Biomedical Sciences Day 2016 – News

GTAC and The School of Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne recently hosted Biomedical Science Day, a full day program for Year 10 and 11 students from rural schools. Students interested in studying biomedical sciences had the opportunity to visit the University of Melbourne and find out about studying Biomedical Sciences at the university. The day commenced with an address from Professor Fabienne Mackay, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences. A speaker from Access Melbourne also provided information about special entry and support programs for rural students hoping to attend the University of Melbourne.

It was a wet and windy day, yet the students battled the elements to meet with University student representatives for a tour of the University campus. They also toured Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology and were amazed by the fascinating displays.

At the GTAC laboratories, students worked alongside young scientists from the School of Biomedical Sciences and GTAC mentors. They used light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes to photograph some amazing specimens provided by researchers in the various Departments of the School of Biomedical Sciences.

The samples included fluorescent-stained cells used in research about how cells react to viral infection, silver-stained kidney sections and neurons in the brain, blue-stained retina from studies of diabetes and fluorescent-stained pig intestines used in the study of gastrointestinal physiology. Insects, flowers and pollen were examined in the scanning electron microscope. Participants mastered the art of microscope image capture, and many have used their images for creative modification to enter into the ‘Under the Coverslip’ - Science meets Art competition. Entries will be judged by Professor Mackay and student representatives in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

The School of Biomedical Sciences newsletter has also published an article about the day. You can find it here http://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/possibilities-of-biomedical-science-come-alive-for-school-students-from-rural-areas

Many thanks to all of the students who made the trip into Melbourne to make this year’s Biomedical Sciences Day fantastic (despite the weather).