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After completing her Life Sciences Bachelor’s Degree with La Trobe University at PSB Academy, Gladys Lee took her academic journey beyond Singapore, heading to Australia to continue her Honours degree. She immersed herself in a new academic and cultural environment, formed meaningful cross-cultural connections and experienced a different way of learning. Continuing her academic journey in Australia allowed her to broaden her perspective beyond the laboratory and complement what she previously learnt.
Starting My Life Sciences Degree Journey in Singapore
My academic journey with La Trobe University at PSB Academy began with a strong interest towards chemistry. I came across PSB Academy’s Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry and Molecular Biology) and the programme stood out to me as my relevant background in Diploma in Biomedical Science meant that I could complete the degree within a year due to the exemptions I received. The programme felt like a natural progression to me as it complemented what I had learnt before while expanding my understanding of applied chemistry concepts.
Like many other students, I was initially uncertain about the value of pursuing an Australian university degree in Singapore. One of my main concerns was whether such a degree would be recognised by employers when I applied for local jobs. However, I also acknowledged the potential benefits of obtaining an Australian degree, particularly the opportunities it could offer for further studies in Australia or for future career prospects abroad.
After enrolling, the curriculum reassured me that I had chosen the right programme as the modules proved to be rigorous, relevant and extremely applicable. Modules such as Advanced Chemistry Laboratory and Synthetic Topics in Chemistry provided me with a strong foundation in laboratory practice and scientific thinking.
A Study Tour That Sparked An Overseas Academic Journey
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 La Trobe University and PSB Academy Study Tour at the Bundoora campus. The experience exposed me to a different learning environment, where the open and welcoming campus atmosphere left a lasting impression. It gave me valuable insight into what studying in Australia is like and allowed me to experience what it truly means to be part of a vibrant and diverse university community. During the study tour, the lecturers also introduced both the Honours pathway and Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics programme that we could pursue either in Singapore or in Australia, upon completion of my bachelor’s degree. Hearing from senior students who had progressed from Honours to PhD further strengthened my resolve to become an independent thinker and researcher in the laboratory. For the first time, I could picture myself following a similar path. Their experiences gave me the confidence to step beyond what was familiar and pursue my Honours degree in Australia.
Like many students studying overseas, one of the biggest challenges I faced was being away from my family and support network. My family has been an unwavering source of support throughout my academic journey. They were proud of my achievements at PSB Academy and encouraged me to seize the opportunity to study in Australia when it arose. Their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to embrace this new chapter. My mother even accompanied me to Australia to help me settle in, and having her by my side during such a significant transition provided both comfort and reassurance. Her presence made the experience far less daunting and motivated me to make the most of every opportunity. Knowing that my family believed in my potential inspired me to work harder, stay focused, and complete my Honours project with determination. Their unwavering encouragement gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges and seriously consider pursuing the next stage of my academic journey after Honours.
From Singapore to Australia: Adapting to University Life
It took some time for me to adapt to the culture rhythm at La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus. Melbourne offered a more relaxed learning atmosphere. We are encouraged to take more ownership of our own learning, plan our experiments and manage our time independently. Although the transition was challenging at first, it helped me become more independent, resourceful, and confident in the laboratory.
The campus environment played a significant role in my adjustment. There is a big student union lounge that is a super cosy hangout spot filled with sofas, beanbags, board games, and console games. It was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and spend time with friends and bond between classes. Through these interactions with students from diverse backgrounds, I became more confident in communicating across cultures and expressing my ideas effectively in discussions. Beyond the indoor spaces, I also appreciated how closely the campus is connected to nature. La Trobe even has a small wildlife sanctuary on campus, where students can visit rescued animals and learn more about wildlife conservation. These experiences made the campus feel welcoming and offered a refreshing balance to university life.
Developing a Research Mindset
An Honours programme is bound to have its challenging moments. Unlike typical coursework assignments, an Honours research project requires you to take full ownership of your work. One of the most valuable lessons I learnt was that not every experiment produces results that align with the original hypothesis.
During my research, there was a point when my experimental results did not match my initial expectations, despite carefully following the same methodology and repeating the experiment multiple times. After multiple discussions with my Honours supervisors, they reassured me that the results were still scientifically meaningful. They explained that unexpected outcomes are a natural part of research and it will often lead to new insights rather than indicating that something had gone wrong.
Their guidance helped me shift my perspective from trying to prove a hypothesis to understanding and interpreting the data objectively. This experience strengthened my critical thinking, resilience, and confidence as a researcher, teaching me that scientific discovery is not about always obtaining the expected results, but about making sense of the evidence and learning from it.
What's Next After An Honours Degree?
I am currently exploring my options after completing La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Australia. My research co-supervisor has been supportive of my interest in pursuing postgraduate studies and has welcomed the possibility of continuing my research journey with the university. Although I miss Singapore at times, I am considering pursuing either a Master’s degree or a PhD. Regardless of the pathway I choose, studying in both Singapore and Australia has provided me with a strong foundation for my future career. Completing La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry & Molecular Biology) at PSB Academy helped me develop a solid theoretical foundation and strong academic discipline, while my experience at La Trobe University’s campus in Australia exposed me to a wide range of industry-relevant laboratory equipment. Together, these experiences have helped me feel more prepared and confident about taking my next step.
When I first started my Life Sciences degree in Singapore, pursuing an Honours degree in Australia was not something I had imagined for myself. Looking back, I realised how many opportunities this pathway has given me. For anyone considering studying Life Sciences at a private education institution, I would say to keep an open mind about where your studies can take you. You may find yourself taking opportunities you never thought were possible.
About the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) programme
Students will have the option to pursue either an honours in La Trobe University Australia or through La Trobe University at PSB Academy in Singapore, subject to university’s approval. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours), offered by La Trobe University at PSB Academy, is a 9-month programme for students to explore research options or improve their hands-on skills.
There will be two research modules: Biomedical Science Honours A and B for students to hone their skills. Graduates may also be eligible to progress to a PhD programme, subject to meeting the university’s entry requirements. Looking to pursue a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) degree with La Trobe University at PSB Academy? Visit this page to find out more.
