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Top students choose to study at USC
Two top school-leavers from the Wide Bay region are gearing up for their first year of tertiary study at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
OP1 students Karina Hamilton of Urangan State High School and Fiona Finnegan of Gin Gin State High School both chose USC as their first preference for study to help them pursue careers in science.
Karina has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Accelerated Honours) degree, which will see her complete a four-year degree in three years.
“I’m interested in doing medical research, and the academics I spoke to at USC’s Open Day told me I would have much better job prospects with Accelerated Honours,” she said.
“It is the only uni that has Accelerated Honours in Biomedical Science, it’s close to home and it’s a smaller university … which is good. It’s a lifestyle choice. I don’t think I’d really like to live in a big city.”
Karina also said she chose USC after hearing only good comments about the University, especially about the friendliness of its academic staff.
Fiona, who will study a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, said she was attracted to USC by the scientific nature of the degree and by the appeal of the University campus.
“I wanted to get into allied health and health science, so the fact that this degree included biology and chemistry really appealed to me,” she said.
“Having grown up in a small town, I know that bigger doesn’t always equal better,” she said. “I visited USC on a school tertiary trip and it looks really nice. It’s very open and there is a lot of wildlife.
“This is what I wanted to study and where I wanted to go, so I’m very happy with the choices I’ve made.”
Those who are keen to launch a new career this year can still apply to study at the University of the Sunshine Coast for Semester 1, 2008.
The University has more than 100 degree programs on offer, with new programs starting in Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Paramedic Science.
To begin studying this February, contact the University’s applications hotline on (07) 5456 5000 or call student administration officer Tania Halliday on (07) 5430 2876.
— Terry Walsh