Andy Wai
I chose UTS Science because its degrees are skills-based and have strong links to forensic and...
What motivated you to study this degree/major?
I have always been fascinated with biology, in particular the study of the DNA and genetics. Equally, I became interested in law through my HSC Legal Studies subject. Naturally I choose the skills based degree of Forensic Biology at UTS because it allowed me to practice biology in the criminal and civil justice system.
What do you enjoy most about your degree?
I most enjoy the practical aspects of the degree. I spend on average 10 hours a week in the laboratory cementing the knowledge I have learned in lectures.
Why did you choose to study at UTS?
I chose UTS Science because its degrees are skills-based and have strong links to forensic and biomedical industries. Indeed many of my laboratory demonstrators are either researches or workers or have worked for the NSW Police Force and Westmead Children's Hospital. Having these strong relationships with the industry is what makes UTS degrees relevant to today's world.
What is it like to study at UTS Science?
Studying at UTS is very different from school. On average I attend 20 hours of contact hours at UTS. These are made up of lectures, tutorials and practicals. There are also some excursions such as viewing an autopsy at the Glebe morgue (an excursion exclusive to UTS Forensic Biology students). Also UTS does not have the 'competitive' atmosphere of the HSC. Everyone wants everyone to succeed and it is evidence with the abundance of Student Support Services such as UPASS- a free peer mentor program for first year subjects.
What advice you would give to students studying this degree?
Form a large network of friends and seek relevant industry experience (e.g. UPASS). Most of all enjoy uni!
What would you like to do once you complete by your degree
I would like to pursue postgraduate research studies at UTS either Honours or Masters. I will also like to use my degree to secure work around parts of Europe (possibly France!)
What other activities do you participate/do at uni?
I am a Senior UTS Peer Assisted Study Success (UPASS) Leader for first year Science subjects: Cell Biology and Genetics and, Human Anatomy and Physiology. I also have mentored in Principle of Scientific Workshops.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
Outside of uni I enjoy travelling to places to enrich my perspective of the world and become more understanding of other cultures. The lovely food especially Asian cuisine is an added bonus! I have travelled to countries such as Hong Kong, China, Japan, Macau and South Korea.
