The well: The Students of Medical Science Society any questions you got (2 Viewers)

[tmahendradatta]

A stranger is being shown around a village that he has just become part of. He is shown a well and his guide says "On any day except Monday, you can shout any question down that well and you'll be told the answer."

The man seems pretty impressed, and so he shouts down: Why not on Monday? and the voice from in the well shouts back: Because on Monday, it’s your day in the well.

Hey ya - Theo here from the Students of Medical Science Society (SMSSOC). I've completed 3rd year medical science with a pathology specialisation and doing honours next year in Pathology with Patsie Polly. I'm also the president of SMSSOC.

If you've got any question on university life, the degree itself, or want some career advice ask away, best places to work, who to avoid, who to know etc, etc. ANY question goes! I'll attempt to answer the general science question too.

I'll try and answer them as best and as promptly as I can. I'm currently doing summer school and an internship at the same time - so its busy here (ya 4 having a holiday... not). Anyone else in med sci who is currently in the degree should also chip in because all the answers will be based on my experience/opinions --> and they can be really off sometimes. GOGOGOGO!

 

[Axiom]

(I'm thinking of Majoring in Neuroscience)
-Advanced Science vs Medical Science?
-Is it easy to maintain (75%?) to get into Honours?
-If you do Honours are you garenteed a spot in a Phd programe?
-Should I take the reccomended electives?
-How does study abroad work (e.g if I wanted to study in the US for a semester)?

Thanks.

 

[Tim035]

Hey Theo, Tim here; are you a stalker on these forums or is this a new account ? lol

Gratz on the internship, are you getting paid?

Axiom:
- Adv Sci vs. Med sci --> There's no huge difference, check out the variations between the two study programs in the handbook. Adv Sci has a couple of special seminar type courses and I think a mandatory 6 month work-placement. Med Sci has 'perspectives in medical science' and 'anatomy for medical science' in first year.
- It's definitely not 'easy' to maintain 75%, but you don't need to be a genius. Consistent study and planning out your semester so that you are not leaving things till a few days before they're due is all that's really needed. Especially neuroscience courses like neuroanatomy and neurophysiology it's just a huge volume of information to try and remember, to which the key is simply constant revision.

 

[tmahendradatta]

(I'm thinking of Majoring in Neuroscience)
-Advanced Science vs Medical Science?

either if you want to major in neuro. Advance science allows alot more flexibility in your degree though (read; you have to put alot of effort into choosing your subjects). Medical Science provides more structure (program is set out for you in the 1st 2 years). Mind you; if you go down the medical science path --> just be upfront that you want to major in neuro and they'l give you advice. In the end of the day; You'll hav to specialise in neuro in 3rd year (so that like doing 3-4 neuro subjects) so it really doesn't matter whether you do advance sci or medsci.

-Is it easy to maintain (75%?) to get into Honours?

Complicated answer: If you are a study hermit; yes. If you want to have a life/set up your career; no.
Simple answer: you have to put the work in... so generally no; its not easy to maintain. Its easier to maintain if you do well in your first year of uni; and not flunk with a wam of 64. Its harder to bring it up than it is to go down.

-If you do Honours are you garenteed a spot in a Phd programe?
Yes --> but you'll either have to pay for it; or gain a scholarship to pay for it.
Scientist are looking for students.

-Should I take the reccomended electives?

I'm a little confused
Are you talking about highschool electives? or are you talking about prereqes to get into the courses?


-How does study abroad work (e.g if I wanted to study in the US for a semester)?

Keep your ears to the ground and ak the student office. They advertise and ou have to fill out a series of forms and what not. I know of one study abroad program were the students go to Singapore or one other country (I think its called science abroad). They basically stay there for 6 weeks and then come back. I' heard it was an awesome experience. I wish I could've gone; but I had a camp to attend.

Thanks.

Hope that helps. If you got any other questions - post! Let me know what you meant. I wasn't sure if you were stillin highschool, just finished or i uni.

