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School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology

Honours Projects

Dr Mike Bunce

Position: Senior Lecturer
Phone: 9360 7649
Room: S&C/2.052

Research

My research interests revolve around using ancient DNA to study evolutionary processes and using ancient DNA profiles to investigate past biodiversity and evolutionary processes. I have worked on a diverse variety of projects with the common theme of extracting and amplifying degraded DNA from fossil bone, sediments, museum material, coprolites and middens.

The Ancient DNA (Mike Bunce) and wildlife genetics labs (Peter Spencer) work together on a variety of projects focused on using genetics as a tool to develop a better understanding Australian ecosystems.

The opportunity exists for a suitably qualified and motivated honours student(s) to undertake research in the lab starting in 2007. Students will aquire skills in DNA extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, sequencing, cloning, STR analysis, phylogenetic analysis. Prospective students are encouraged to do some background reading into the kind of research (and methodologies) that is conducted in the aDNA and Wildlife genetics labs this can be located on our web sites:
Ancient DNA: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~mbunce/
Wildlife Genetics: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~pspencer/

Information regarding specific projects can be obtained by contacting Dr Michael Bunce, contact details above or website: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~mbunce/

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