Ten UTS science students are joining NASA and the International Mars Society scientists for a week in Arkaroola, South Australia, to conduct research that will one day help send human beings to Mars.

The excited group of budding biologists and geologists are the only undergraduates in Australia to participate in experiments associated with Expedition 2 of the Mars Analogue Research Station Project in South Australia.

UTS Planetary Society President and group spokesperson Michael Kalidis said it was an unbelievable opportunity to learn for the group of young men and women, who together study the subject Comparative Planetology.

"It seems synergistic that we are going on the expedition," Mr Kalidis said. "Our UTS lecturer Dr Graziella Caprarelli is also a scientist with NASA and planted the idea in our heads and inspired us to become part of the Mars research.

"After approaching for sponsorship and then being rejected by more than a hundred organizations, UTS is generously helping us to cover our expenses.

"We realise this opportunity is going to expand all our expectations for future careers. I am definitely now interested in looking at a career with NASA in space/biological research. Our UTS studies have given us access to highly specialised areas of biology and geology that undergraduates would not normally be exposed to."

The UTS students will both conduct and participate in research. Mr Kalidis will be looking at the microbiology of hot springs, while as a group they will serve as guinea pigs in a group close confinement study and in testing new materials to be used in space suits for use on Mars called Mars Skins.

UTS Senior Science Lecturer Dr Graziella Caprarelli said this expedition was important for the students because it represents the future of science.

"Mankind's future is in the sky, we will have to leave this planet sometime, she said. "The knowledge and commitment that will be needed to propel us towards a future in space begins with this next generation of scientists. The future is not ours - it's theirs."

UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne said it was important for universities to provide students even in undergraduate years with inspiring opportunities to learn from practice.

"This experience is something our team of intrepid science students will never forget and it is going to fire their ambition and scientific curiosity," Professor Milbourne said.

"These sorts of practical experiences in undergraduate years fuel the interest of young people to go onto post-graduate study where their advanced expertise can contribute to ground-breaking Australian research."