Monash Science Centre 2009 Lecture Series

Dr. Heather Verkade

Position:  Lecturer

Department: School of Biological Sciences

Areas of research: Genetics, especially the genetics of embryonic development.Vertebrate Developmental Biology, using the zebrafish as a model organism.Molecular Biology and Cell biology

Title of presentation:  How geneticists use mutants to understand biology.

Brief summary of presentation:

1. This presentation is for a large group and shows the sort of research Biologists at Monash University do. I can target this for Genetics, or for all of Biology. For all of Biology I would include things like molecular biology/genetics in model systems like flies and fish, genetic modification of plants to make new vaccines, studying wild animal populations, looking at how revegetation of the natural landscape can rescue endangered species. Also mentions types of careers you can go into with a Science degree.

2. I could also do a presentation for a small group including looking at live zebrafish embryos on dissecting microscopes – would need a few low power binocular microscopes, preferably with the light from below the stage. Would also need powerpoint and maybe a whiteboard.  This aims to show how cool it is to look at live fish embryos as they develop, and can have a genetics flavour for higher level students. 

Length:

1. Approx. 20 minutes, longer for small groups if you require. (Please specify when requesting a booking)
2. Unsure at this stage.

Requirements :

1. Laptop with powerpoint, projector.
2. Low power binocular microscopes (preferably with light from below stage), whiteboard, laptop with powerpoint, projector.

Target year level:

1. Years 10 - 12
2. Years 10 - 12

Minimum and maximum audience size:

1. Maximum ~100 students.
2. Approx. 20 students.

Availability: Unavailable May 11 – 22, June 25 – July 17 and August 3 – 21.