 

[tmahendradatta]

Hey Theo, Tim here; are you a stalker on these forums or is this a new account ? lol

New; totally new. In fact - I stumbled across these forums cause there was a hell funny thread. http://community.boredofstudies.org...w-south-wales/196474/girls-unsw-commerce.html. Tallkid34 pwned that thread; and he hits the nail on the head when it comes to 'hot girls' at unsw.

I've used the notes from this website though. But this is the first time i've posted in the threads

Gratz on the internship, are you getting paid?

hell no; pro bono. Its with a company called neuclone. Their basically trying to be a supplier to biological drug companies. A whole bunch of biologics (EPO, G-CSF) are coming off patent - and there are a bunch of drug companies out there that are looking to break into the biologics market. You've also got the added pressure of the US trying to implement health reform at the same time. My project is to fill out a database with all these potentil companies in CHina, india, etc.

. Hope your doing welll. Whats are you doing next year?

 

[lizajane91]

Hey Theo, just interested in hearing what your take is on career opportunities after graduation for med science. ive repeatedly heard that there are few jobs etc etc.. also what are some possible future careers?
Thanks

 

[tmahendradatta]

Hey Theo,
Hi liz - I'm going to assume you've just finished highschool

just interested in hearing what your take is on career opportunities after graduation for med science. ive repeatedly heard that there are few jobs etc etc.. also what are some possible future careers?

The general areas I think most pure medical science student who don't end up as a nurse or a doctor will either be in Business (sales or market research) or in Research (industry)/academia.
However, in saying that... Career options in med sci will be diverse depending on how you approach your degree.
In my experience, it can span from medical writing, to research, teaching (university setting), running outside not-for-profit science organisations, to working for business as a analayst, to banking, to working for one of the big four accounting firms, to starting up your own lab/ biotech company, regulatory work, pharmacovigilence, etc. As you can see --> there is alot you can do (although it is narrowed into science or biotech).

However, B. medical science will only be as good as an arts degree if you don't leverage off your degree. You've got to approach as you would doing a business degree. Read --> the doors won't open for you if you don't network, or don't get involved with societies (and thats any university societies), or don't ask for work experience, etc, etc, etc. If you go into uni and come out of it, med sci (and uni in general) will be like an extension of highschool. In fact; if you didn't network --> your career options narrowed down to just research, or being a very educated retail sales person/coffee maker/w/e.

So... cliff notes: Medical science careers can be wide, depending on how willing you are to go out there and know people, to unlock these doors..... or it can be freaking narrow if you don't.


Thanks

I hope I don't sound too blunt. But thats my take on careers.

 

[Tim035]

Oh wait, is the internship to fulfill your diploma of innovation management? How did the coffee shop end up going?

Theo speaks the truth, it becomes entirely your responsibility whilst at uni to try and establish a network which will aid you in transitioning in to a science based career. Especially with a degree like med sci, it's not like you can jump on career one and find a graduate job (I wish)....


@ Theo- I'm sticking around another year to do honors in pharmacology, after which I'm hoping to head overseas (US).

 

[tmahendradatta]

Oh wait, is the internship to fulfill your diploma of innovation management? How did the coffee shop end up going?

It originally wasn't; but now it is. I'm jst doing the min 4 weeks thing. The Coffee shop was a bit of a flop. There were too many alpha figures/team was too big/ no incentive for them as they were not going to have anything to do with the store after, IMHO, are a couple of the reasons why i thought coffee project was a bit of a flop. In the end; I'm so thankful that I did BABSOC stuff vs Coffee. If I didn't do Babsoc, there'd be a good chance smssoc wouldn't exist... + it probably would've been on of those fml moments that dragged on for too long

Theo speaks the truth, it becomes entirely your responsibility whilst at uni to try and establish a network which will aid you in transitioning in to a science based career. Especially with a degree like med sci, it's not like you can jump on career one and find a graduate job (I wish)....

I'd like to add that it pays to find an academic/industry mentor to help give you some direction with your degree.... EARLY on. You can usually do this by asking for pro-bono (doing it for free) lab experience or work experience within biotech/science. I found my academic mentor (Patsie Polly) at the end of 2nd year; but I wished I found her much earlier.


@ Theo- I'm sticking around another year to do honors in pharmacology, after which I'm hoping to head overseas (US).

