School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
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Ms Leona Tooley Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Biomedical Science, and more specifically genetics, has Leona Tooley hooked. Leona, 23, is in her third and final year of her Bachelor of Science degree course majoring in biomedical science at Deakin’s Melbourne campus at Burwood. Having maintained a high average in her results throughout the course, Leona has her sights set on an honours year and possibly further postgraduate studies. “Undertaking honours would be a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory,” said Leona, adding that postgraduate qualifications provide an extra edge when applying for positions in medical research. Looking to the future, Leona would like to be involved in research focusing on cancer or childhood diseases or genetics counselling. Originally from Albury on the Victorian/New South Wales border, Leona was a keen science student at secondary school. Deakin’s biomedical science course appealed because of the subject selection available and the fact it was more tailored than a general science degree. Through the elective system, Leona has been able to pursue her interest in psychology as well as focus on more practical-based subjects such as genetics and molecular biology techniques. Leona also liked the broad-based structure of the first year of the course, which provided a sound foundation of knowledge in disciplines such as biology and chemistry. Leona described the teaching staff as “fantastic”. “Many of the teaching staff have doctorates and their own research laboratories on campus. They are extremely accessible and supportive,” she said. The Deakin Studies Online (DSO) service has also been a huge plus with notes from lectures and practical sessions available via the University website. Leona stressed the importance of thoroughly researching university courses and providers well before having to nominate preferences. She cautioned that first year university was always a hurdle because often the courses were very broad and students lost interest as they couldn’t appreciate the relevance of the content. “Go to open days, have a good look at the campus and talk to people,” said Leona, adding that she found the Deakin staff extremely helpful. Leona noted she had heard good reports about Deakin from a brother and friends who undertook courses at the Melbourne campus at Burwood. “I attended the open day at Burwood and the campus itself really appealed because it was so easy to find your way around,” Leona said. Having started a behavioural science degree course at another university before dropping out at the end of first year, Leona knew exactly what she was looking for. 
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