2013_02_11_CIE_olimpiada-biologia

Biology Olympiad 2013
PHOTO: Manuel Castells

A total of 113 students from high school diploma participated in the regional phase of the Biology Olympiad, which was held at Sciences Building of the University of Navarra.

Coming from 30 schools in the Autonomous Community of Navarre, the 1st and 2nd year students of high school diploma took two tests: an questionnaire of 75 questions on the proposed syllabus covering the areas of Biochemistry (20%), Evolution and Diversity (10%), Cytology (15%), Metabolism (15%), Histology, Physiology and Anatomy Animal (20%), Reproduction and Genetics (15%) and Microbiology and Immunity (5%), and some questions from development, in Spanish or Basque, based on the statement: "Scientists have found evidence of photosynthetic processes about 2.700 million years ago.

These processes, by releasing molecular oxygen into the atmosphere, caused one of the greatest changes in its composition and functioning, revolutionizing the metabolism of living beings". From this test three students will represent Navarra in the national phase of the Olympiad, which will take place from March 7 to 10 in Madrid. Likewise, those classified from 4th to 9th place, both inclusive, will obtain a special accredited specialization awarded by the School of Sciences.

Simultaneously to the test, the School organized a series of activities for families and the general public to commemorate Biology Day: on the one hand, the conferences "Global Nitrogen: A cycle out of control" and "Recent advances in the research of the human genome", at position by Jesús Miguel Santamaría and Javier Novo, respectively. In addition, guided visits to research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) and the Museum of Natural Sciences of the University of Navarra (floor 1. Sciences Building), and a poster exhibition exhibition (floor 1. Sciences Building).