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New industry link for Science students
The career prospects of Biomedical Science students at the University of the Sunshine Coast are set to expand with an Australian-first undergraduate course in Clinical Trial Management.
Sixteen students last week visited Q-Pharm Pty Limited, a major private clinical trial centre based at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, after studying the theory component of the newly-introduced USC course.
It is the first undergraduate course in the country linked to training provided by ARCS Australia, the Sydney-based professional development association for people working in the development of therapeutic goods.
USC student Matthew Shoesmith, 21, said his aim was to work in the medical profession.
“It was beneficial to tour a workplace, look at the equipment and talk to clinical research associates and other staff conducting trials,” Matthew said. “It adds the practicalities of patient interaction to our growing knowledge.”
USC Biomedical and Paramedic Sciences Discipline Leader Dr Mark Holmes said the groundbreaking partnership with ARCS Australia would enable students to develop industry-aligned competencies before graduation.
“It’s an intensive course that will give USC graduates an edge when competing for jobs,” Dr Holmes said.
“It’s also part of USC’s efforts to help develop a skilled scientific workforce for the proposed Sunshine Coast University Hospital to be built at Kawana.”
ARCS Australia’s Professional Development Manager, Dr Joseph Badolato, said he was impressed by the calibre of USC students.
“Our organisation is interested in building bridges between academia and workplaces to make sure graduates are work-ready,” Dr Badolato said.
“Clinical research involving humans is a highly-regulated industry which is vital to improve access to safe, effective medicines, drugs and medical devices.”
The education partnership also is seeking scholarships and cadetships from industry for USC Biomedical Science students.
– Julie Gatehouse