Our Year 12 ATAR Biology students had an insight into what it was like to be a university student when they visited the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Nedlands, last week. The students investigated how to use biotechnological techniques to; amplify a human gene with PCR, visualise the product with gel electrophoresis and identify the mutation with gene sequencing. They were specifically looking at the BRAF gene mutation that can contribute to melanoma.
Our students gained an insight into working in a cutting edge laboratory, investigating challenges like overcoming cancer in human populations. They spoke with presenters well into their science degrees, and had great success with their investigations which reinforced their knowledge of the biotechnological techniques.