Last Friday VCE Unit 3 and 4 Biology students took part in an exciting, hands-on workshop at the University of Melbourne—an immersive experience designed to deepen their understanding of key concepts from Unit 4, Outcomes 1 and 2. The day featured two dynamic and thought-provoking practical investigations that challenged students to apply their skills in observation, analysis, and evaluation.

Activity 1: Evidence for Evolutionary Change: Students explored natural selection in action using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). By investigating how specific mutations affect the flies’ fitness, they observed changes in phenotypic and allele frequencies across generations—gaining real-world insight into the mechanisms of evolution.

Activity 2: Immunity and Influenza – A Case Study: In a high-stakes simulation of disease tracking, students took on the role of biomedical researchers, using indirect ELISA tests to analyse serum samples from six individuals. Their mission: to detect the presence of anti-influenza antibodies and assess immunity levels in the population. Positive and negative controls added an extra layer of complexity, mirroring the rigor of real laboratory testing. This unique excursion not only reinforced key biological concepts but also sparked curiosity and offered a glimpse into the exciting world of scientific research.

Lesley MalliganPaul, VCE Biology Teacher