Undergraduate Student Profiles

WARICK DRAPER

Double Degree Electronic Engineering / Computer Science (Honours)

How can an elite athlete who is rated as a great chance for a medal at the Olympic Games be a successful student at the same time? 'With dedication plus the help and support of a flexible and understanding academic staff' says Warwick Draper.

Warwick, who is completing an Electronic Engineering and Computer Science double degree at La Trobe Bundoora, represented Australia in the men's Canoe Kayak Slalom event. 'It has been difficult at times but the support of staff in both the Department of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science has made it possible'.

Warwick began his studies at La Trobe both full and part time. Following the Olympic Games he will devote a greater part of his time to study and intends to complete both degrees with full time study.

'My teachers at La Trobe have come to know that I put in my absolute best when I have time. Because of this they have been helpful, and above all flexible, particularly with assignment dates and lectures. Their help enabled me to plan when I could do various subjects and assignments, which allowed me to work in concentrated spells when the time was available.'

Successful or not at the Olympics, Warwick intends to get a job in electronics when he graduates, something in which he can use the skills gained in both degrees.

KALPANA DEO

Bachelor of Electronic Eng / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

When I began this course, I did not have any experience in the electronic engineering field. I was not familiar with components and designing circuits. But what attracted me to this course was the specialization in Biomedical Engineering. La Trobe University is the only university to offer the concurrent biomedical degree, where you undertake your masters in the fifth year.

During my years here I have come along way. I have improved my technical and problem solving skills, especially when undertaking the 4th electronic engineering project and Masters project These projects are done in conjunction with major hospitals in Melbourne. This has given me the opportunity to experience the processes involved in developing a project for a real client. I have also had the chance to present at presentation nights and research week.

Overall, I have enjoyed my time at La Trobe University. The Engineering department provides many facilities and the staff and students are supportive and they get to know you personally.

JAMES MURPHY

Bachelor of Electronics Engineering.

I am currently completing my final year of a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering degree. Throughout my time at La Trobe I have encountered a variety of academic, problem solving and personal development challenges that the course raises through regular design projects and group activities.

In overcoming the above challenges I have been greatly aided by the university's friendly staff who make themselves accessible to students and a friendship network which has developed through the uniqueness of the course, the university's relaxed campus and extensive social clubs.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at La Trobe. The course has increased my knowledge of electronics and developed my problem solving and interpersonal skills. These skills will be pivotal in my future, both in my professional and social lives.

KAREN LOGUE

Mature Age Student.
Bachelor of Electronics Engineering / Masters of Microelectronics Degree .

I am currently completing my second-last year of the concurrent Bachelor of Electronics Engineering/Masters of Microelectronics degree and have found this course to be both a challenging and rewarding experience. It has taught me the theoretical background and practical skills needed for a strong foundation in the electronics industry.

The most challenging part I found was to redevelop the maths and physics skills needed for successful completion of this course. The most rewarding experiences have been those where I designed and physically created practical solutions for electronic engineering problems.

Throughout my time at La Trobe I have found many of the lecturers to be approachable and encouraging . Irrespective of large class sizes, they were willing to spend time with students on a 'one to one' basis when help was requested. The dedicated engineering workshop staff were also willing to help students with practical design issues when the need arose.

After investigating the reputation La Trobe students have in the workforce, I was pleased to discover that employers have high regard for La Trobe students' skills and abilities. This will certainly help the make the way a little smoother for those of us who graduate in the future.

So, in conclusion I would have to give La Trobe University Electronics Engineering courses and faculty staff a 'big thumbs up'! I would recommend it to anyone considering a career in electronics.

PETAR STOJANOV

Bachelor of Science (Honours) / Bachelor of Electronic Engineering.

Studying a dual degree course is a serious undertaking, but certainly worth the rewards in the end. Rather than a single degree focusing on one discipline, combining two separate disciplines has given me the opportunity to work in the most unusual and interesting areas; areas I never imagined existed before entering the university.

Studying at La Trobe has allowed me to gain experience in a number of different fields. Most notable was a three month vacation stint at Note Printing Australia, the company responsible for printing banknotes for Australia as well as 20 other countries around the world. I was exposed to the latest printing technologies and processes in the area and was involved in developing biometric identification technologies for the new Australian Passport. I was also involved in designing the latest optical anticounterfeiting features and devices for use in future issues of banknotes and other security documents.

