Hi everyone,
I’m Joel, a second year Bachelor of Biomedical Science student majoring in Pharmacology and Microbiology and Immunology. I chose this course firstly because I have always had an interest in the body and how it functions and responds to stimuli, as well as an interest in infectious diseases.
Secondly, the facilities at UWA are absolutely amazing. The UWA Health Campus at QEII is located in the centre of all things medicine, next door is Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth Children’s Hospital, and PathWest, all at our doorstep. I love being fully immersed in the field and it has definitely opened up lots of possible career options.
Thirdly, I have never said no to a challenge. I love being pushed and doing things that seem hard, it just makes it so much more worthwhile once you have mastered it. By no means is Biomedical Sciences easy, but wow is it fun.
So how did Pharmacology and Microbiology & Immunology catch my eye? Well medicines such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Aspirin are household staples in curing aliments of the body, we take them and then all of a sudden our headache has disappeared, understanding why this happens just really interested me. As for Microbiology, infectious diseases will always be a problem in society, it really perplexes me how something so small can have such a great impact on society. The fact that the microbiome isn’t fully understood yet really excites me.
AM
Typically my lectures are in the morning. I prefer to watch them online from the comfort of my home office but I do occasionally roll on into the university and meet up with some friends before tackling a Pharmacology lecture together. Afterwards we catch up for coffee (which is the life blood of all uni students) and head to either Reid Library, EZONE or QEII to smash out some lab prep - which is equally as important as lecture notes. The beautiful thing about Biomedical Sciences is that you are taught by experts in their fields so you really gain a holistic understanding of your topic.
LUNCH
I love lunch time, purely because I get to feast on some food but also because it gives me an excuse to take a break from studying. I love to grab a bite with a friend (or two) either at the Tavern or the Ref - all having really really good food. As a Unimentor, I like to schedule my meetings with my mentees around this time.
PM
Most of my labs are in the afternoon. Here we could be doing anything from growing bacteria on agar to investigating the toxicity of tobacco. These labs are by far the most interesting part of the course because it is where theory and practice intersect. Also, it does make me feel like a proper scientist plodding away with my micropipette and test tubes. Biomedical Sciences has an emphasis on the practical application of theory, so you can actually visualise what is going on instead of relying on other peoples’ word.
AFTER DARK
Afterwards, I head home, write up some notes for the day and you will find me either unwinding with a few episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, heading out with some friends to the city or just resting up for the next day. It’s important to make time for yourself.
Outside of the lectures and the labs, you will find me hanging out with my friends and family, enjoying myself at a concert or doing martial art classes. I have the privilege of being apart of the Health Students’ Society for 2021 which is the society that represents all biomedical science students at UWA. I also fit in some time for work, which is a refreshing change from the textbooks and laboratories. I personally believe that you make your own path, the difference between having a good and a great time at UWA is you.
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