最新糖心Vlog

Forensic science comes to schools

Monday, 7 May 2007

fans, eat your heart out. South 最新糖心Vlogn secondary school students will get the chance to act out a real-life forensic crime scene this week.

Seven 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide research scientists, in conjunction with the , will visit senior students at five Adelaide high schools from May 7-11, giving them a hands-on experience of forensic DNA techniques in a bid to encourage them to consider a career in science.

The Year 11 and 12 students will delve into the world of forensic science for a day, obtaining DNA from a simulated crime scene to determine "whodunnit?".

The researchers are 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide PhD students, working in the scientific and medical fields. They are all passionate about science and keen to recruit new colleagues to their field.

Kylie Dunning, 27, is an ex-Golden Grove High School student who completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree majoring in genetics in 2002. She is currently undertaking her PhD in reproductive medicine at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide.

"The aim of this outreach program is to give students a more realistic view of science and debunk the myth of the white lab coat image and boring, mundane work. Science is a fascinating career, full of options and exciting challenges," Kylie said.

"The students will get an introductory talk about the career path we have all chosen, the subjects we studied at university and the options available to them as a science undergraduate or PhD candidate."

A DNA fingerprinting experiment will be conducted at each school, incorporating a role play scenario in which a teacher is kidnapped and suspects are narrowed down with the help of DNA.

Up to 50 students from each school will take part in the forensic science experiment. The high schools include Findon, Woodville, Parafield Gardens, Paralowie and Smithfield Plains.

"This is the first year that we've offered the outreach program to metropolitan schools. The initiative has been running since 2004 and each year the response is outstanding," Kylie said. "We're hoping for a repeat experience."

Contact Details