A forensic science major offers specialised forensic studies within the physical and biomedical sciences that underpin forensic investigations.
A lot of students come to university not knowing exactly what they want to do in their working life.
Especially school leavers. And that's OK.
It's a matter of finding yourself as much as it is about finding the right course.
That might take some time, but if you're prepared to try things and even switch between degrees, you'll eventually find a direction that speaks to you.
Just ask Paige Smith.
I found what I loved most, says ECU Forensic Science major student Paige Smith.
To find your passion, keep turning a page
When she was little, Paige told her mum she wanted to be a palaeontologist.
It's impressive that a small child knew what that meant!
However, from that point forward, Paige always wanted a science-based career.
Working out what I wanted to study was a bit of a challenge for me.
Originally, she wanted to go into Paramedicine but unfortunately was not accepted into the course.
So she enrolled into Health Science.
But after one semester, Paige realised it wasn't for her.
"This led me to enrolling into a Criminology and Justice degree as I have always had a passion for anything crime-related," she says.
During that year, she decided to major in forensic science.
Forensic Science students gain experience in industry grade laboratory facilities.
Life in the lab
"After doing my first unit in Forensic Science I found what I loved most, being in the lab," says Paige.
However, to pursue a career in this field, she needed to switch to a Biomedical Science degree.
"I am so grateful that I made that decision as I have not once looked back since."
The thing that has surprised Paige the most about her course is how well she has done.
"It surprises me, because I came from two different courses that I did not do very well in, purely because they didn't cover the side of science that I love so much," she says.
Paige loves it so much that she just received her first ever High Distinction in a unit.
"This was a huge day for me as I have always been someone who struggles learning despite how much I love it."
It starts with you
Paige's story isn't unusual.
Even if you end up in a course that isn't working for you, it's still possible to change to a different degree – you can even be awarded credits for the units you've already completed!
Also, the first year of a uni course isn't always about getting into the details.
Many courses expose you to a wide range of subjects in your first year so that you'll have a better idea what to specialise in for the rest of your degree.
So all is not lost!
We always say to students that to find the type of work likely to bring them the most satisfaction, they should start by finding out who they are.
How would you describe yourself to a complete stranger? What kinds of things make you happy? What things get you excited?
We ask these kinds of questions in our 5-minute Career Finder Quiz.
The quiz will tell you which of eight different persona types you best fit.
It also suggests courses to consider that might help you pursue a career that matches your persona type.
Like Paige, we hope you find your passion.
