School of Life Sciences
Department of Environmental Management & Ecology
Campus Hosts VCE Genetics Laboratory Classes.
Media Releases
Thursday, 19 July 2007
During June and July, close to ninety secondary college students from eight NE Victorian schools completed Unit 4 Biology school assessed coursework (SAC) requirements with hands-on laboratory activities at La Trobe University's campus in Wodonga.
Developed and delivered by staff from the Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, the series of classes focussed on genetics.
In one SAC, students investigated the inheritance of various characteristics of the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. During the first three hour activity, students anaesthetised and microscopically examined flies from several breeding populations to enable them to hypothesise about the types of inheritance, based on their count of the proportion of different characteristics found in each population.
The second activity allowed them to manipulate DNA to examine the basis of the Drosophila mutations they studied previously. In this SAC they learned to use the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. These techniques are employed in many forensic science and conservation investigations.
"The Department of Environmental Management and Ecology is pleased to be able to provide VCE Biology students with this valuable opportunity to put their textbook learning into practice with state-of-the-art skills and equipment not generally available in secondary schools," stated Dr Susan Lawler, Senior Lecturer.
This innovative program began last year with one local school, growing to eight schools this year and with the likelihood of more participants next year.
The experience also provided students with a timely insight into Albury-Wodonga science courses and research as they prepare to make application for tertiary places for 2008.
Further details on the University's involvement can be obtained from Dr Susan Lawler, Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, on (02) 6024 9874.
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