Tertiary Catalogue

Practical skills are paramount for students of science, but learning the basics can be daunting for students just starting out. This collection demonstrates the correct and safe procedure for: operating fire safety equipment, such as a fire blanket or extinguisher; operating personal safety equipment, such as an eye bath and spills kit; basic techniques such as lighting a Bunsen burner and wafting; taking measurements using a thermometer or measuring cylinder; using a pH meter; and performing dilutions using a volumetric pipette. Show Less

Almost everything we do can be described in terms of physics. The aim of physics is to find out, by careful observation and experiment, the laws or rules that help us to understand how nature works. But how can this best be demonstrated? With the use of entertaining examples such as how lighting and special effects are created, this program demonstrates the physics behind everyday occurrences in a manner to which students can relate. Featuring powerful animations, we answer the questions behind the fundamentals of physics. Show Less

Almost everything we do can be described in terms of physics. The aim of physics is to find out, by careful observation and experiment, the laws or rules that help us to understand how nature works. But how can this best be demonstrated? With the use of entertaining examples such as skateboarding, this program demonstrates the physics behind everyday occurrences in a manner to which students can relate. Featuring powerful animations, we answer the questions behind the fundamentals of physics. Show Less

This program is a comprehensive look at radiation that originates in the nucleus of an atom. It covers the history of the discovery of radioactivity, what makes atoms radioactive, and methods for detecting radioactivity. The program also explains the types of radiation including alpha, beta, gamma & positron radiation, types of decay and decay equations, half life, decay series, radiation dose & dose equivalence. The effects of radiation on living things & the environment and the uses of radiation in medicine and industry are also discussed, with application to real-life situations. Show Less

Multicellular organisms range from quite basic forms of life to highly complex forms, such as humans. Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Unlike single-celled organisms, which have one cell that performs all the functions of life, multicellular organisms have different cells to perform different functions. This programme explores the level of organisation for structure, and function of multicellular organisms including cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. It highlights the nervous system of multicellular organisms for both vertebrates and invertebrates, and features an excellent dissection of a cane toad and a worm to illustrate the different forms and function of their nervous systems. It is an ideal learning resource for middle level secondary students of science and biology. The footage in the dissecting laboratory is particularly helpful in understanding structure and function of vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. Show Less

In this resource, you learn a great deal about the depth to which chemistry explains every part and process related to the human body. As you know, chemistry often deals with small, almost invisible substances, and in this resource you will focus on the cell. You will also explore in detail how much our body is affected by the various sources of energy you eat, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. As you will discover, your body and your health are not solely determined by how much you exercise and what you eat. Genetics, in the form of DNA, helps explain who you are and even who you may become, including the types of diseases you may inherit that have afflicted the people you are related to. Why are fats not all bad? Why should you not cut out carbohydrates completely, even when on a diet? How can a disease from your grandfather pass on to you? Show Less

Who would have thought that two dangerous elements, such as sodium and chlorine, when bonded together, could create a new and harmless compound known as table salt? In this program we take a fascinating look at ionic bonding. Viewers will discover how and why bonding occurs, the Gilbert Lewis theory, the importance of the valence shell, the periodic table and its elements, and the common properties of ionic compounds. Viewers are also introduced to important terms of ionic bonding including electronegativety, Pauling scale, and ionisation energy. With the assistance of animated graphics, ionic bonding is brought to life. Show Less

As the world increasingly focuses on alternatives to the carbon-emitting fossil fuels that we have relied on for over a century, scientists are continually developing more efficient methods to collect the sun, as harnessing solar energy is becoming more and more viable. This programme is an excellent introduction to the principles behind solar energy collection and its various usages such as generating electricity, and for heating space and water. It covers what is solar energy; thermal and electrical uses of solar energy; and catches a glimpse of what the future might look like with current developments that are paving the way for a solar future. The programme provides an ideal background for students to research and examine further cutting edge case studies that demonstrate how powerful the potential is for everyday use of solar energy in homes, commerce and industry, and in vehicles. Show Less

