacy practice settings. MPI’s Student Affairs Office also assigned students to exciting ‘campus hunt missions’ to familiarise themselves with MPI’s facilities.

The Student Affairs Office also gave an overview of MPI's courses, student activities and study/work abroad programmes. MPI alumni were invited back on campus to share with students their best memories of university life and internship, while pointing out fantastic career prospects for graduates in the health sciences.  Students were greatly interested in MPI's programmes and posed questions enthusiastically.

Students joining this year's summer camp thanked MPI for providing a unique opportunity for them to get their hands on science in a fun way outside the classroom. They have developed a keener interest in medical science and expressed their hope to study in MPI's bachelor's programmes, as they would like to have the opportunity to go on internships overseas to expand their horizons.

MPI's School of Health Sciences hoped that the summer camp would introduce secondary students to specialised topics of medical science. The School offers bachelor's programmes in nursing and biomedical technology (medical laboratory/pharmacy technology), as well as joint master's degree programmes in medical laboratory technology and specialty nursing. The School plays a crucial role in training well-qualified nursing and medical laboratory technicians in Macao.