Teaching and Training Programs
Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships provided by the Department of Zoology (below), there are University and Faculty scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Current Postgraduate Scholarships (2007-2009)
Two postgraduate scholarships (18,660$AUD per annum tax free) are available to work on either:
- "Role of VASA in marsupial oogenesis and spermatogenesis", or
- "Marsupial embryonic stem cells, derivation and characterization".
Students will gain experience in cell & molecular biology working on both in vivo & in vitro models.
Project details: Role of vasa in marsupial oogenesis and spermatogenesis
Supervisors: Prof. Lynne Selwood, Dr Shuliang Cui
Vasa protein has been demonstrated to be located in the germ plasm of vertebrates but its role in marsupials is unknown. VASA protein is associated with the germ line and essential for development of sperm in mammals. You will examine its distribution and function during spermatogenesis and oogenesis and early embryonic development. Functional analysis will be done in vivo and in vitro. The marsupial cDNA clone of the VASA gene will be provided and any recombinant VASA protein needed in the project shall be produced by the student with established protocols.
Students will participate in some trips to NZ to collect material.
References:
- Toyooka et al, (2000) Mechanisms of development 93, 139-149.
- Tanaka et al (2000) Genes and Development, 14, 841-53
Project details: Marsupial embryonic stem cells, derivation and characterization
Supervisors: Prof. Lynne Selwood, Dr Mary Familari
The student will derive embryonic stem cells from blastocysts (ES cells) and primordial germ cells (EG cells). Partial derivation has already been achieved. The stem cells will be characterized by examining expression of stem cell markers, morphology, and ability to differentiate into the various cells types.
References:
- Familari, M and Selwood, L. (2006). The potential for derivation of embryonic stem cells in vertebrates. Molecular Reproduction & Development 73, 123-131.
Eligibility and Contact Details:
Students interested in these projects should have a H1 or very good H2A, should contact the appropriate supervisors to discuss these projects further:
Professor Lynne Selwood
Email: l.selwood@zoology.unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: (61-3) 8344 6263.
Dr. Mary Familari
Email: m.familari@unimelb.edu.au
Telephone: (61-3) 8344 5069
Visit Scholarships for Honours Students
These are available to Honours students contemplating studying for a higher degree in the Department of Zoology at the University of Melbourne. Honours students at a University in Australia or New Zealand are eligible to apply for a Visit Scholarship.
A Visit Scholarship offers contribution to costs of travel and accommodation whilst in Melbourne.
Duration of visits: By arrangement, usually 2- 3 days.
No Closing Date:By arrangement with research group.
For research information visit the Department of Zoology website or contact the preferred supervisor in the research area of interest: http://www.zoology.unimelb.edu.au/
For information on application procedure and application forms contact Josie D’Alessandro
Phone: +61 3 8344 6259 email: josie@unimelb.edu.au