High school students from across the Central West took the time yesterday to get a feel for studying engineering at Charles Sturt University.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just over 30 students and 15 to 20 parents from Bathurst, Canowindra, Gulgong, Mudgee, Narromine, Orange, Parkes and Tumut arrived at CSU to take part in MyDay and experience life as a CSU engineering student.
The students toured the campus and accommodation and took part in a 90-minute project with a representative of Engineers Without Borders.
During this time the students divided into three groups of 10 and had to work out how to make a boat float.
This is the kind of practical experience they will get if they choose to study engineering at CSU.
MyDay events are held across the campus to help future students gather the information and experiences they need to find the best course for them.
Applications for CSU’s new engineering course close on September 30.
Foundation Professor of Engineering Euan Lindsay said he was pleased with the turnout.
“There was a real buzz. They responded really well,” he said.
Professor Lindsay said the students went right through the engineering design process, including the need to keep within a budget, and came away with a practical understanding of the CSU course and the life of an engineer.
“I expect most of them would choose a career in engineering and obviously I hope they do it here with us,” Professor Lindsay said.
“I’m delighted by the turnout.”
Bathurst High student Alex Johnson said he was fairly interested in studying engineering, but was still working out whether he wanted to join the course at CSU.
“It’s a different kind of course,” he said.
Georgia Sonter of MacKillop College said she was serious about studying engineering and felt the engineering school at CSU would be good.
She added that studying in Bathurst would also be convenient.
“I’ve set my career path and this is what I want to do,” she said.
Georgia said she wants a course of study that uses mathematics and problem solving and engineering fits the bill.
“I like the idea of doing things that can help the community,” she said.
Ethan Hastings from Kelso High said listening to Professor Lindsay speak raised his interest level.
“It made me think more seriously about it,” he said.
“The course is local and seems different to other universities.
“It’s not just based on marks, but whether they feel you are a good fit for the course."