Profile

Helen Smith

Helen Smith is a second year student in our Talented Student Program.

Why did you choose Physics?

It was a process of elimination. I like finding out how things work, and the way that Physics is structured, you can get to the answer via a logical method. I also like the experimental side; you can get in and get your hands on things.

What’s it like doing Physics at University of Sydney?

I’ve enjoyed taking it to the next level from High School; for instance the astrophysics, and all the applications in the quantum physics course were good too. I think the big difference from school is learning how to study. The way they teach the course encourages you to broaden your knowledge and look up extra material. The lecturers are approachable too. I’ve had heaps and heaps of opportunities. I did a great TSP project on solar energy, linking physics and photosynthesis. It was really exciting, and I feel it was really worthwhile for society.

Where will you go from here?

I want to major in physics and biology. Very few people in biology have the analytical skills you get from physics. There are lots of fascinating areas, such as optics in polychaete worms or the way beetles in the desert collect water on their abdomens. Mathematical modelling of things such as locust swarms could be interesting too.