The University of the Sunshine Coast will offer first-year Science and Engineering subjects from its Gympie campus from the start of 2016.

Students will have the opportunity to complete the first year of a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil or Mechanical) in Gympie, before studying the remainder of the degree at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs.

Head of the School of Science and Engineering Professor David Young said he believed this approach could benefit students who are the first in their family to attend university.

“For school-leavers from the Gympie region, undertaking their first year of university study locally could be a far less daunting option than moving away from home,” Professor Young said.

“It is also an excellent opportunity for mature-age students and people who want to maintain work commitments in Gympie while upgrading their skills.

“We will have opportunities for students to visit and utilise the science and engineering facilities at the Sippy Downs campus, particularly the cutting-edge 3D visualisation facilities in the Engineering Learning Hub.”

Professor Young said Science students would have the choice of majoring in one of 16 different areas, including Chemistry, Biotechnology, Animal Ecology and Environmental Science.

USC Gympie Manager Graham Young said it was fantastic to be able to offer new opportunities to the community in Gympie and the surrounding areas.

“Every year this campus is continuing to grow and develop,” he said. “Ultimately it will result in more students being able to access high-quality, face-to-face teaching close to home.”

Enrolments to study Science or Engineering at USC Gympie are now open through QTAC (qtac.edu.au).

More information can be found at usc.edu.au/learn/how-do-i-apply.

— Gen Kennedy