© Fishes of AustraliaLing's Armour Gurnard, Satyrichthys lingi.
The students found a Ling's armour gurnard (Satyrichthys lingi), a very rare fish native to Australian waters.
According to the Atlas of Living Australia, only seven Ling's armour gurnards have been reported found in Australia since 2000, and only two in the past four years.
"We were there to study the coastal dunes of Peregian Beach. Through data collection of different variables, including temperature, light intensity, pH of soils and wind strength, we analysed the adaptations of the coastal plants," teacher and head of department Paul Olsen said.
"Then, to find the Ling's armour gurnard was a real thrill, even though we were a little disappointed we found it deceased, washed up on shore. The Ling's Armour Gurnard lives on the sea floor, similar to a flathead fish. Most of the rare sightings are by divers and marine specialists, so we were very lucky to find it," he said.
The busy biology students were also recently given the opportunity to attend lectures from some of the top medical researchers in Australia and around the world at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and the Prince Charles Hospital.
The students listened to a lecture from the director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, also known as "the rock star" of medical research, Professor Frank Gannon.
"The lecture was very interesting and covered topics such as the effects of fat on cancer. The students were also given a guided tour of the labs," Mr Olsen said.
At the Prince Charles Hospital, the students visited the QUT Medical Engineering Research Facility to view a session on cadaveric anatomy.
"It was a fascinating day and one the students won't forget for a long time."
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