Biotech firm, in response to pandemic, will offer free online science course

TAMPA — Students throughout the United States will soon have a new online learning option thanks to SynDaver, a Tampa-based biotech firm that makes artificial human and animal corpses for use in science and medical education. 

Starting on March 31, SynDaver will provide instructor-led dissection courses via Facebook Live. The sessions will make use of SynFrog, the firm’s recently released artificial frog product that’s been rolled out for use in biology classes.  

According to a press release, students will not need to purchase a SynFrog kit to observe the online dissection courses, but SynDaver is offering the kits, which normally cost $199, at the discounted price of $150 for those who want to buy one and fully participate in the Facebook Live sessions.

SynDaver decided to offer the classes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has forced schools to close and parents to provide education at home. 

“We looked to see what we could do and while we can’t give away our products for free, we can donate our time. Fortunately for students, our in-house veterinarian Dr. David Danielson has volunteered to begin teaching this weekly class on frog dissection,” states Dr. Christopher Sakezles, CEO of SynDaver, in the release. “As a biotechnology company with strong ties to the science and engineering world, we believe it’s important for students to stay on top of their learning. The students of today will become the doctors of tomorrow, and we need them to have the best possible learning experience so that new cures and procedures can be discovered.”

Discounted SynFrog kits can be purchased at the company’s website by entering the code HOMESCHOOL, the release states.