Science for schools

In our on-campus depth study session, we present the students a scenario (eg our conservation scenario is about shark nets being used to protect bathers on beaches) and ask the questions:

Do shark nets:

• Protect us from the 'target' sharks?
• Discriminate between 'target' and 'non-target' species?
• Capture species that are of conservation importance?

With the aim of identifying species caught in shark nets, we then run the students through the process of how to identify a species using DNA extracted from tissue samples.

Students will have hands-on experience performing:

• DNA extraction
• Gel Electrophoresis
• PCR amplification for sequencing.

After the session with us, we will send you sequenced data so that you can lead your class in building a phylogenetic tree and discuss the species of sharks caught by the net (we supply instructions). We have an activity booklet for students to follow, with questions to prompt thinking and space to answer questions during the session.

This program is adaptable to other scenarios you may be exploring in your curriculum, eg using DNA fingerprinting for CSI forensics, or identifying diseases carried by travellers.

Depth study session details

We are only able to run the genetics depth studies outside of our undergraduate teaching times in Sessions 1 and 2. If you are interested in coming to us for a genetics depth study:

• See our teaching session dates.
• Email us on fse.natsci-enquiries@mq.edu.au with two or three potential dates (Tuesdays to Saturdays) that are outside our Session 1 and 2 teaching times (indicated by 'S1 Week 1–13' and 'S2 Week 1–13'). We require a minimum of two weeks' notice to arrange the activity and the required personnel.
• Let us know the number of students you expect to bring.
• Cost: $55 per student (including GST).
• Duration: 9.20am to 3pm with a 15 minute morning tea break and a 30 minute lunch break.