One visitor to the University of Queensland's Expo Uni on May 17 and May 18 will take home a life-sized, scientifically accurate restoration of a dinosaur.
Zoology Department Expo Uni co-ordinator Dr Tony Thulborn said a small predatory dinosaur model would be created during Expo Uni by University model-maker and taxidermist Maurizio Bigazzi, formerly of the University of Bologna.
Expo Uni, a free event which showcases the University's teaching and research, will be held at the University's St Lucia campus from noon to 5pm both days. Free parking is available.
Mr Bigazzi has already created three similar dinosaur restorations which are on display at the University. Visitors to the Zoology's Department's displays in room 305, level one of the Goddard Building will have the chance to see the various stages of construction required to complete such a model.
Dr Thulborn said a competition would be held to estimate the length of the finished model from snout to tail, with the closest estimate earning the dinosaur restoration as first prize. A $1 charge per person would be made to cover the cost of materials and to assist dinosaur research projects.
Mr Bigazzi is currently working on a restoration of a world-record sized seven metre crocodile, which will illustrate research by Department head Professor Gordon Grigg on crocodile temperature regulation, and its significance for debate over warm-blooded dinosaurs.
Other zoology teaching and research activities will also be highlighted, and visitors to Expo Uni will have the chance to discuss their interests with staff and students.
Free Zoology Department displays will also offer visitors the opportunity to meet live Australian creatures, subject to permits and availability. They will include animals from the beautiful to the bizarre, the microscopic to the monstrous. Dr Thulborn anticipates the collection will include corals, crabs, crocodiles, spiders, snakes and stonefish.
The University's extensive Zoology Museum collection of vertebrate and invertebrate animals collected over the past 86 years will also be open. Due to the efforts of students, researchers and benefactors, the modest 1911 collection of 345 specimens has now grown to more than 10,000 items of Australian and international origin. The museum is used for teaching, research, display and public education and enrichment.
The University's Student Union will provide additional catering for Expo Uni weekend visitors. There will be a coffee shop and a barbecue with international foods in the Great Court.
Details about Expo Uni are now available on the University of Queensland's World Wide Web page: http://www.uq.edu.au/expouni/
