From the student's mouth
Find out what students have to say about studying:
Advanced biology and law
At the end of Year 12 Kate Cornford knew that she wanted to go to university to study biology, and a lot of it.
Now five years on, Kate not only studies a lot of biology, she also studies law, human geography (a social science that focuses on how humans interact with the environment) and health.
“I chose to enrol in a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Biology with a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University because the flexibility of the degree program allows me to specialise in biology, but also study other subjects that interest me. In my second year I took a course in human geography and just loved it.”
Kate’s love of human geography and biology were reinforced when she completed a semester of study at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji as part of Macquarie University’s Student Exchange Program, which offers funding to all students to assist them with their international scholarly endeavours.
“I’m in no rush to finish university because there are so many fantastic opportunities to explore. Macquarie University’s Global Leadership Program has allowed me to study overseas, attend the GlobalTech Leadership program in China and Singapore, and meet the most amazing people like Richard Butler and Condoleezza Rice. Where else would you be able to do all that?”
In addition to a full study program, Kate manages to find time to participate in Macquarie University’s Frisbee Club, Mentor Program and United Nations Society.
Kate has just returned from an internship at World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Her internship, which counted towards her science degree was based within the legal team enhancing protocols to be included in the Framework Convention to Tobacco Control. This treaty is the first of it's kind in the world, as it endeavours to reduce both supply and demand for tobacco products.
“Ultimately I’d like to combine my interests in human geography, science and law to become a lawyer or public health specialist in an organisation like the World Bank, ensuring poverty eradication , International Committee of the Red Cross, or the Australian Attorney General's Department."
Biology
Kate Barry’s research focuses on unravelling the mysterious and often fatal mating practices of an insect that can be found in gardens around Sydney – a type of praying mantid called Pseudomantis albofimbriata.
“Praying mantids are unbelievably cool insects with very odd sexual rituals. The female praying mantid will often eat her male partner before, during or after they mate! It appears that the male mantid is an important source of nourishment for reproducing females,” says Kate.
Kate’s fascination with biology led her to study a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Biology at Macquarie University. She benefited from the flexibility of the degree and chose to study part of her degree externally while she worked full-time.
“Studying at Macquarie is fantastic. I’ve always found the lecturers and tutors very approachable and quick to lend a helping hand. The weekly lab classes and use of both oral and written assessments help scientists-in-training to develop critical practical and communication skills.”
Kate comments that the postgraduate students at Macquarie University are encouraged to carry out some of their studies overseas. As part of her PhD, Kate will soon travel to California.
Further information about biology:
- Study at Macquarie University
- For advice contact +61 (0)2 9850 8179, hodbiol@rna.bio.mq.edu.au
Chemistry
Ben Stephens is studying analytical, biological, organic and physical chemistry during his final year of a Bachelor of Science.
"Studying at Macquarie is great. The chemistry academics are dedicated to both teaching and research. In particular, the advanced chemistry units are a chance to be taught by staff members who are involved in cutting-edge research," says Ben.
"This summer I worked with Dr Fei Liu's group. I will continue to work with this group part-time during the semester as a research assistant. The focus of the group's research is organic and biological chemistry, which is especially relevant to the pharmaceutical industry."
Further information:
- Studying chemistry at Macquarie University
- Career opportunities
- For advice contact +61 (0)2 9850 8275, chemistry@mq.edu.au
Geology
For Macquarie University geology student Nicole Harb, nothing beats escaping outdoors to her rocky “office” on Macquarie Island – located halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica.
On this cold, remote island Nicole is investigating hyaloclastite breccias – a sedimentary rock consisting of basalt rock fragments in a matrix of glass granules. She wants to know where and how the sedimentary rocks formed and how they came to be deposited to eventually form the rocks we see today.
“When I first came to University I wanted to study ancient history; however after taking a geology subject I was hooked and decided to complete a Bachelor of Science specialising in geology.”
“Macquarie University is a great place to study. The helpful staff and green surroundings make it a pleasure to turn up every day.”
Nicole says that she loves the research that she is doing as part of her Honours degree and values the support from a team of geology experts who help her solve “real” scientific problems.
After finishing her Honours degree Nicole plans to study biology and human geography overseas and then train as a high school science and geology teacher.
Further information about geology:
- Study at Macquarie University
- For advice contact +61 (0)2 9850 8373, eps@laurel.ocs.mq.edu.au
“...if you put the effort in you’ll be rewarded.”
Optoelectronics
Luke Salvaterra, a second-year student at Macquarie University says that he particularly enjoys the practical side of studying optoelectronics.
“Optoelectronics is a great degree choice for students who enjoy physics, mathematics and electronics. It’s not an easy degree, but if you put the effort in you’ll be rewarded.”
The Bachelor of Technology (Optoelectronics) program has been developed in close consultation with relevant industries. As a result, Macquarie University’s optoelectronics graduates are highly sought after by local employers in the fields of optics, optoelectronics, and photonics.
Further information about optoelectronics:
- Study at Macquarie University
- Career opportunities
- For advice contact Judith Dawes, +61 (0)2 9850 8903, judith.dawes@mq.edu.au
Speech and language pathology
Lerryn Baker's research will help speech pathologists to understand some of the common speech problems of children with Down's Syndrome.
Lerryn is studying to become a qualified speech pathologist. She has completed a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science and is now in her final year of a Master of Speech and Language Pathology at Macquarie University.
"Macquarie University is a relaxed, inspiring place to study. There's plenty of green, open spaces and there's an extensive range of undergraduate subjects to study," says Lerryn.
To become a speech pathologist, students must complete a number of clinical placements. Lerryn recently completed a four-week placement at a rehabilitation unit in Bathurst.
"Working in rural areas exposes you to a broad range of clients with a variety of speech, language and voice difficulties - from newborn babies with feeding problems that may impact later speech and language development, to elderly people who have suffered strokes and consequently experience speech and/or language difficulties," she says.
"Speech pathology is a great career choice for people who enjoy language and helping others."
Further information about speech and language pathology:
- Study at Macquarie University
- For advice contact Dr Beth Armstrong, +61 (0)2 9850 9183, beth.armstrong@mq.edu.au