VR simulations showcase research, learning at Open Day
Virtual reality experiences will allow thousands of visitors to fully immerse themselves in teaching and research this Sunday at the University of Melbourne Open Day.
There will be pop up installations with 3D simulations around campus, with Oculus Rift headsets for visitors to wear and experience:
- Loss of sight caused by the eye disease trachoma
- A 360-degree video of a Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew
- Inside the skull of an ancient Egyptian mummy reconstruction.
The University of Melbourne is set to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to its Parkville and Southbank campuses for Open Day, on Sunday 21 August, 10am to 4pm. There will be extensive course and career information and specialised tours.
Prospective students are invited to create their own Open Day journey based on the Collisions that combine their individual interests across multiple disciplines.
One of the highlights in the 2016 Open Day program will use Oculus Rift goggles to show how vision impairment affects trachoma patients in the Kimberley and why research into tackling the disease is so important.
The goggles will also display a 360-degree video of three 5-minute performances of The Taming of the Shrew. This will showcase how technology can radically change the teaching of Shakespeare to new audiences.
The mummified head of an 18-25-year-old ancient Egyptian woman has been reconstructed by 3D printers and will be on exhibit for Open Day, and is currently used as a teaching tool for students to understand forensic analysis and pathology.
Other highlights include:
- Learning a language in 15 minutes
- Photo and video confessional booth
- Performances by music and dance students from the VCA & MCM
- Family activities including a mobile farm Live music bands
- Tours of cultural collections and scientists at work
- 3D printing and 3D reconstruction techniques will be showcased.
The University of Melbourne recently jumped four places in the ARWU rankings, cementing its position as the top university in Australia and the top 40 in the world.