Hands-On effort solves mystery

A dead body was discovered in a corridor at the University of Otago yesterday — well, sort of.

University of Otago genetics PhD student Jonika Edgecombe plays dead for a genetics course during Hands-On at Otago yesterday. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH

It was a blood-soaked student pretending to be dead, and it was the job of secondary school pupils attending a genetics course at the University of Otago’s Hands-On programme to find out who and what killed her.

Guided by staff and PhD students, the pupils gathered DNA evidence at the "crime scene", and after testing it they determined a fellow student had genetically engineered a "vicious" plant that attacked and killed the victim.

The Hands-On genetics course is just one of many being held at the university this week.

More than 380 pupils from 177 secondary schools across New Zealand are in Dunedin to take part in the fun and varied immersive programme.

It gives senior secondary pupils (those who will be in years 12 and 13 this year) a taste of student life at Otago, with the aim of encouraging them to consider tertiary study here.

Hands-On co-convener Prajesh Chhanabhai said the university was unable to hold the programme in person last year because of Covid-19, so he was "thrilled" to be able to welcome pupils back to the campus.

He said participants were able to take part in research projects, try out other university subjects and enjoy a broad social and recreational programme.

Christ’s College pupil Josh Hooker (16), of Christchurch, uses agarose gel to separate DNA fragments during a genetics course at the Hands-On at Otago yesterday.

"A wide range of departments and schools are involved and the students experience everything from dissection and explosions to using medieval manuscripts and swimming in the flume.

"Students also get to make new friends by taking part in lots of fun activities, such as sports and games, quiz nights, and dance and lip sync battles.