Qing Zhu

For many people, the final years of high school are full of memories, examinations and an unwavering eagerness to take the next step towards a ‘dream career’. I was no different! My aspiration for a professional future in healthcare meant I was particularly drawn to the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne when I was researching different universities and their course offerings. I believed Biomedicine was best equipped to provide a supportive learning environment to help me develop the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the health challenges of tomorrow.

Like many others, the location of the University of Melbourne was incredibly appealing. By being situated in the heart of the CBD and Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, students not only have access to a plethora of facilities and extracurricular opportunities, but also learn from and collaborate with academics based in world-class institutions. For instance, as part of the second-year subject, Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine (BIOM20001), we have the privilege of undertaking practical lab classes at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. We also regularly hear from various expert guest lecturers within many of our core subjects.

The flexibility of the Bachelor of Biomedicine was also one of the major reasons I chose to study at the University of Melbourne. During high school, I was instilled with the key mantra: always maintain a well-rounded education experience and go beyond the textbook. I asked previous graduates what they did to enrich their university experience and was pleased to hear about the extensive student societies (including sports), the ability to explore further academic interests via different breadth subjects, as well as the option to pursue overseas study opportunities.

Finally, unlike many other undergraduate courses which can have a couple of thousand students, the Biomedicine cohort is usually around 400-600 students. We form a close, tight-knit student community; everyone is collectively motivated and share similar future aspirations. These connections make an unforgettable university experience and often lead to long lasting friendships through to postgraduate studies and beyond.

I have been able to make so many special memories in the Bachelor of Biomedicine.

We are exposed to different parts of human health and biomedical science via core subjects in areas such as biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, pathology, anatomy and physiology. Our theoretical learning is consolidated through collaborative projects and practical labs. For example, I am majoring in Human Structure and Function, in which I get to perform cadaver dissections. The University of Melbourne is the only university in Victoria to offer this to undergraduate students. These hands-on experiences allow us to engage meaningfully with course content while setting us up with a very solid academic foundation for future postgraduate study in health and biomedical research.

While the Biomedicine degree is rigorous, we can tailor our studies to our unique interests. The opportunity to take breadth subjects is a shining feature of the Melbourne Curriculum. Throughout my three years of study, I have had the chance to also take subjects in the fields of mathematics, finance and economics. This has broadened my academic background and allowed me to continue to develop my ability to problem solve, program and collaborate in areas outside of the Biomedicine discipline. In this way, I have been able to forge valuable interdisciplinary connections with peers across the university.

Undertaking overseas study as part of my undergraduate degree has been the greatest highlight of my studies so far. I was able to spend the winter break of my second year at University College London, and then a full semester at the University of Nottingham. It was a truly incredible experience which not only further challenged me academically, but also one that pushed me to be more independent and become more globally connected. I feel fortunate to have been able to ‘go beyond the textbook’ by travelling the world and learning outside of the lecture theatre.

As I approach the end of the Bachelor of Biomedicine, I can confirm that my perspective on future careers has been broadened. The task of improving health outcomes isn’t just up to medical doctors. It involves the coordinated efforts of an interdisciplinary team consisting of experts such as researchers, nurses, physiotherapists, and dieticians (just to name a few). Each of these careers serve a critical role in our community.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the Bachelor of Biomedicine has not only prepared me well for the academic demands of postgraduate study but also laid the foundation for an incredible support network for my future.

After Biomedicine, I plan to pursue the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Melbourne. At this point in time, my aspirations in medicine lie within surgery and I am striving towards becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.

My most important piece of advice for future students is to really grasp all opportunities with open hands. Your undergraduate studies should extend beyond the classroom, whether that be applying for scholarships, leadership position, internship or study abroad/exchange, they are all invaluable opportunities for personal growth and development. So, don’t be afraid to send in that application or email – you may never know the great things that are around the corner!

Additionally, for anyone who might be hesitant about Biomedicine due to a limited science background: I was someone who came into the course having only studied Chemistry in high school (no Biology). The first few weeks/semesters will cover all the required foundational knowledge and there are extra resources available to ensure all students are caught up to speed. Otherwise, your teaching staff and peers will also be fantastic pillars of support to lean on during your studies.