Jordan Rees

What did you do before you started your course?
I went to William Blue College to study Advanced Diploma Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) to become a qualified chef. After finishing the degree and working as a chef, it became clear that I wanted to challenge myself and pursue a career in the forensic science field. I studied Bachelor of Forensic Science (Applied Chemistry) at UTS for 2 years and started to have a great desire to focus on organic chemistry and the synthesis of drugs, which made me change to the Medicinal Chemistry degree.

What motivated you to study this degree/major?
After I studied organic chemistry in the previous degree, I realised what career path that I wanted to take which includes research/development of medicine. I was always fascinated  in the processes needed to create a drug using a specific starting point, and then how that drug would interact with the body.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?
I enjoy the balance between chemistry and biology which not many science degrees offer.This degree is designed for the students to gain an understanding behind the chemistry of creating molecules and then testing or learning the journey of what the molecule will take in our body. It will give me the foundations needed to pursue postgraduate studies because I will have a strong background knowledge of chemistry and biology, instead of just the one major.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?
The lab facilities and the reputation of the science department made me choose UTS. To be able to study using the machines which are used in the field is a major advantage, and the science degrees that UTS offers are developed for the student to be job ready after their degree, which is shown by the high employment rate of UTS students after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

What is it like to study at UTS Science?
UTS Science has worked hard on adapting to what the employers want. It's really good to know that the university is always working on its students getting the most out of the degree. There is a lot of experience gained in the later subjects when you do have to think on your own to know what it will be like in the field, which is highly beneficial. The lectures, workshops and tutorials are interactive which makes the class interesting and is easier to learn. All the science staff are there to answer any questions or help with assignments.

Is there any advice you would give to students studying this degree?
I would say to put a lot of effort in learning the basics. As you go further in the degree, the subjects will bind with eachother and go into more detail or use the same mechanisms shown in previous subjects. You will save a lot less time trying to re-learn it and focus on the new content.

What would you like to do once you complete your degree?
I would like to either study Masters of Pharmacology or complete an honours project at UTS. This degree has all the requirements needed and is a good start for either direction I will take. As a career, I want to be involved in the development and research of new medicine.