Bachelor of Biomedicine top-of-mind for 280 high school students participating in Biomedical Sciences Day
Year 10 and 11 students from across the state have enjoyed a day-in-the-life of a Biomedical Science student. Learning about discovery research, meeting some of our enthusiastic researchers, accessing the Harry Brookes Allen Museum and AdaptLab spaces, and hearing about some of the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
Over 280 students were inspired to pursue Biomedical sciences and change the future of health, at a crucial time when they’ll be choosing their units of study and exploring university options. Biomedical Sciences Day, held annually with the support of Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) was a fun and interactive day that highlighted the exciting possibilities of studying biomedical science with the University of Melbourne.
Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka, Head of School of Biomedical Sciences, welcomed students and introduced them to the discipline of biomedicine and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.
She shared her own journey being inquisitive and fascinated by diabetes and eye health, she encouraged students to think about the science behind what creates, sustains and threatens people’s lives in Australia and beyond.
If you like to think, to hypothesize, and want to contribute to the world, a career as a discovery scientist could be for you.
Students worked alongside researchers in the GTAC Laboratories to photograph specimens using light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, and entered their images into their own Under the Microscope Coverslip Competition. Across the day students learned about Arthritis, Cancer, MND, the brain, neural responses in zebrafish, the skin, Malaria, stress responses in mice, and many other interesting research topics.
“Living in a rural area we don’t get to use all this advanced technology, it’s really cool to have the opportunity to use it,” said Bass Coast College student Samuel.
Keysborough Secondary student Satya said “I'm interested in microbiology and today has really helped me to understand how viruses and cells work. Before this I've only watched it through videos online, so it’s really cool using the microscopes and doing it myself.”
“Seeing what I could do in the research field gave me more clarity. Today was an amazing opportunity to speak to the researchers & I'm very grateful,” said St Albans Secondary College student Haybel.
They also took a behind the scenes look at the University’s Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology and uncovered real tissue specimens and historical anatomical models.
“My favourite part of the day was visiting and exploring the museum. I felt like I got to further my knowledge of human anatomy and gain a greater understanding of pathology.”
"Some of the pieces in the anatomy museum have been here since the 1800s… it’s cool to think that scientists’ back then studied the human body by looking at wax melts,” said Mentone Girls Grammar student Jane.
The tour of AdaptLab allowed students to experience how innovative digital technology is used to study the human body.
Marina from Presbyterian Ladies College described her VR experience “I’m looking at the human heart. I can hear it beat and grab it. It’s pretty interesting and to think about how it works. I like to learn about how the human body works and how it all fits together.”
A Student Recruitment representative also spoke to the students about Access Melbourne, an equity scheme that assists students from under-represented areas with entry to undergraduate study at the University of Melbourne. The students were also given information about the numerous scholarships and support services available to them when applying to study at Melbourne.
Nunawading Christian College Biology teacher Jody said “The day has been really beneficial for our students, we’ve seen students with a reignited passion for science, students keen to explore research and medical careers, and when everyone is starting to think about university study, the scholarships and special entry pathways information has been timely."
Bachelor of Biomedicine students Mindy Lay, Pio Abi-Raad, Jasmine Wong, Tasnim Thamer and Myrtali Koutroumpinas spoke about their courses, the diverse research topics they are pursuing, life on campus and answered questions from the inquisitive audience.
The students recommended ways of making the most of your time at university “Get involved in uni life through O-week camps, and join clubs to make new connections and build friendships.”
St Albans Secondary College student Michelle said “I really enjoyed hearing about university life from a student.”
St Columba’s College student Meryam said “I never really believed I could be here [at the University of Melbourne], but hearing the passion from current students, staff and researchers, it makes me so excited and hopeful for the future.”
Professor Wilkinson-Berka encouraged students to apply to the Bachelor of Biomedicine after completing their VCE studies.
“When you come to Melbourne, you don’t just come to the School of Biomedical Sciences,” Professor Wilkinson-Berka said. “You also have access to the whole of Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct through your studies at the University.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Biomedicine.
Under the Coverslip Competition Winners
Many of the aspiring scientists submitted their work into the Biomedical Sciences Day Under The Coverslip Competition. Congratulations to Tuhina, Eliana and Ngoc who all received a framed print of their work along with a Melbourne University Hoodie and gift pack for their amazing photos!
Tuhina, 'Coral Sands'
Eliana, 'A Day by the Seaside'
Ngoc, 'Galactic Parasites'
A Researchers View
“Speaking to students today was super rewarding for me, giving back... this is why I went into research. I had always seen research depicted in movies but never really got a lot of opportunities to see in real life. I felt like I could give students today the opportunity I wish I had when I was their age” - Dr Ali Zaid, Research Officer, Dept Microbiology & Immunology
“It was refreshing to consider my own research in a different light. Speaking to the students has allowed me to discuss my research in a more digestible way, to hone my skills in scientific communication and how best to engage with an audience” - A/Prof Ashraful Haque, Principal Research Fellow, Dept Microbiology & Immunology
Media Coverage
University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, 14 Sept 2024, Instagram
University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, 13 Sept 2024, Facebook
Presbyterian Ladies College, 9 Sept 2024, Facebook Post
Mater Christi College, 4 Sept 2024, Facebook Post
North West City News, 4 Sept 2024, 'Local students step into Southern Hemisphere's largest biomedical precinct.'
Victoria University Secondary College, Newsletter, 'Biomedical Sciences Day at the University of Melbourne and GTAC.'
St Albans Secondary College, September Newsletter, 'Yr 10 & 11 Biomedical Sciences Day'
Mount Alexander Secondary College, Newsletter, 'GTAC - Biomedical Sciences Day'
Ferntree Gully Star Mail, 23 Aug 2024, 'Mater Christi College students step inside the southern hemisphere's largest biomedical precinct.'
Presbyterian Ladies College, Newsletter, 'Year 11 Biology Students Explore Biomedical Science.'
South Gippsland Sentinel-Times, 27 Aug 2024, 'Students step inside the southern hemisphere's largest biomedical precinct.'
Pascoe Vale Girls College, 20 Aug 2024, Facebook Post
Mater Christi College, 19 Aug 2024, Facebook Post
Nunawading Christian College, 16 Aug 2024, Facebook Post
John Paul College, Newsletter, 15 Aug 2024, 'Exploring the wonders of science: Highlights from Science Week.'
St Columba's College, 14 Aug 2024, Facebook Post