|
“The Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology/Microbiology) course at Box Hill Institute gives you as much hands on as possible, so you are not green and have some experience.”
Scientists at the Institute of Horticultural Development, Knoxfield needed a hand, several of them in fact, so they called on the students at Box Hill Institute.
Les Bacash of Carlton was among 14 students from the Centre for Biotechnology and Animal Sciences who have been on placement at the Institute two days a week and gaining valuable practical experience as a result.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for any student,” Les said.
“It’s great when you start looking for a job.”
During his placement Les was working on comparing fungus from imported specimens brought to the Institute with those on a database. The results identify specimens which could be harmful to Australian native flora and fauna.
“You get a lot out of something like this,” Les said.
“At university all you would get is the theory and you would only get a small grasp of what is going on. Whereas we are using the technology all the time and we can see why. It helps you absorb the theory.”
“When you are in the lab, they only have time to show you how to measure out the equipment or run the gel once or twice. If there is no solution to make the gels, you look around and make it yourself.
“The Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology/Microbiology) course at Box Hill Institute gives you as much hands on as possible, so you are not green and have some experience.”
Les said he had always enjoyed genetics from both the philosophical and academic point of views.
“DNA is the essence of us. It is everything we are. All life forms on this planet originate from one cell which formed billions of years ago.”
Les said he was hoping to continue his studies at university while working in the field.
13 June 2003
|
