Students will take on the roles of molecular biologists and epidemiologists to investigate the mechanisms of viral infection. Using DNA based biotechnology and mathematical modelling, students will identify viral pathogens and trace the spread of a new virus through a model population. Students will then use technology and programming skills to develop a robot that could benefit society during times of viral outbreak. This program is developed in partnership with Southern Biological.
Program objectives:
- Understand what epidemiology is and how we use network analysis to perform contract tracing
- Use analytical techniques to analyse DNA samples of patients to identify a novel influenza virus
- Use design thinking processes and programming skills to prototype a robot which would benefit society in a public health setting
Curriculum links:
ScienceMathematics
Digital technologies
Design and technologies
Industry links:
St John of God Hospital has provided input into program creationEpidemiology and public health
Mathematical modelling and network analysis
Bioinformatics
Infectious disease research