John Gnanasekaran

Science (Biotechnology)

There are so many advantages at studying science at UNSW. I used to study Chemical Engineering and soon decided it wasn't for me. Since my most enjoyable experiences in engineering stemmed from the laboratory, naturally, science was the way to go.

I thoroughly enjoy the academic side of my degree - including being taught by some excellent lecturers and lab demonstrators - and also the non-academic side including societies and volunteering. The university has given me not only the knowledge to pursue my dream career, but also the skills I need to excel in it.

I didn't actually realise how much I'd enjoy my science degree and I'm looking forward to a career next year, hopefully in the remediation of contaminated areas, the manufacture of biofuels or even the manufacturing of medical devices. I love the flexibility of the career opportunities that are available and I am looking forward to getting out into the real world.

Charmaine Lang

Science - Major in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Minor in Genetics

Science had always been my passion and I knew the moment I left high school that studying science at university was what I wanted to do. There were so many options but when I visited UNSW on Open Day, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I chose to do a Bachelor of Science because it gave me the flexibility to pick and choose to study what I was interested in.

At first I began with a major in chemistry but later found my interests lay in the medical sciences; viruses, bacteria, cancer and how the human body fights disease. I chose to do a minor in genetics because it fit in so well with my major and it has helped me to link my learning in a range of scientific fields.

I have found that a great university experience is not all about the academic side but about your social experience too. One of my favourite things to do is to hit the coffee cart, chat to friends on the library lawn, play pool at the roundhouse or have a nap on my favourite couch in the library.

I'm a very hand's on person and one thing that has made me love my degree so much is the amount of time I get to spend in labs. Putting on that white lab coat and putting my knowledge into practice three times a week really let's me get a feel for what being a scientist is all about.

I'm coming to the end of my degree and I have enjoyed my time here at UNSW so much that I have chosen to undertake an honours year next year. UNSW has given me the experience and knowledge to begin my own research next year and has made me very eager to see what my future as a scientist has to hold.

Cathy Liu

Materials Science and Engineering/ M Biomedical Engineering

Heading to university after finishing high school was always going to be the next step in my plan to have a solid career path. However, for a long time, I was neither sure about the degree I was going to study nor the university I would attend.

In the end, the decision came to down to finding a university which offered a degree that best catered to my interests and strengths. UNSW did exactly that in allowing me to combine two areas of great interest: materials science, a specialist science degree, with biomedical engineering. Of course, having first-class facilities and studying in the leading university in Australia in both of these fields are certainly great bonuses! UNSW also has a vast and very flexible exchange program that allows me to continue my studies while experiencing the different lifestyle and culture of another country. Subsequently, I am able to develop and diversify my communication, problem-solving, research and teamwork skills.

One of the highlights of university life for me so far has been meeting and getting to know so many different and fun people, from my peers to administrative staff to academics. They, along with the faculty and the university, have provided a great support system that made my transition from high school to university much easier. Now, being long past the transition process, I can simply enjoy and appreciate university life every day, having fun with friends between classes and enjoying all my courses. The challenges of university learning certainly become much easier and manageable because I am interested in what I am studying and have a great group of people around me working together!

So many people have told me that these are some of the best years of my life and UNSW and the Faculty of Science are giving me the chance to spend these years studying something I love while still having an increasingly enriched social life. It is no wonder I would not have it any other way!

Daniela Ho Tan

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

After six wonderful, yet sheltered years of high school, I finally found myself at UNSW - a bundle of nerves, excitement and amazement (that I had even made it this far!). This was the final step before I would be thrown into the real world.

I always knew I would be heading to university but choosing my course was a little harder. My preferences would fluctuate periodically and after many sleepless nights (which included me pretty much memorising every single course in the UAC guide); I decided to pursue a career in psychology. This decision was one of the best I made and has led to my great passion and adoration for psychology. I love that psychology offers such an infinite scope of fields to explore and that through the scientific method I can come to have a unique comprehension of the human psyche.

Studying at UNSW has been and continues to be an amazing experience. The flexibility UNSW offers has definitely been a plus and to top it off the extensive size of the campus has aided in increasing my fitness! Getting involved in the social and academic activities at UNSW has also made my experience invaluable. From attending meetings to evaluate my course, to organising a charity masquerade event for Psychsoc; I've had nothing but positive experiences.