Uni Stuff > Australian National University
PhB Science opinions
EvangelionZeta:
I'll reply later in more depth, but long story short choosing PhB is the best thing I ever did in terms of choosing uni related stuff. Do it.
rife168:
--- Quote from: Symmetry on November 19, 2012, 05:50:15 pm ---So I'm a year 12 student (just finished) and I'm struggling to decide whether to apply for the PhB at ANU. I'm pretty sure I'll get the 99+ ATAR but I'm uncertain about whether the course is right for me, or if I should just go for the Bachelor of Science (Adv) (Hon) instead (or possibly psychology).
--- End quote ---
Do you mean the Bachelor of Science (Adv) (Hon) at ANU or elsewhere?
If you are happy going to ANU, then why not go for the PhB? If it's too much you can always drop back into the Adv Science course, although if you are capable of a 99+ ATAR (and given you pick courses that you enjoy), then I don't see how the PhB would really be too far beyond your abilities...
Dropping back won't be of detriment in terms of how long your degree will take, or how you will cope with classes, so I'd say go for the PhB because you will always have the security of the Adv Science course.
Lolly:
--- Quote from: EvangelionZeta on November 19, 2012, 06:30:54 pm ---I'll reply later in more depth, but long story short choosing PhB is the best thing I ever did in terms of choosing uni related stuff. Do it.
--- End quote ---
I retain healthy scepticism. Convince me otherwise. Go to't!
Symmetry:
Unfortunately I've got to make the decision within the next day or so, otherwise I won't get the application in before the deadline (I'm yet to ask for referee reports).
--- Quote from: Chemderp on November 19, 2012, 06:01:40 pm ---I was in your position too - I was considering the PhB at the ANU.
1. From what I heard, the workload is very very demanding, and it is a stressful but very highly intellectually stimulating course.
2. I would say yes, particularly in terms of connections - the ANU LOVES the PhB kids apparently.
3. Yes, a HD average must be maintained.
4. Not at all if you ask me. If you like a challenge and you love science, the PhB is for you.
"At times I'm a somewhat slow learner, but given the time to do some of my own thinking & reading I tend to eventually end up with a thorough understanding of a subject area."
You're EXACTLY like me. I find that compared to the other med kids (in my course) I have to put in a LOT more work than the others in my year level to get the same level of understanding (using them as a reference only), but once I get it, its very firm in my head. You might find that you'll have to work a fair bit harder than the others in your year, but keep at it, because once you get it, its very very rewarding. To get around that issue, I recommend reading ahead.
--- End quote ---
Good to hear that someone's like me ;) Quite a few of my friends seem to pick up on new difficult material pretty much as soon as it's taught, while I generally need to sit and read about it in my own time. To each their own learning style I suppose. I'll give reading ahead a shot, but it'll take some serious self-discipline D: Thanks for all the food for thought.
--- 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.
--- Quote from: EvangelionZeta on November 19, 2012, 06:30:54 pm ---I'll reply later in more depth, but long story short choosing PhB is the best thing I ever did in terms of choosing uni related stuff. Do it.
--- End quote ---
Glad the PhB worked out well for you. I look forward to your response :D
--- Quote from: rife168 on November 19, 2012, 09:30:32 pm ---
Do you mean the Bachelor of Science (Adv) (Hon) at ANU or elsewhere?
If you are happy going to ANU, then why not go for the PhB? If it's too much you can always drop back into the Adv Science course, although if you are capable of a 99+ ATAR (and given you pick courses that you enjoy), then I don't see how the PhB would really be too far beyond your abilities...
Dropping back won't be of detriment in terms of how long your degree will take, or how you will cope with classes, so I'd say go for the PhB because you will always have the security of the Adv Science course.
--- End quote ---
I meant BSc (Adv) (Hon) at ANU, although it's quite possible I won't go to ANU at all if I don't get a scholarship (but that's a whole other story). Good point about dropping to adv science. But then again, it'd be highly uncharacteristic of me to voluntarily stop the PhB, even if I'd be better off stopping... an innate stubbornness to finish what I've started is to blame here. Nonetheless I'll consider it, thanks for that.
humph:
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.
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