Why Biomedicine, why now? Discovery tour gives students glimpse of career pathways
Over 30 high school students converged at the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy & Pathology for a discovery tour with Prof Stuart Ralph, Rohan Long, A/Prof Vicki Lawson and third year Biomedicine undergraduates.
Image: Visiting high school students from Melbourne Grammar School and Melbourne Girls Grammar School
The Melbourne Grammar School and Melbourne Girls Grammar School students visit this week included guest speakers Prof Stuart Ralph, newly appointed Head of the Dept of Biochemistry & Pharmacology; the Curator of the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy & Pathology, Rohan Long; a hands-on case study and learning experience with leading prion diseases expert A/Prof Vicki Lawson from the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology - and the opportunity to talk to third year Bachelor of Biomedicine students.
The specimens in the museum were confronting but fascinating…seeing all the specimens fuelled my interest in biomedicine…it connected what I am interested in and what I’m learning at high school to potential real-life applications.
Melbourne Grammar student
Image: Melbourne Girls Grammar School students visit the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy & Pathology
The collaboration, a first for the School of Biomedical Sciences, was born out of the School’s highly successfully eMeet a Biomedical Scientist program held during National Science Week each year, saw strong engagement from the high school students who attended.
Questions to our third year Biomedicine students in attendance ranged from finding out about first-hand study experiences, the decisions that led them to choose Biomedicine, opportunities available at the University outside classes like summer programs and how their studies and interests can translate to a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
...after today I think the University of Melbourne appeals to me more... I like how Biomedicine provides many different pathways and I also enjoyed learning about the facilities and the University's contributions to medical science...
Melbourne Grammar student
Image: Third year Biomedicine undergraduates chat to visiting high school students about their study paths
I really enjoyed having time to look around the museum at the specimens in the pathology section and see all the intricacies of human anatomy - but also in the context of disease
Melbourne Grammar student
Newly appointed Head of the Dept of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Prof Stuart Ralph, spoke to students about his malaria research and the benefits of working and studying in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct including access to technology, the leading clinicians and opportunities to collaborate and translate research to clinical settings.
Image: Prof Stuart Ralph discusses the benefits of studying and researching at the University of Melbourne
We have some of the best equipped laboratories in the world…I am really proud to be part of this great research community - my colleagues are at the top of their game, they are passionate and highly engaged…
Prof Stuart Ralph
Rohan Long, Curator of the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy & Pathology, told students about the museum’s long history, its vast collection of over 10,000 artefacts and the different human preservation techniques used on human tissue specimens and models in the museum.
Image: Curator, Rohan Long (at right) addresses high school students
The museum is an amazing resource of anatomy and pathology specimens - very few universities have this.
Rohan Long
Image: Melbourne Girls Grammar School student views museum artefacts
Leading prion diseases expert in the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology, A/Prof Vicki Lawson, took students through a fascinating case study and group activity looking at infectious, genetic and environmental diseases.
Image: A/Prof Vicki Lawson talks about infectious diseases with high school students
Groups of students were matched with a Bachelor of Biomedicine undergraduate who led them through the investigation, with students stepping into the role of scientist or doctor in order to develop a hypothesis based on observation and evidence given.
Image: Visiting high school students participate in case study and group activity
I especially enjoyed the presentations from the professors, they were detailed and engaging - but also short enough that everyone stayed focused. Speaking with these professors and current students provided an insight into the University and Biomedicine...
Melbourne Grammar School student
Image: Melbourne Grammar School students view at museum artefacts
For third year Biomedicine undergraduates it was a chance to mentor and share their own learnings and encourage high school students to explore and raise questions.
Image: Justin, third year Biomedicine undergraduate speaks with visiting high school students
It was a great way to get a glimpse into the real-life activities of a scientist– it’s not only just about the technical skills and the ability to apply learnt knowledge, but also the importance of communication and presentation skills needed to communicate research findings to an audience…
Justin, third year Biomedicine student
Image: Third year Biomedicine undergraduate facilitates group activity with visiting high school students
I enjoyed talking to current students and asking questions about their studies and courses...it was fun and informative to learn from their experience...