Real-world learning and getting your hands dirty
What surprised me was how much real-world experience I would be getting in my degree. I’m not just sitting in lectures, writing papers, and taking endless exams. I’m actually out there, in the dirt learning with my hands or in the lab honing my skills.
I’ve attended a gun range to learn more about ballistic analysis and had a go at shooting handguns. I’ve also participated in a mock crime scene in conjunction with WA Police and blood pattern analysts, interpreting and assessing a scene of blood events.
I’ve also been on a two-day excursion of a full mock crime scene grave excavation at Whitby Farm. We were given a full debriefing and an area of land to work from. We cordoned off our crime scene and identified areas and evidence of importance. As crime scene surveyor, it was my job to ensure the area was mapped in detail, and I helped to identify, collect, and interpret the evidence. On day two we excavated the remains – a much larger job than you’d think!
I don’t think anything can compare to a full-scale experience, learning alongside your future colleagues and peers.
What I love about Murdoch
All the people I’ve met are incredibly welcoming. It’s great to meet others who are as passionate about knowledge as I am – most of them ‘weirdos’ like me! There’s a good mix of socialisation and fun, and the same people who will have a drink with you on Friday will be there to give a presentation with you on Monday.