"At high school, I had a variety of interests and at the end of VCE I realised that Biology could be a really interesting subject for me. I was not sure however, and did not want to limit myself to any particular field. Like a lot of people in that situation, I chose a combined degree (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science).

"My Arts degree exposed me to a diversity of influences and ideas that I would not have encountered if I had done a single, Science degree. The writing and critical appraisal skills I learnt seem essential in assessing the ethics and methods I learnt in Science. My Science subjects gave me an inclusive perspective on issues in areas such as Social Geography, Women?s Studies and Environmental Politics.

"Zoology just seemed like the right subject for me. The more subjects I completed, the more I enjoyed it. Now I have a passion for invertebrate ecology, and feel that I am learning how to make a difference.

"The balance between attempts to produce unbiased knowledge, and the inevitable political implications of such knowledge is fascinating. Hopefully the time spent on my Arts degree will really pay off when I start my Honours course in Zoology this year."