On Tuesday 9 August the Year 10 Biology (DNA, Genes & Inheritance) students embarked on an excursion to LaTrobe University Bundoora. The students visited the AgriBio facility, which is a world class facility for agricultural biosciences research and development. Upon their arrival the students participated in the “Getting into Genes” program where they participated in several workshops highlighting the application of biotechnology to selective breeding in the agricultural industry.

Rotating through three hands-on workstations, students extracted DNA and gained experience of techniques such as restriction enzyme analysis. They learnt how these modern genetic engineering tools are being used by Australian scientists and researchers to breed farm animals and crops better suited to the changing environment. Students worked through examples of selective breeding, using phenotype and genotype data for both plants and animals.

Overall, the students had a great day, and were able to see how what they are learning in the classroom has real life applications, and hopefully opened their eyes to potential career paths in the field of STEM.