A Golden Beach student with a passion for genetics is fast-tracking his way to a career in science through an accelerated combined degree at USC.
 
Caloundra State High School graduate Tom Banks, who achieved an OP2 last year, has enrolled in a Dean’s Scholars Science program designed for high-achieving school leavers.
 
The individually tailored program allows students to complete a dual Science/Science (Honours) degree in just three years.
 
Tom, 18, said he had previously visited the USC laboratories during school excursions and couldn’t wait to start classes on 27 February.

“I like being challenged, so the accelerated program seemed like the ideal degree for me,” he said. “I’m majoring in biotechnology and I’ve chosen genetics as my minor.

“Genetics has always interested me because of the way it fuses the fields of biology and chemistry.

“I like being able to see inside cells at the smallest level, and look at how certain traits can be passed on from generation to generation.”

As a student in the Dean’s Scholars program, Tom will be assigned a senior academic mentor to introduce research skills, provide guidance on research projects, and help refine students’ Honours topics.
 
Tom, who excelled in physics, biology and chemistry at high school, said he saw the degree as the first step towards working in the scientific research field.

“Science lets you find out more about the world and how it all operates, so I’d really like to make that my career,” he said.

“Eventually, I’d like to lecture in science at a university or work in a research lab.”

USC’s Orientation Week will be held from Monday 20 February before classes begin on Monday 27 February. For application and enrolment details, visit www.usc.edu.au/learn

— Gen Kennedy