The University of Otago’s Mellor Laboratories building on Cumberland St. Photos:Gerard O'Brien. : Surprise, delight as 'real swan’ emerges

First-year students work in the just-opened ‘‘super-lab’’. : Surprise, delight as 'real swan’ emerges

First-year students Claire Norbitt (18, left) and Annie Howie (18) use the new lab equipment. : Surprise, delight as 'real swan’ emerges

An artist’s impression of the molecule Laurenene adorns the front of the Mellor Laboratories building. : Surprise, delight as 'real swan’ emerges

Each new lab station includes an iPad, on which the students will be able to complete tests and can access course resources. : Surprise, delight as 'real swan’ emerges