10th National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest Goes Virtual

 

by Pauline Anthonette De Juras (Hachimoji)

The UPLB Genetics Society held its 10th National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest (NIGQC) with the theme “The Battle Against COVID-19: Securing Genetic Defenses and Building Immunogenetic Barriers.” Thirteen universities competed for the NIGQC 2020 title. The event held on November 21, 2020 let the college students experience an individual examination, a lecture webinar, and a multi-level group quiz contest—all done remotely.

The NIGQC 2020 started with the opening remarks of the NIGQC Steering Committee Head, Aimee Montes (Isochore). She then continued on explaining the contest mechanics for the individual written exam, the Synapsis Round. Afterwards, the event hosts—Kyle Francisco (Polyplex) and Drew Baysa (Polyplex) introduced the thirteen participating universities: Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Batangas State University, De La Salle University—Dasmarinas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Pangasinan State University, Silliman University, University of Eastern Philippines, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Manila, Visayas State University, and Xavier University—Ateneo de Cagayan.

Following the opening ceremony, the Synapsis Round of the contest started. The participants competed via the messaging and digital distribution platform Discord and a web service platform Quilgo, which attaches timers and anti-cheating add-ons to Google forms. This 40-item individual written exam primarily focused on the application of immunogenetics.

Succeeding the Synapsis Round, Dr. Emilio Villanueva III, MSc, DPSP, a Clinical Associate Professor of UPCM, and a Biostatistician of UP-PGH presented an informative lecture. Dr. Marcos B. Valdez, Jr., a University Research Fellow of the Far Eastern University, then followed through with his talk on immunogenetics. Their well thought out presentations were live streamed through Facebook to reach a broader audience.

After the lecture webinar and talk, the Dogma Round started in the video conferencing platform Zoom. This round was further divided into three rounds, namely Initiation, Elongation and Termination. Each level has ten questions and corresponding time limits. At the end of the Initiation Round Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University—Dasmarinas, University of San Carlos, and University of Santo Tomas had the early lead with fourteen points. In the succeeding round, Ateneo de Zamboanga University gathered the most with thirteen points. In the Termination Round, University of San Carlos bagged the most with twenty points.

At the conclusion of the Dogma round of the group quiz, the hosts announced the result for the Synapsis Round. Montes presented the certificates of Participation and Appreciation to the attendees. Francesca Amor V. Reyes from the University of the Philippines Manila bagged NIGQC 2020’s Synapsis Round top scorer achievement.

Following the recognition of excellence for the Synapsis Round, the Genetic Drift Round began. This round not only tested the participant’s knowledge on Genetics but also their wits to strategize and be able to turn the tables and win the competition. This ending round for the group quiz included seven questions of varying points, as well as multipliers that may increase or decrease the scores. At the end of this round, University of Santo Tomas had the highest addition to their total points, garnering fifteen points.

As the program approached its end, John Kenneth S. Tria (Allosyndesis), the incumbent president of The UPLB Genetics Society, delivered his closing remarks. Thereafter, the awarding for the top NIGQC took place to mark the end of the eventful day. The University of Santo Tomas came on top and claimed first place. Then, Ateneo de Manila University and University of San Carlos followed and took 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, respectively. 

Even with the challenges faced during the pandemic, this event persisted and students took the challenge of sharpening their knowledge on genetics and its relevance in society. The UPLB Genetics Society sincerely extends its gratitude to the participants, members, and sponsor and media partners. GeneSoc will continue to organize events that promote the science of Genetics in the context of social relevance.