Motion has fascinated physicists for centuries, and much of the work done by scientists and mathematicians hundreds of years ago still forms the basis of our understanding of motion. This programme looks at some of the major principles and laws relating to motion, and uses a range of everyday examples of motion to explore how these principles and laws play out. It starts with forces, which are always present wherever there is motion. Properties and behaviour of forces are examined in the context of Newton's three laws of motion. It also looks at projectile motion, circular motion, and centripetal force. The program finishes by exploring how a number of the principles and laws covered can be seen in action on a pool table. This learning resource is ideal for introducing one of the first concepts typically studied in senior secondary physics, and bridges the gap nicely between what can be complex areas of study, and everyday experiences. Show Less

Biodiversity - why is it so crucial to our survival and the planets? Biodiversity makes up our many interrelated ecosystems and is something we must strive to sustain. This Australian made, curriculum-fit program explores what biodiversity is, with a focus on the long term effects in Australia. Key interviews from Victoria University lecturers, the Threatened Species Network Wildlife Fund and a Zoologist highlight the importance and necessity of biodiversity in Australia. This program also offers suggestions on what we can do to conserve biodiversity on a day-to-day basis, and gives a real world demonstration of such conservation in action, with the recovery and rebuilding of the natural habitats of the endangered helmeted honey-eater. Show Less

Safety in the Science Laboratory is imperative, not only is it the basic fundamental of a successful learning environment, it is also every student and teachers right to work in a safe environment. This programme is aimed at providing students with a review of safety concepts and the introduction of new safety techniques as they head towards the use of more volatile substances and equipment in the science laboratory. The correct use of MSDS sheets and Risk Assessment sheets are also highlighted within the programme. Show Less

Enzymes are proteins which are manufactured by the human body during the process of protein synthesis. Enzymes are catalysts and drive every chemical reaction that takes place in the human body and enable our bodies to be built from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Enzymes are highly specific in their activity and form an enzyme-substrate complex speeding up processes as they lower the activation energy during a given reaction period. Enzyme activity is dependent on the enzyme - and substrate concentration, the pH, temperature and inhibitors. Through genetic engineering and by isolating specific enzymes, it has become possible to harness the power of enzymes. The isolation of the enzyme, polymerase, from Themus aquaticus has enormously facilitated the process of PCR. Science has however; more recently made immense progress in the manufacturing of synthetic and therapeutic enzymes. Show Less

Since its discovery in 1953, mankind has been increasingly fascinated with DNA, the genetic blueprint. From the selective breeding of plants and animals in agriculture through to the production of recombinant proteins for medical purposes, and more recently, the cloning of animals, science has investigated ways of manipulating the basic genetic code. This programme outlines the basic tools/techniques for manipulation of DNA, and how these are being used to ask fundamental questions about how genes work. From a more applied angle, we take a tour of the myriad ways these advances are being utilised in medicine, agriculture and the environment. Together with its applications, we discuss the range of ethical questions arising from genetic engineering and the manipulation of DNA to produce so called 'designer genes'. Show Less

The classification system is the arrangement of living things, categorised by their different characteristics - an organised understanding of the natural world we live in. Recently this system has been further refined using studies of DNA. In this programme, we discuss how the classification system is organised and how scientific names are arrived at. The dichotomous keys used by biologists to classify specimens are demonstrated and the five major groups of living things are explained. An entertaining programme that explains how observed characteristics of living things are used to establish a classification system. Show Less

Natural Selection is a process which affects every species on Earth, including humans. Many people believe that as members of modern, technological societies we are immune to natural processes because we can modify our environment to suit our needs. This programme illustrates how Natural Selection continues to affect us all in fundamental ways that will determine our future survival as a species. Included in the programme is a brief explanation of Natural Selection, examples of how Natural Selection is operating all around us, how Natural Selection has affected human evolution and how it is still affecting our daily lives. The programme concludes with the reciprocal view of how modern human society is affecting Natural Selection processes in the environment, and the consequences for the future of life on Earth. Show Less

This program takes the viewer on a journey into real-world forensic science and helps to debunk the TV stereotypes. Find out what forensic scientists do on a day-to-day basis. What is the real role they play in solving crimes and other incidents? How diverse is a typical forensic scientist's job description? Do they do everything from gathering clues and examining all sorts of physical evidence to interviewing suspects and appearing in court, or does real forensic science require more of a specialist approach? Find out all the answers in this engaging program. Show Less

