In Week 8 of Term 3, our Year 12 Biology students had an incursion week taking part in the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program in collaboration with The University of Sydney. This international initiative allows students to step into the shoes of real biotechnologists, using research-grade equipment and techniques modelled on those used in biomedical science.

Over the course of the program, students practised precision pipetting and gel electrophoresis, learned how plasmids can be engineered, and applied these tools to create genetically modified bacteria. By adding a recombinant plasmid containing the red fluorescent protein (rfp) gene from a sea anemone into the bacteria E. coli, they were able to produce bacteria that glowed red under the blue light.

The class was thoroughly engaged and quickly picked up complex laboratory techniques. Every group successfully completed the experiments, with visible red fluorescent colonies providing clear evidence of genetic modification. These impressive results gave students a deeper appreciation of genetics and demonstrated the power of biotechnology to solve real-world problems.

Students found the experience both fascinating and motivating. The program provided a memorable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications and has inspired some students to pursue further studies in biotechnology and related fields.