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Honours in the classroom

27 May 2009

Ashwood College Year 12 student Chloe Guffogg
Ashwood College Year 12 student Chloe Guffogg
Monash honours students Sibil Oksayan and Christopher Callas
Monash honours students Sibil Oksayan and Christopher Callas

Monash biotechnology honours students are raising awareness of science and university life amongst secondary students from Ashwood College in Melbourne’s east.

As part of their assessed coursework the students designed and delivered biotechnology-related classes to Year 10, 11 and 12 Ashwood students.

Activities included practical classes, a biotechnology debate and a visit to the Monash Clayton campus.

Ashwood Year 12 students also learnt about stem cell science, getting hands-on experience in Associate Professor Kate Loveland’s laboratory, and attending a first-year biotechnology lecture delivered by Professor Graham Jenkin.

Biotechnology course convenor Dr Philip MacKinnon said the biotech honours program was developed after consultation with industry and faculties across the University.

He said the group project aimed to develop the honours students’ communication, teamwork and academic skills.

“The biotech honours program, which is in its first year, is a substantial departure from the usual science and biomedical sciences honours that are focused on developing disciplinary research skills,” Dr MacKinnon said.

“The students still do a major laboratory research project and can continue on to higher research studies if they wish, but the skills they develop in this particular program are invaluable as they transition into their careers and life as global citizens.”

Dr MacKinnon said Ashwood and Monash staff and students enjoyed the program and hoped to form an ongoing collaborative relationship.

This was echoed by Ashwood Year 11 and 12 biology teacher Heath Booth, who said the program allowed students to see university life first-hand.

“Our students gained valuable insight into biotechnology and also developed important skills such as public speaking,” Ms Booth said.

“Ashwood is looking forward to furthering its relationship with Monash.”

For more information on studying honours at Monash visit the Monash Passport website.

For more information on biotechnology visit the undergraduate course information website.