This programme takes the viewer on a journey into real-world forensic science and helps to debunk the TV stereotypes. Find out what forensic scientists do on a day-to-day basis. What is the real role they play in solving crimes and other incidents? How diverse is a typical forensic scientist's job description? Do they do everything from gathering clues and examining all sorts of physical evidence to interviewing suspects and appearing in court, or does real forensic science require more of a specialist approach? Find out all the answers in this engaging program. Show Less

This programme looks at the various properties of light and scientists' attempts to explain them. In centuries past both wave and particle models have been used to understand, explain and predict the behaviour of light. Neither model on its own able is totally adequate to explain all known phenomena. However, in the early part of the 20th century, the work of scientists including Planck, Einstein, Compton, de Broglie, Davisson and Germer, proved that light demonstrates characteristics of both a wave and a particle - meaning both models are legitimate and that wave particle duality is a valid way of understanding this natural phenomenon. Show Less

In Forensic Science, we delved into the day-to-day activities and tasks of real-life forensic scientists and compared these with typical TV stereotypes. But before you draw a conclusion that specialist forensics work must be dull, let's don our lab coats and get involved in the forensic investigation of a mock-up crime! Follow our intrepid scientists through a crime scene investigation, various facets of evidence analysis, and the presentation of the forensic findings in a court of law! Can forensic science really be the deciding factor in convicting criminal suspects? Let's find out! Show Less

This programme reviews the history of the Theory of Evolution and explains the basic elements of the theory using excellent graphics. It explains what a scientific theory is, and why scientists argue that ID is not science. This debate will no doubt continue, and this programme will help students understand not only the history and the basics of evolutionary theory, but also the bigger question of what is science compared to what is faith. Show Less

Mark Newman and Gerald Levey are identical twins, separated at birth. They share the same genes, but were raised by different parents in different environments. In this investigative programme we examine studies of separated twins and adopted siblings are providing insight into the relative impact of genetic and environmental influences, and the extent to which variation among individuals can be attributed to their differing genes. Molecular geneticist Robert Plomin explains DNA studies which are pointing to the fact not one, or five, but hundreds of genes each contribute a small amount of the variance for any one trait. Show Less

A solitary figure walks on the beach at dawn. Although he is alert to his surroundings, his sensory systems take in only a fraction of the energy that envelops him. That which does reach the receptor cells is captured and converted into signals that can be recognised by the central nervous system. The ultimate destination for these signals is the cerebral cortex. Tom Albright, Christof Koch, Gilles Laurent, and others examine the ways sensory receptors take in stimuli as well as how the brain processes and ultimately translates these signals into useful information. Show Less

In this programme, we learn how decoding the genome has led us to begin to understand the very process by which our DNA makes us different; how it makes each one of us on earth unique, how it influences who we are and the traits we have. Esteemed scientist, Dr. Adam Rutherford reveals how the biggest scientific project of all time has made us realise how amazing and complex we really are. With fantastic access to leading scientific thinkers and clear explanations of the theory and procedures behind the hunt for DNA, this is a terrific resource for curious science learners. Show Less

In this programme, Dr. Adam Rutherford discovers that every human carries the entire story of life on earth hidden in his or her DNA. Joining him in leading laboratories, we see how we are all linked directly to the origins of life and to the first creatures with backbones. Explaining just how scientific practice reveals the human life story in DNA, Rutherford investigates the implications of the fact that for much of its existence, the human race was an endangered species. Clear explanations and stunning visuals bring this complex area of science to life. Show Less

Meiosis and mitosis are the two most fundamental methods of cell reproduction. Understanding these functions is vital to a complete appreciation of basic biology. In this excellent resource, computer animation, intercut with microscopy of a live cell undergoing meiosis, and the workings of a nucleus in a living cell, vividly illustrates this fascinating biological process. In it processes such as haploid and diploid meiosis, interphase, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are all defined, examined and illustrated. Made specifically for education, this is a comprehensive and easy-to-use learning resource. Made specifically for education, this is a comprehensive and easy-to-use learning resource. Show Less