That sounds sooo sick. I'm planning the same sort of thing too; but in 2011 I think it'll be more of a gap/travel/catchup on life/market research year to figure out where to do a PhD in 2012 or 2013. Where are you doing your honors at? I ask because we'll (thats SMSSOC and BABSOC) will probably organise drinks once a month so everyone will be able to keep in touch.

.

 

[Tim035]

I'm doing honors at UNSW, so as part of SOMS, so I'll definitely be around for drinks etc..


- So true about there being a lot of big egos in Innovation management!

 

[Axiom]

Yes --> but you'll either have to pay for it; or gain a scholarship to pay for it.
Scientist are looking for students.
? I thought the Phd programm was free for domestic students (+ you get an annual ~20K$ research stipend).

I'm a little confused
Are you talking about highschool electives? or are you talking about prereqes to get into the courses?

I was refering to the first year course structure (you have to do chem, phsy, bio and then you get an elective- however it reccomends that you should do 'functional biology' or something).

Keep your ears to the ground and ak the student office. They advertise and ou have to fill out a series of forms and what not. I know of one study abroad program were the students go to Singapore or one other country (I think its called science abroad). They basically stay there for 6 weeks and then come back. I' heard it was an awesome experience. I wish I could've gone; but I had a camp to attend.

I was more refering to how the whole 'partner universities' thing works. I.e it says on the UNSW site that they are partnered with UC Berkerly, and I was curious as to wether you can actually go an spend a semester over there, or whether there are postgrad oppurtunities there, etc.

Also is there actually anypoint in joining any of the academic clubs, or are they just a complete waste of time for first years (not talking about social side, talking about actual acedemic oppurtunities, etc)?

Thanks.

 

[tmahendradatta]

? I thought the Phd programm was free for domestic students (+ you get an annual ~20K$ research stipend).

I'm pretty sure it isn't. I could be wrong ofcourse; but the impression I got was that it isn't. University of New South Wales - Graduate Research School - Benefits UNSW International Research Scholarships I'm half asleep; so I could've read stuff wrong. The 20K is if your good enough to get a scholarship. And ya --> scholarships is dependent on your third year and honours marks.

I'm pretty surey you can apply for a loan (in unsw's case; its FEE-HELP --> which is different to HECS). But I'm iffy about the details.





I was refering to the first year course structure (you have to do chem, phsy, bio and then you get an elective- however it reccomends that you should do 'functional biology' or something).

In general; yes --> but I don't think you HAVE to do it. If your talking prereqs; then yes; you have to them (unless you're super special). But I think its course subject dependent --> so send an email to whoever is running the course and meeet up with them.


I was more refering to how the whole 'partner universities' thing works. I.e it says on the UNSW site that they are partnered with UC Berkerly, and I was curious as to wether you can actually go an spend a semester over there, or whether there are postgrad oppurtunities there, etc.

I don't know anything about it. Google it. I googled unsw exhange and ths was one of the links: University of New South Wales - UNSW International - Exchange Students, UNSW International
But just be aware that you'll most likely have to take into account how the trip will effect the timing of your degree. I know people that went (but not from scienc) and they said they had a blast of a time.

If your doing medical science; I'm pretty sure you can apply to this exchange program as a plain B. Science. But thats just what I heard ages ago when I asked about it. Idk what the status is now.

Also is there actually anypoint in joining any of the academic clubs, or are they just a complete waste of time for first years (not talking about social side, talking about actual acedemic oppurtunities, etc)?

I assume your talking about society clubs... only cause Idk of any 'academic clubs'. Most clubs are affiliated with UNSW student body ARC. And they call them Societies. Anyway, on to your question....

Soft skills >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> occpational skills. You'd be surprise how true this holds in working in science.

In saying that; yes. This is because joining a club's committee and helping organising events for your peers is probably the only way you will build these soft skills. You'll learn the subtle ways people react to way you act, etc, etc, etc. Yes; you will build some softskills in the S***load of team assignments you'll do i 3rd year... But doing things the night before is not the way to go in building communication skills. If you go into uni and go out; it will be just an extension of highschool.

