Environmental Science and Management student Pat Russell shares his experience of choosing a university and studying at the University of Newcastle.

My name is Pat Russell and I’m currently in my third and (assuming I don’t fail anything!) final year of the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management degree at the University of Newcastle (UON).

These days, I know that Environmental Science is the field I’m most interested in and passionate about, however coming to decide that this was the right path for me was definitely not a straightforward task.

I’d like to share my experience in deciding to pursue Environmental Science, choosing the university that was right for me, my life as an Environmental Science and Management student, and what the future holds for me as an Environmental Scientist.

DECIDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AT UON

Luckily for me, I knew I had a keen interest in science fairly early on. I was always fascinated with learning how and why things work. I had a particular soft spot for the natural world and I spent a lot of my teenage years exploring the bushland and reserves around me. I drew on this interest in my HSC years and loaded my schedule with classes which explored the natural world, in particular Biology, Geography, and Earth and Environmental Science.

After the two gruelling HSC years, I ended up graduating from St Francis Xavier College Hamilton in 2013 with an early acceptance offer into the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management program at UON. However, even with this offer, I still wanted to make sure this path was definitely right for me, so I deferred and took a year off to work and make up my mind.

I considered not only my degree choice, by my choice of university as well. Throughout the year I did heaps of research about environmental science and the University of Newcastle itself. This involved countless Google searches, attending Open Days and Info Days at UON, and seriously thinking about where I wanted a university degree to take me. Open Days in particular were extremely helpful as they allowed me to talk to current students and staff about my interests and options in a casual and welcoming setting.

If you hadn’t already guessed, by the end that year I was completely convinced that Environmental Science and UON were right for me. I was still absolutely enthralled by the natural world, and I believed the facilities, expertise, and the more relaxed and open atmosphere at UON would provide a perfect environment to broaden my knowledge (not to mention the on-campus wetland and bushland surrounds).

So I started my studies in March 2015 with a major in Ecosystems and Biodiversity, a major which I believe fully encompasses the reasons why I’m passionate about Environmental Science. It allows me to explore and understand how the environment, both living and non-living, works and interacts with itself to shape the world we live in.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE EXPERIENCE AT UON

My first few weeks at uni were daunting: big lecture theatres full of people I had never met and the responsibility of learning and studying entirely on me. But with these new challenges came great new experiences.

Laboratory and field work lessons began immediately, and formed (and continue to form) a big part of my classes, bringing with them the opportunity to continually meet new, like-minded people, many of whom have remained close friends throughout my entire degree. Meeting people who share my passions and interests was exciting, and in my opinion is one of the best parts of the UON experience.

What I love about Environmental Science and Management Is how hands on and involved it can be. Whether I’m working in the lab analysing data, or standing waist-deep in a primary collecting samples (usually fighting off mozzies in the process), I’m constantly using my knowledge of various disciplines of science to complete a task or solve an environmental problem.

While I’m fast approaching the end of my studies, the people I’ve met and the skills I’ve learnt will definitely not be forgotten. During my experiences in the Environmental Science and Management degree I’ve studied plant and animal species in the lab first hand, completed water quality assessments in rivers which supply my city’s drinking water, and undertaken work experience with environmental organisations to put my theoretical and practical knowledge to the test, just to name a few.

UON also hosts a multitude of environmental clubs and overseas experiences available to students in all levels of study, which are great ways to further your passions and practical knowledge of environmental science.

LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY

As I’m coming to the close of my degree, I’ve had to start thinking about where I go from here. During the Environmental Science and Management degree I’ve learned so much and acquired so many different skills that pinpointing one area to focus on seems like an impossible task (I’m still interested in all of it!).

What I know for sure is that I’m keen to get out into the workforce and show off all that I’ve learnt over these 3 years. Whether I pursue a career in restoration ecology, river management, working with animals, environmental consultancy, or any of the multitude of other career paths I could take, I know I’m going to be working in an area which I’m passionate about, and that’s what’s most important to me.

Check out UON’s Environmental Science and Management degree.