Year 12 Workshops
Three workshops for Year 12 Biology students are offered at the School of Botany across term 3. All are designed to complement the curriculum in VCE Unit 4.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THESE WORKSHOPS
‘Real-life science’ is used to demonstrate the tools and techniques of molecular biology. The science is part of our work on the cell walls of cereal grains (wheat and barley). Students are able to observe the effects of a mutation in a gene that encodes one of the cell wall proteins. They gain hands-on experience in DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
- PowerPoint introduction to the science and the techniques
- Prac notes provided
- Workshop approximately 2 hours 15 minutes in length
- Available each Tuesday throughout term 3
Students examine a cross between plants heterozygous for the agamous mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana. They are introduced to the genetics of flower formation and the results of mutations in these genes.
- PowerPoint introduction to the science
- Workshop approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in length
- Available each Tuesday throughout term 3
**We have one lab available every Tuesday. Bookings are taken on a first-come basis and either one or both of these workshops can be booked. A single class can complete both workshops on the one day. Where concurrent sessions are requested, we will do our best to accommodate, but cannot guarantee lab space will be available. **
A joint initiative of the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics and the Molecular Plant Breeding CRC, this workshop highlights the use of molecular biology in agriculture. Students explore the use of genetic markers in breeding crops (wheat and barley) and gain hands-on experience in DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis. Get into Genes is hosted by the School of Botany every Wednesday.
**Note that Get into Genes is also available for Year 10 students. **
- PowerPoint introduction to the science and the techniques
- Workshop approximately 2 hours in length
- Available each Wednesday throughout term 3
For all workshops:
- Hands-on activities in small groups
- Worksheets completed during the workshop
- Assessment materials suitable for a SAC provided to teacher
- Limit of 30 students per session
- Session start times set to suit schools’ needs as far as possible
Bookings:
For further information or to make a booking, contact Marie Thorpe on 8344 5071 or email thorpem@unimelb.edu.au.
For Get into Genes bookings and information, contact the Education Officer at vic.bookings@getintogenes.com.au.