My fourth year Electronics project led on from a science Honours project in the previous year modeling the electrostatic lens systems in the La Trobe University Toroidal Analyser , a patented machine design constructed completely in-house by the La Trobe Physics department and currently located in Berlin, Germany. The electronics project this year is an automated machine vision system ‘concept proof' for the same analyser. Having constructed a test system here in Melbourne, I will be accompanying a six-person team to Germany to the Berlin Synchrotron BESSY II, (www.bessy.de) to relocate and install my module on the analyser itself. In addition to the benefits for users of the system, my employable skills have also increased dramatically in having used advanced camera and image processing technologies and LabView software. Who says hard work doesn't pay off!

ELIZABETH MACKIE

Bachelor of Electronic Eng / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

I had been interested in Biomedical Engineering since I found it in the jobs guide while doing a high school project, so when it came to choosing my university course, I knew what I was looking for. I was initially attracted to La Trobe by the opportunity to combine an undergraduate degree with a Masters by coursework. I saw this as a great way to gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

Since coming to La Trobe, I have been continually impressed with the Electronic Engineering Department's attitude and support. The teaching and support staffs are always friendly and happy to provide assistance with course material and technical support on student projects. Through their encouragement, I have had the opportunity to work on a practical project for the Austin Hospital as part of my studies. It is exciting to see my design project having real-world medical applications.

From living on campus at Glenn College for the first two years of my studies, to the challenges of my Masters project, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at La Trobe University. I would highly recommend La Trobe to anyone considering Electronic Engineering.

DARREN HAYES

Mature Age Student.
Double Degree Electronic Engineering / Computer Science (Honours).

I am a mature age student. The reason for me returning to University is a long held interest in electronics and computer science. I have always previously thought that it would be far too difficult to get a degree in Electronic Engineering, but now, as I finish my final semester, I would encourage anyone to give it a go, in particular, here at La Trobe. With hard work and dedication to learning, it is within the reach of everyone. I have been able to achieve good marks in all my subjects after a break of some 15 years from formal education.

One of the main reasons for studying here is due to the staff. They are very friendly and accessible. I think of several of them as friends now, rather than lecturers. Contact time is high here compared to other institutions, which is a real help. Some staff have even made themselves available on weekends where required, demonstrating dedication well beyond their job descriptions.

The campus at Bundoora is excellent. The Agora is the center of social life at La Trobe and a great place to hang out and catch up with friends. There is always something going on.

Naturally, not all of my time has been spent studying. I have been lucky enough to be campus coordinator for Engineers Australia, the body that certifies the course you will undertake. This role has involved running BBQ's and social events for students to make them aware of the institution and events run by them. I am also President of the Engineering Society, or EngSoc as we call it. EngSoc is about making the social life of students more interesting and assisting with the integration across year levels.

Engineering is about being able to design solutions for a set of requirements. As the course continues through the first year, you will begin to feel more confident and capable of your ability to rise to challenges in meeting these requirements. I've had an excellent time at LaTrobe and will be sorry to leave.

STEFAN MAUGER

Bachelor of Electronic Eng / Master of Biomedical Engineering.

I am in my third year of the double degree, Bachelor of Electronic Engineering / Master of Biomedical Engineering here at La Trobe. Initially I chose this course because it offered both the electronic degree and the biomedical masters in five years. Since then I have found this course to not only teach technical knowledge, but also practical solutions to both electronic and biomedical problems.

This degree option has given me a broad insight to all aspects of electronic engineering giving me the technical practical and managerial skills necessary to become a professional electronic engineer in an enviroment where teaching staff are always dedicated to our learning.

I also had the opportunity to study abroad with La Trobe's International Network of Universities scholarship program where all expenses are paid. I chose to study in Leicester University, England which also has a fantastic biomedical department. This enabled me to continue my study in another country, gain more engineering and international experience, travel, learn about other cultures and have a stack of fun on the way. Studying there I found the course to be theorectically focussed which made me more appreciative of the balance of theorectical and practical skills taught at La Trobe.

Deciding to study at La Trobe has been without doubt one of the best decisions I have made. From interactive teaching and learning at La Trobe to fantastic social activities at my residential college, Menzies. La Trobe has definitely given me a broad range of skills giving me the best opportunties to become a well rounded professional Engineer.