Talented Students’ Program – for Bachelor of Science and Advanced Science Degrees
The Science Talented Student Program (TSP) is designed to introduce high performing students (entering the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)*) to the Faculty of Science and develop specific skills during their degree. The program also offers elite students exposure to research within the Faculty and provide a degree that is flexible and tailored to suit students’ needs and talents. Invitation to participate in the TSP is made by the Dean of Science, Professor Merlin Crossley, on the basis of superior Secondary Education performance (ATAR or equivalent).
What is involved in the Program?
The TSP program consists of many components and these may vary year-to-year:
1. Allocation of an Academic Mentor
Students are assigned an academic mentor based on their areas of interest in Science. Mentors provide their student(s) with the opportunity to participate in an active research group through attendance at research group meetings, allow participation in research (through the summer research scholarships programs after first year if possible), attend research seminar series and other activities within the school, encourage participation in a research internship or meet as determined between the student and mentor.
2. The ability to tailor the degree program
Students within the program will have the possibility of tailoring their degree program to include:
- The ability to accelerate their academic program or overload if necessary.
- Undertaking advanced level courses or advanced courses not normally part of their program.
- One-to-one individual consultations and advice on program design by a senior student advisor.
If students wish to tailor their degree program to suit their own interests/talents a meeting will be arranged for an individual consultation with the Science Student Centre (SSC) for advice between weeks 5 – 10 of Semester 1.
3. Invitations to Faculty Events
There will be a number of events held during the year specifically for TSP students including a welcome afternoon tea with the Dean of Science, a lunch during semester 1, an end of year BBQ and other events. TSP students will also be invited to Faculty events such as seminars, public lectures, guest speakers and where possible alumni events.
4. Experience in key research labs throughout the Faculty
5. Leadership workshops
6. Innovation and science communication seminars
7. Conference attendance
Participation in the TSP will also provide students with:
- preference for a research internship course (SCIF) that can be taken in second year and above.
- an official record of their participation included on their secondary transcript when they graduate.
- a ‘taste’ of the Faculty’s leading edge research and the opportunity to meet some of our top researchers.
- insights into Scientists’ careers.
How do I get involved?
Eligible students will receive an email invitation from the Dean of Science, Professor Merlin Crossley. As a guide students invited to participate in the TSP should have achieved an ATAR (or equivalent) exceeding the mid-90s, however inclusion is at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) or other nominee of the Dean.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the TSP, please contact Iona Reid in the Science Learning & Teaching Unit, email: i.reid@unsw.edu.au or call on +61 2 9385 8223.
*TSP is not currently available to students enrolled in concurrent degrees.
