Dozens gather in Rocky for summer of blood and crime
Published on 04 December, 2006
Students are flocking to Rockhampton this week for summer school residentials on forensic science and clinical pathology, including blood analysis and a mock crime scene.
The residentials are run by the School of Chemical and Biomedical Sciences at Central Queensland University.
The fact they are available as a Term 3 (summer) option is attractive to students who are often juggling part-time work commitments.
"They can study 3 courses during normal terms and pick up the additional course over the summer," said Associate Professor Graham Pegg, the Head of School.
"The fact these courses are in 'flex' mode is popular with students trying to fit them into busy lifestyles".
Associate Professor Pegg said his School has more than 200 students enrolled in Introduction to Forensic Science, Clinical Pathology and Biotechnology Commercialisation during the summer Term 3.
He said the Clinical Pathology and Biotechnology Commercialisation courses were also running in Singapore via a partnership with educational management leader the Hartford Institute.
The University has helped filled a niche by providing biomedical science degree 'top-ups' for Singaporeans who have polytechnic diplomas in biomedical science, biotechnology, medical laboratory science and chemistry. More than 100 are enrolled at the moment.
"The lab skills component is offered in conjunction with Singapore Polytechnic and our distance delivery is supported by in-country classes organised by Hartford," Dr Pegg said.
Photo above: Biomedical science students Judith Fisher (2nd year, Bundaberg) and John Williams (1st year, Rockhampton) attended the residential workshops on Clinical Pathology in Rockhampton this week. Both intend to use their Biomedical Science degree as a stepping stone into a career in medicine.
Photo left: Anne Drury, a shift supervisor at SDS Pathology in Sydney, enrolled in the Clinical Pathology course to formalise her qualifications in haematology. Ms Drury who already has a science degree, enrolled in CQU's Clinical Pathology course to expand into a training role in pathology.