Year Level: | |
Industry Focus: | |
Technologies used: | |
Max Students: | 24 |
Duration: | 2.5 hours (times negotiable) |
Booking Eligibility: | Open to all Department of Education schools for enrichment students |
Program Overview
In this workshop, students will dive into the world of personalized medicine for breast cancer. First, they’ll take on the role of doctors, analysing patient family histories to determine the source of their two patients’ cancer – genetic or epigenetic. They’ll then practice their lab skills using micropipettes to load samples into practice gels before running their own gel electrophoresis analysis to confirm which patient has the genetic predisposition to cancer. While they wait for these results, students will switch gears and become diagnosticians, running a simulated microarray to determine the best course of chemotherapy for each patient.
By analysing the patients’ genes and their compatibility with different drugs, they’ll gain valuable experience in how modern genetics and technology are revolutionizing cancer treatment by allowing for personalized therapy based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup.
Pre/post work activities are available: Genetics and Microarrays for schools
Student Introduction Video
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/QJYQo4Nq1Ts
Curriculum Strength:
Science / Ethical Capabilities