Freddy Petersen

The flexibility and breadth of the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne really appealed to me. From the outset, the course exposed us to a wide range of disciplines within Biomedicine without forcing us down a specific path. It was the ideal choice after high school, as it offered subjects aligned with my interests (like Anatomy and Physiology) even before I knew exactly which field I wanted to pursue.

Initially, I hadn’t planned on doing an Honours year, but as I approached the end of my degree, I found myself uncertain about my next step – should I pursue further study, enter the workforce, or explore research?

After speaking with graduate students and mentors, I realised Honours would be a great opportunity to immerse myself in the research environment without committing long-term. It’s an intense one-year course, but one that equips you with valuable skills and can even lead to publications, which was something I found really motivating.

I’ve really enjoyed the social aspect of my undergraduate studies. The smaller cohort size compared to other degrees at the University made it easy to get to know people. I’ve loved being able to share classes, form study groups, join student clubs and societies, and build friendships with peers throughout the years. I have also enjoyed being able to expand my network by building relationships within the faculty.

The Honours year, in particular, was a highlight. It gave me the chance to apply the theoretical knowledge from Biomedicine to real-world research. The balance between theory and practice has helped me appreciate the full scope of learning in health and biomedical science. It has also given me a better understanding of what working in research involves and what a career in industry or research might look like.

Lastly, the University of Melbourne’s proximity to the CBD is also a bonus!

I don’t have a set career pathway in mind yet, but both the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Honours year have helped me narrow down my interests within the broad field of biomedical science. The course structure, career expos, and opportunities to speak with professionals across academia, industry, and healthcare have allowed me to explore a wide range of possibilities and reflect on where I see myself in the future.

If you’re considering the University of Melbourne, take the leap! As Australia’s number one university, it offers an incredible range of support services, student initiatives, and academic opportunities that can truly elevate your university experience. Few other institutions offer such a personalised and enriching environment.

For students hesitant about pursuing a health-related program because they don’t come from a science background, don’t let that hold you back. As long as you’re curious and willing to put in the effort, the University of Melbourne provides all the resources you need to succeed. Personally, I didn’t study biology in high school, but I never felt disadvantaged. The learning experience was seamless, and I quickly found my footing.