On 25 October, Year 10 Biology visited the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR) and the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC) in Herston, led by Ms Amouzandeh and Mr Wright. The purpose of the excursion was to extend our knowledge in the unit that covered DNA, genes, genetic diseases, and organs. Our hosts at QIMR were Dr Liam St Pierre, Ms Rebecca Lush and Dr Manuel Serrano Santos.
I am in Ms Amouzandeh’s class and we first completed a practical activity in gel electrophoresis in QIMR’s laboratories. This task gave the whole class first-hand experience in important professional lab processes, such as the proper application of PPE and incredibly delicate and sensitive pipette technique. We were taught how to effectively follow scientific procedures to accurately collect results and data for the study of DNA samples. Moreover, we utilised this knowledge in the analysis of a pedigree--a chart used to display the inheritance of a genetic trait through multiple generations of a family. This is especially useful in the diagnosis of individuals who may carry or suffer from diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, topics we have learned about in this unit.
And this was not all! Our class then headed off to the IPLC, where Ms Lush gave us a lesson on the impact of disease on the human body. The Learning Centre has a vast collection of healthy and damaged organs. We all had the opportunity to observe preserved internal human organs damaged by a range of diseases or trauma injuries. We were able to learn in detail about the process in which each of these diseases, e.g. diphtheria and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or blunt-force trauma incidents, caused damage to internal organ tissues.
I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the organs’ structural complexities. The visit to QIMR and the IPLC perfectly complemented our biology syllabus and gave us an insight into the practical work of scientific and medical professionals, thereby giving us a glimpse into our potential future academic pathways.
Article written by Istok Stanic, Year 10.