Students have started gathering at Central Queensland University (CQU) Mackay this week before the official Orientation program commences to get ahead and brush up on maths and science knowledge through a variety of bridging programs on offer.

After working in a role as a Safety Officer at Cardwell Shire Council, Lisa Roelofs got her Occupational Health and Safety Officers ticket and wanted to expand on that, leading her to apply for tertiary study.

After Lisa was accepted to study a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety at Central Queensland University (CQU) recently, she decided a bridging program in biological sciences would help her pick up where she left off 10 years earlier in her high school biology lab.

“I was nervous about taking on the degree right away so doing a four day bridging program in Health Sciences is going to ease me into university study and give me a bit of a head start in thinking about science related topics” said Lisa.

“I’m going to be studying externally so I can continue my work at the council. It’s a bit daunting taking that on outside a classroom setting so it’s nice to be at CQU Mackay this week learning face to face with a real live lecturer” said Lisa.

“Students gain not only valuable information and skills they need for their courses but also confidence in their ability to be successful at university” said Dr Judith Wake, Lecturer at CQU Mackay and bridging course coordinator.

Bridging programs are available to all students prior to term commencement at CQU Mackay.

Photo: Lisa Roelofs of Cardwell brushes up on Biological Science at CQU Mackay before undertaking a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety by distance education from Cardwell.