EDIT: In terms of academic oppurtunity; if you enter science --> I recommend you try to acquire some lab experince by helping out a PhD student; either through pro-bono or a research scholarship, or research program. It helps you on two fronts --> 1. seeing stuff you'll lear later in practice; and 2. to find out whether you like research or not.



Thanks.

Keep posting the questions. gl with it.

 

[zake0]

What do you need to apply for work experience?
Do u have to complete your first year med science?
do you know any websites wher you can apply for work experience?

 

[tmahendradatta]

What do you need to apply for work experience?

In one word: network. I'll tell details whilst answering your third question.

You also need to display that you are RELIABLE, HAVE INITIATIVE, and also that you're HARD WORKING.

Do u have to complete your first year med science?

In general; no. Obv, it is advantageous to have first year science knowledge (even more advantageous to have 2nd year medsci knowledge) under your belt before going into the lab. This is because alot (more) of stuff will go over your head. Even as a third year student; alot of the mammlian cell culture theory/techniques goes over my head (as it would have yours).

But think about WHY your applying for work experience. Is it because you want to know what working in a lab is like? Is it because you want to learn different lb techniques?

I assume you'd fall under the first catergory. Then; you wouldn't need lab experience; hell --> you could be in year 10 and do that.

If your doing it for the 2nd reason --> always good to do it after 1st year (or you have some kind of deeper knowledge of sci); just so you can 'sort of' follow the reasoning behind it.

do you know any websites wher you can apply for work experience?

No. There aren't any websites that where you can apply for 'lab experience'. 2 reasons:
1. Scientist are F******* busy people.
2. Scientist are F******* busy people. and time poor.

The way you apply for work experience is through using your 'soft skills'to network in (who do you know is a PhD student?). The 2nd way is to cold email/call them (read --> 'calling or emailing someone you have never met). The first way is easier than the latter.


If you don't know anyone and you wnat to some PRO-BONO RESEARCH-->
Here are two websites that are full of contacts of diffrent researchers.
http://www.babs.unsw.edu.au/ and medicalsciences.med.unsw.edu.au
Read up on their research (it will most likely go over your head). When you find someone you like; send them an email to *Set Up a Meeting (face to face)*. Then when you meet them; see what they are like; whether you think you'lll get along with them or not, etc. Once you think you'll have fun; set up the dates and negotiate conditions period of atleast 6-8 weeks where you will be in the lab helping out a PhD student.
Its important that your work experience last for 8 weeks. the 1 week year 10 work expreince is bull.s.h.i.t.

EDIT: You should also treat finding work experience like finding a job. For example, with christmas job hunting; you start hunting in september for summer work. Same thing here. Yes; you will get rejected by a couple scientist... but if they reject you --> you probably weren't going to enjoy yourself for the 8 weeks anyway if they said yes. There are some big D***heads in science; but its the same in all industries.

I'll write a novel next time . Thanks for your question; and keep posting your questions.

 

[zake0]

How do you know all this stuff??! Lol
well i curently finished my first year med science at uws with a gpa of 5.75 and a wam of 77 hoping to transfer to bpharmacy at usyd next year and I'm thinking if I got an offer I'll do work experience in a pharmacy or somthing which should be easier to get!
Do u know if it is easy to get a distinction average at uni? Cz I found it easy so I don't think I got a big chance at pharmacy!
But anyways my second pref is medicinal chemistry at unsw which is a new course! What do u know about it? Would u recommend it? Would I get any examptions?

 

[tmahendradatta]

How do you know all this stuff??! Lol
well i curently finished my first year med science at uws with a gpa of 5.75 and a wam of 77 hoping to transfer to bpharmacy at usyd next year and I'm thinking if I got an offer I'll do work experience in a pharmacy or somthing which should be easier to get!

By experiencing most of what I know first hand. Thats partly the reason why i started this well. Nobody tells you the stuff I'm writing 'essays on' this when your in highschool/uni. Its not until your in third year, and just finished your last exams you go --> shit... wtf was I doing for the past 3 years.

