Partner Project Name:
PCR Virtual Lab
Project Description: Provide a basic description of the project
and project deliverables.
The project would develop a Virtual Lab for PCR. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a biochemical
technology that amplifies small pieces of DNA into larger strands that can be used to analyse genetic material.
This technique is a useful teaching tool in a range of units in the school of Biotechnology and Biomolecular
sciences.
1 PCR Virtual Lab
Project Deliverables
User Group: Identify the project’s target user group/s. This can
be for students in university, TAFE, high school or for
professional development.
The target user group is University science students in years 1-3. The Virtual Lab will useful for students across
all the BEST Network partner universities in Science and Medical Science courses.
Subject area: Identify the project subject area. If the project
covers more than one subject area, identify all possible areas.
The Virtual Lab would be used to teach units in Biotechnology and Biomolecular sciences.
Estimated timeline: Outline a brief project timeline, identifying
estimated dates for key project deliverables.
April 2013: Commence design of specifications for PCR Virtual Lab
May 2013: Consultation with Smart Sparrow to guide specifications for Virtual Lab; ensure suggested
specifications are technically feasible within the project timeline.
June 2013: Specifications finalised and signed off by all parties including Smart Sparrow. If the specifications
are finalised earlier, then the development schedule can commence earlier.
October 2013: First version of the Virtual Lab completed. This is based both on the development work
required and up to 10 weekly iterations between the partners and Smart Sparrow
October 2013 – November 2013: Begin testing Virtual Lab in a limited number of classrooms.
December 2013: Any necessary adjustments needed to Virtual Lab completed by Smart Sparrow.
January 2014: Virtual Lab ready for use in classrooms in Semester 1 of 2014
Dr Louise Lutze Mann, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales.
Tel: (+612) 9385 2024 Tel: (+612) 9385 5277 Email l.lutze-mann@UNSW.EDU.AU
Project Sponsor: Identify the project sponsor.
Key Participants: Nominate key project participants and outline
their qualifications/contribution to the project.
Louise Lutze Mann UNSW, Patsie Polly ??
Project Outcomes: Identify the key outcomes of using the
Adaptive eLearning Platform as an alternative delivery of
teaching resources and the educational outcomes the project
will achieve.
The real-world PCR Lab is a valuable learning tool in Biotechnology and Bimolecular sciences that is currently
too expensive run. Delivering PCR as a Virtual PCR lab will provide students in years 1 -3 BABS courses with the
opportunity to participate in the PCR Lab at a greatly reduced cost to the University.
The real-world PCR lab is also time consuming and difficult to organise, with students often failing to complete
the experiment properly due to errors in setting up the equipment. The PCR Virtual Lab will allow students to
focus on the content, maximising the learning potential of the PCR lab.
The PCR lab will meet key educational outcomes in a number of units in the School of Biotechnology and
Biomolecular sciences at UNSW. Please find attached the unit outlines for BABS1202 and BABS3121, with the
relevant educational outcomes highlighted.
Add in anything you think is needed ….
Future Use: Please indicate how this content can be modified to
be suitable for less or more advanced students or for other user
groups.
PCR is a common process used every day to diagnose diseases, identify bacteria and viruses and match
criminals to crime scenes. The PCR lab can be used in many educational situations across a range of user
groups. The lab lends itself to game like implementations” utilising the features of this particular technology to
produce educational and engaging student experience. Example : Solve a virtual murder! using a Virtual
PCR unravel DNA sequences /fingerprinting.
Risk Management: Successful projects will identify project risks
and have developed appropriate risk management strategies.
The project team has identified three key project risks:
1. Smart Sparrow will be unable to complete the Virtual Lab in time to be tested in October/November.
This risk is highly likely to occur but is low priority as should the Virtual Lab not be completed in time
for Semester 1, 2014, the project can run the Virtual Lab in Semester 2, 2014. The project team will
ensure the completion of the project and work to generate BEST Network partner up-take of the
Virtual Lab, outside the working time of the BEST Network Project.
2. Smart Sparrow is unable to develop the required technology. This risk in unlikely to happen, but could
severely impact the project. If the Smart Sparrow are unable to develop a Virtual Lab that adequately
represents a PCR Virtual Lab, the project team will work to redesign the Virtual Lab specifications.
However, if a Virtual Lab is developed that is a poor representation of a real-world PCR lab, the takeup of this lab is likely to be low.
3. The Sponsor and other project participants are unable commit time and resources to complete the
project. This risk unlikely to occur, but could severely impact the project. If this should occur, both Dr
Louise Lutze Mann is committed to ensuring suitable replacements are found to complete the
project. If this is not possible the BEST Network Project team would seek the support of UNSW in
recruiting suitable replacements.