Uni Stuff > Australian National University
PhB Science opinions
Symmetry:
--- Quote from: humph on November 20, 2012, 08:28:07 am ---No point applying for BSc (Adv) (Hons) at ANU over PhB; you still have to maintain a good academic average (75 for the former instead of 80 for the latter), you don't get to do Advanced Studies Courses, and you don't get as much freedom to skip courses/do courses outside your area. In fact, the Bachelor of Science Advanced degree tends to have a lot of students who didn't get into PhB but want to transfer in (which you can do if you get a high enough average for your uni courses in the first semester or two).
I recommend applying for the PhB regardless. If you don't like it, you can easily transfer to another degree; I know people who transferred to Actuarial Studies, some who transferred to Med, and some who graduated with a PhB in maths but then went on to do a PhD in economics. There are plenty of options.
--- End quote ---
Hmm so would you say that the BSc (Adv) (Hons) doesn't differ much to PhB in terms of workload? I was aware of the 75 and 80 requirements but wasn't sure if the extra advanced studies and such made the PhB much more demanding. Thanks for the info btw
EvangelionZeta:
Ok, there's been a lot of discussion already, so I'm just going to post five reasons why you should do the PhB:
1. You will have access to research opportunities normally only afforded to postgraduate students. It's not like you can't do research as an undergraduate generally speaking, but PhB allows you to do it as coursework, and because of your status academics will also be super keen to take you up on your ideas, your prospective projects, etc.
2. You will have amazing flexibility compared to everyone else. To quote the admin people at ANU, the PhB is basically a "do whatever the hell you want" degree - choice, choice, choice is key here.
3. You will meet the cream of the Australian crop. There is a PhB camp in first semester and PhB often has networking/social events - if you are part of the program, you will be constantly engaged with fellow students who have similar intellectual interests and capabilities. This is as useful and as enriching as it sounds.
4. You will have a much more pretigious degree for postgraduate entry than pretty much anything else offered in Australia. PhB guarantees you good grades and a lot of impressive opportunities which look amazing on your resume.
5. You will enjoy it. Much of the problem with the Australian university system is that our universities are crowded, students and lecturers are disengaged, etc. PhB is small, and there is a lot more familiarity between students and academics normally when one is enrolled within the program. This will change your university experience. Trust me.
Seriously, do it. Best choice ever.
Eriny:
--- Quote from: Symmetry on November 19, 2012, 11:39:11 pm ---
--- Quote from: Eriny on November 19, 2012, 06:26:32 pm ---With 3, as long as you perform well on assignments/exams it doesn't matter how fast you learn. You are given time for learning and revision after all.
PhB Science is very similar to a regular BSc, the difference being the availability of research projects (which is a good opportunity if research is your thing) and the HD requirement. The HD requirement can be hard to manage and super stressful, but it is outweighed by the opportunities you get, IMO.
--- End quote ---
That's good to hear. I guess I've got to decide whether I'm willing to put in that extra mile of effort for the sake of research opportunities. And if I've understood correctly, the research projects are in addition to the normal BSc workload, rather than some aspects of the BSc being replaced or learnt later to make room for research.
--- End quote ---
Actually, it's research instead of a regular course or instead of certain assessment items of a normal course. So, the workload is comparable, if not the same as a BSc.
thushan:
LOL you guys are making me almost regret not choosing the PhB :P
Symmetry:
--- Quote from: EvangelionZeta on November 20, 2012, 12:08:24 pm ---Ok, there's been a lot of discussion already, so I'm just going to post five reasons why you should do the PhB:
1. You will have access to research opportunities normally only afforded to postgraduate students. It's not like you can't do research as an undergraduate generally speaking, but PhB allows you to do it as coursework, and because of your status academics will also be super keen to take you up on your ideas, your prospective projects, etc.
2. You will have amazing flexibility compared to everyone else. To quote the admin people at ANU, the PhB is basically a "do whatever the hell you want" degree - choice, choice, choice is key here.
3. You will meet the cream of the Australian crop. There is a PhB camp in first semester and PhB often has networking/social events - if you are part of the program, you will be constantly engaged with fellow students who have similar intellectual interests and capabilities. This is as useful and as enriching as it sounds.
4. You will have a much more pretigious degree for postgraduate entry than pretty much anything else offered in Australia. PhB guarantees you good grades and a lot of impressive opportunities which look amazing on your resume.
5. You will enjoy it. Much of the problem with the Australian university system is that our universities are crowded, students and lecturers are disengaged, etc. PhB is small, and there is a lot more familiarity between students and academics normally when one is enrolled within the program. This will change your university experience. Trust me.
Seriously, do it. Best choice ever.
--- End quote ---
Just as I was beginning to swing toward not applying, another convincing reply comes along. The optimist in me says I should be more ambitious and just give it a shot. I'll be left with another difficult decision if I were to manage to get in to PhB but don't get a scholarship though (moving to Canberra with virtually no money wouldn't exactly be easy). Thanks for taking the time to reply, it's given me a lot to think about.
--- Quote from: Eriny on November 20, 2012, 12:35:55 pm ---Actually, it's research instead of a regular course or instead of certain assessment items of a normal course. So, the workload is comparable, if not the same as a BSc.
--- End quote ---
Ooh I see, well I'm glad that misconception has been cleared up.
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