EDIT: Also --> first year is always the easiest. You can actually cram and do well. 2nd year and 3rd year require ALOT mre study because your going into details. TIP: find out how best you study. If you study best with a mate; do it.


Anyway --> that sounds like a good plan. Alot of people want to do what you want; and or good reasn too (ie stable job). (lol -- atleast you have a plan; alot of pppl don't and cover it up with the excuse "I don't know what to do" <-- blunt and that imho again).

Do u know if it is easy to get a distinction average at uni? Cz I found it easy so I don't think I got a big chance at pharmacy!

Hell no. Its not easy --> and you have to put the time and effort in to do well (as well as balance out seeing your friends, helping out around the house, keeping the gf/bf happy, making money --> w/e). You should also be getting feedback on your exams (something I would have done if I could do uni again). Again; its a matter of meeting your course covenor for the subject.



But anyways my second pref is medicinal chemistry at unsw which is a new course! What do u know about it? Would u recommend it? Would I get any examptions?

I know nothing about it. You'll have to do your own research on that one. There is a thread here about medicinal chemistry. FWIW; I guess I'd recommend medicinal chemistry if you were looking to get into drug design --> which is an important step into making health better globally. If you do go into medicinal chemistry; try also take the diploma of innovation management as well; or do a subject called cmmercial biotech. If your going into the field of drug discovery; you need to know the patenting system and how you'd go about getting your discovery out there in the most efficient matter. Its NOT all about making money (imho).

I'm confused about the exemptions bit though. not quite sure what your asking. But if your talking about subject cross overs.... Again; you'lll have to email the course cordinator for medicinal chemistry and find out for yourself.

Ya --> don't be afraid t ask question to strangers you've never met. If they don't answer by email; call them up.

Gl with it. Its competitive. Keep posting your questions. Anything goes (for example, whats it like living 10 minutes away from uni? so sick). you get the idea.

 

[Axiom]

Um, yeah about the Phd situation, you posted a link about Internation students.....I was correct- Domestic students pay no fees:

University of New South Wales - Graduate Research School - Fees for International and Local Students

Fees for Local Postgraduate Research Students

For the duration of the degree, local research students (citizens and permanent residents of Australia and citizens of New Zealand) are required to pay:


1. Tuition Fees

Local students undertaking PhDs or Masters by Research at UNSW are not liable for course tuition fees.

It is expected that all new local postgraduate research students enrolling in a Doctorate or Masters by research at UNSW will be granted a exemption scholarship under the Commonwealth Government's Research Training Scheme.

For further information relating to fee payment and policy please refer to the Fees Policy (Local) page.

Please Note: If postgraduate research students enrol in any relevant coursework as part of their higher research degree at UNSW they will not be charged additional tuition fees.





Also, are you a domestic or internation student.? Did u live on campus? living Off campus vs living On campus??

 

[tmahendradatta]

Wow --> you learn something new everyday. I could've sworn that you had to pay; even my supervisor at work who used to work at UNSW said her PhD students had to pay up. But, its good to know/gives incentive for me to stick around sydney for the next 4 years or so.

I'ma domestic student. I live like 15 minutes away from campus; at home. IN fact --> I like grew up at UNSW. I went to the prschool across the road; and then I used to swim there from like 7-18. I now work as a swimming instructor and study there...

I know some people that lived on campus. They are a very tight bunch of people (even the study ghosts). If you do choose to live on campus; you'll enjoy it for the first year; but then when everyone starts moving out... you'll probably want to move out too.

Living on campus vs living off campus.... mmm.

I'll get back to you on that one.

 

[tmahendradatta]

living Off campus vs living On campus??

I asked a mate of mine; and she said this:

"LIVE ON!!! for like the first year of uni atleast then off i would say...

....cos you meet heaps of new people. i suppose its more important if you´re from out of town. it makes uni and sydney a whole less scary process. and its very convenient and not that expensive and you get food!!!"

Hope that helped.

 

[Survivor39]

Yes it is correct you do not have to pay for your research degree if you are a local student. But you will find that most people doing a PhD have got a scholarship to support their daily living expenses. Most students would not want to study for another 3-4 years and have to support themselves. Might as well go and find a job!