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A DNA science research and training programme for secondary school and junior college teachers and students on genetic polymorphisms in human, animals and plants in Singapore
Citation
Gan, Y. Y., Koh, C. L., Sze, C. C., Chin, H. L. C., Lum, S. K. Y., Tan, T. M., Gan, L. H., Cheong, K. F., Wong, M. P. F., Davies, D., Tan, J., Ang, D. T. J., Cai, Y. Y., & Micklos, D. (2005). A DNA science research and training programme for secondary school and junior college teachers and students on genetic polymorphisms in human, animals and plants in Singapore. In Proceedings of the Redesigning Pedagogy: Research, Policy, Practice Conference. National Institute of Education (Singapore).
Author
Gan-Yap, Yik Yuen
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Koh, Chong Lek
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Sze, C. C.
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Chin, Christine
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Lum, Shawn K. Y.
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Gan, Leong Huat
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Cheong, K. F.
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Wong, M. P. F.
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Davies, D.
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Tan, J.
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Ang, Diana Tiong Joo
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Cai, Y. Y.
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Micklos, D.
Abstract
The objective of this project is to train teachers and students to be competent in the principles and practice of DNA science by working on genetic polymorphisms of humans, animals and plants in Singapore. MOE has provided JC and Secondary Schools in Singapore the life sciences research facilities and equipment which cost millions of dollars. This project is therefore timely and useful to support the life science initiative of MOE in education. This project has both educational and research benefits. The data collected are important from the scientific point of view, as well as for educational purpose for schools in Singapore. Teachers and students, through this project, will be exposed to the exciting and innovative world of DNA Science, including forensic and biomedical DNA, so that they may appreciate the myriad career opportunities available to people with good knowledge in life sciences and biomedicine. Nine schools have indicated their interests in joining this project as pilot schools. Data collected from the study of human genetic polymorphisms will form the DNA database of human variation for the different ethnic populations. This is valuable information for forensic DNA science in Singapore. The human genetic polymorphisms of various DNA markers; plant and animal polymorphisms will be studied. Teachers and students will be trained the knowledge of bioinformatics and how to access and assess DNA database obtained from the Human Genome Project and the method of how to test GMO food. A national DNA Science Symposium for Singapore schools will be organized at the end of the period for students from participating schools to present their findings.
Date Issued
2005