"There’s so much I wouldn’t have got to do if I hadn't studied the PhB." 

Courtney Landers from Brisbane studied the Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB), the program which provides students with research opportunities throughout their undergraduate career, and which gave Courtney access to some of Australia’s top scientists.

"I did my Honours in epigenetics, studying bees," Courtney says. "The simplest description of epigenetics is a system they found describing how our cells use DNA. They didn’t even believe something like it would exist ten years ago. It’s a very new field. It was a pretty exciting year."

Courtney says that one of the great things about studying at ANU was the extra opportunities students get from being in Canberra. "Being on campus made it so much easier to do things like debating or to go to Parliament House for political activities."

She found living on campus brought extra opportunities as well. "Living on campus as well was a big thing – because I felt like if I was still living at home then I wouldn’t have had the chance to get out and socialise."

It was her debating skills that helped her win a Lions Oratory award. The competition required students to speak about fundamental human values. "It was appealing because you get to talk about a big issue, rather than the small practical ones you often deal with at University."