Joanna Paluga, Philippines, 4 December, 2024
Why study biomedical science at QUT
One of the main reasons I chose QUT was the university's emphasis on flexibility and practical, hands-on learning that really allows you to develop laboratory skills needed for the field. QUT offers practical classes for most if not all units every week. This means we get to be in laboratories for half of our study as part of our learning experience, which is something that not a lot of other universities offer. The university also allows you to customise and shape your degree to suit your interests and career aspirations. There are plenty of high-quality units from which to choose - from studying the human body at a cellular level to building practical skills in anatomical dissections and studying with human donor material.
I chose the Bachelor of Biomedical Science because it offered a wide variety of options for either postgraduate study or work. The skills you acquire throughout your study open many doors for real-world work. The course allows you to develop industry-ready and hands-on skills from day one and you really gain the qualities valued by employers as you learn with clinicians, researchers, and leaders.
Why I love biomedical science
My favourite part of the course is learning about the human anatomy. There is such a wide breadth of knowledge to learn within this area of study and there is always something new to explore, such as the complexities of developmental anatomy, medical image interpretation, histology or organ identification. QUT offers a rare opportunity for hand-on anatomical dissection of whole human donor bodies. I think it's truly one of the best units that the course offers, and it allows you to broaden your understanding of the human body and take a deep dive into how each part of our body contributes to our everyday health and living.
Amazing lecturers
A pleasant surprise about the course is how willing the teaching staff and lecturers are to help you succeed. I know it sounds a little clichéd, but you really can just reach out to your lecturers when you need help or if you are struggling with understanding a certain topic, and they will provide you the support you need. It can be a little intimidating at first, but once you get over that barrier, the biomed teaching staff are some of the nicest and most helpful people and will be your support network throughout your course.
Support during your studies
I found QUT's range of support services to be extremely helpful throughout my study. I had some medical and personal issues that impacted my study for at least half a semester, and communicating with the university helped ease some burden. They approved several assessment extensions which helped me get back on track, ensuring that I didn't jeopardise my grades and study over things happening in my life I had no control over.
What ‘real-world’ learning looks like in biomedical science
"Real world" means the university ensures you develop the necessary skills and knowledge throughout your study and really sets you up for success in the real world. The biomedical science course ensures that half of your learning is spent in laboratories where you are taught how to conduct proper scientific research and use the technology proficiently. You also get to learn under clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders who have made their own ground-breaking research.
Student life
I met people through in-person workshops and laboratory classes. My best friend is a girl that I met in my first laboratory class and has been my lab partner ever since. I am involved in several clubs, my two favourite clubs being BiOMS - Biomedical Science Society, and QUTFSA - QUT Filipino Student Association. As a biomed student, BiOMS is an opportunity to meet friends that have the same interest, connect with the student body and network with industry leaders. I am an official a member of the BiOMs committee as the event coordinator, meaning I am responsible for overseeing the planning for every major club event, such as industry panels, biomed ball, and networking events. I also enjoy being a part of QUTFSA as a born and raised Filipino citizen. It helps me connect with my culture while being miles away and I get to spend time with fellow Filipino citizens and bond over our experiences living in Brisbane.
Living in Brisbane
I chose Brisbane because it offers a different lifestyle. I moved from the Philippines to Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory when I was 11 years old, and I knew that I did not want to continue my studies there. Fast-paced cities like Melbourne and Sydney did not appeal to me, Adelaide is too quiet like Darwin, Tasmania was too cold, and Perth was too far away. Brisbane is my ideal place as it is still a major city, however, it has its slow moments where I get to take my time just enjoying the months go by. The weather is also great, not too cold and not too hot. The public transportation is reliable enough that I don't need a car to go somewhere.
