Ticking off a New Species – SASC Students Decode DNA to Discover Distinct Arachnids
Twenty-five Yr 10 Science students, nominated by their Biology teachers had the opportunity to participate in this Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series program conducted by GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre) in collaboration with the Melbourne Veterinary School (University of Melbourne).
Part A: Before attending, students completed two online courses:
- Exploring the structure of DNA
- Polymerase Chain reactions.
Part B: In small groups, students participated in a workshop led by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) coaches who were Masters students from Melbourne University, and Research Scientists from nearby organisations such as Peter Mac, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Practical work was conducted at the GTAC research laboratory, in Parkville.
This involved observing and describing tick specimens that had been gathered from across Australia and Asia by examining them under high power microscopes; to discuss if students thought their individual specimens were same or different species.
Students then isolated DNA from their ticks (target specimens for this investigation). Segments of DNA were then copied using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to generate bar codes for their individual specimens.
Part C: A virtual learning workshop conducted back at school (SASC) where students construct and analyse phylogenetic trees, using their collected data. The sequences will be curated at Genbank (Genetic sequence database) and accessible online, for example, through NCBI (the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information).
Their contribution to science may result in discovering a new species of tick!
Thankyou to Ms. Mortimer for organising and leading this excursion, Ms. Borle for her support and enthusiasm at GTAC, and our participating Yr 10 students for representing their school in such a positive manner.
Student Reflection
“Going on an excursion to GTAC was very eye-opening, it gave me an opportunity to not only connect with new peers but also gave me insight on the work conducted in a real lab.” – Emily Hoang, 10E
Welcome to the GTAC Lab
Group Practical Work Extracting Tick DNA
Ms Lynne Borle – Science and Maths Teacher | Maths Tutor & Ms Marion Mortimer – Science Teacher | Scholarships Coordinator
Year 12 Biology – Excursion to GTAC
The Year 12 Biology classes recently attended their final excursion to GTAC, where they worked alongside science mentors to diagnose and design a treatment plan for an infection in cattle. Students had the opportunity to apply many of the scientific techniques they have been learning throughout the year, while gaining a deeper appreciation of how science can be used to improve lives.
This experience not only consolidated their skills and knowledge but also provided valuable preparation as they head into their exams.
Ms Angela Hanley – Science Teacher