Steve wrote:Cool, you must be dedicated to go on with your masters. I've been interested in doing Bachelor of Antarctic Science for some time now, though not an option for me currently. If you don't mind me asking; What did you specialise in? How did you find it? (interest, difficulty, workload) Once you come out the other side is there much in the way of jobs?
Yeah, I started off doing the Bachelor of Antarctic Science when it was first offered. I then changed to a B Marine Science half way through to keep it a bit broader. Then went back to Antarctic Science for my Masters. Been doing research on Antarctic Krill and the effects that increasing CO2 will have on em (Ocean acidification). I've really enjoyed it all, especially my Masters. Excellent courses, wonderful opportunities to travel, so it's been great. I've coped with the workload ok. There has certainly been some busy times - especially in 3rd year of my undergrad and through most of my Mastes. Its mostly taught in 2 week intensive course units so when they are on you don'd do anything else except uni, eat and sleep! - but then again its only a couple of weeks at the time when it is that hectic.
In terms of jobs - well, we'll see, i'm just about to start looking for em myself. Look, no illusions if you actually want to be a Scientist, then you are certainly expected to get a PhD before you can start looking for jobs with the big research divisions (Ant Div, CSIRO, Uni / TAFI). If you just wanna do a Bachelor, then your most realistic jobs would probably be with state or federal governments. You need to be very passionate about it though as there are lots of people who thinks it 'sounds kinda cool' and want to do something similar. So unless you are 100% dedicated to it and passionate about what you do (which will no doubt give you a competitive edge), then you'll probably find things frustrating and tiring.
Feel free to contact me if you need more specific infos about the degree. If you ring up IASOS they can be really helpful and give you good information too. The Uni carer service on the other hand has frustrated me many times before...
Steve wrote:Btw love your shots on picasa, you've certainly been around.
Thanks
I have had an exciting year, yes!