At the School of Biosciences we pride ourselves in both our excellent teaching and cutting edge research. But while studying is undoubtedly a core part of attending university, there are many extracurricular opportunities at the University of Kent to help students further their employability and expand their CV. Activities outside the degree programmes add so much to the experience at university, and many of our students have made the most of what Kent has to offer. Within our School, Biosciences students are regularly entered into the annual iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition, and the student-led Bio Soc (Biosciences Society) regularly plan speakers and social events for like-minded students to further their academic interests.
Outside of Biosciences, Biosciences students have been involved in many facets of university life. Aaron Brown, an undergraduate who studied Biomedical Science, was heavily involved in sport at the University through joining the Mixed Martial Arts Society, and also by representing Kent in squash, pool and snooker tournaments. Elizabeth Grimsey also made the most of the brilliant sporting opportunities at Kent, joining the netball, athletics and cross-country societies over the course of her Biomedical Science degree, while Liam Abrahams was a sports scholar, representing the UK in trampolining with support from the Sports Scholarships scheme.
Many of our students this year are also regularly involved in music, showing just how well music and science go together! While she’s not studying Biology for her degree, Catriona Bradley sings in three of the University choirs: Minerva Voices, the Cecilian Choir and the Chorus, as do third year student Harriet Gunstone and second year Ruth Webster, while second year student Jonathan Butten plays in the University Orchestra. As well as giving students the opportunity to make new friends and practise their skills as musicians, music at Kent also provides students with the chance to perform; four of our second year students have also been awarded music scholarships. Both students and staff from the School of Biosciences have had a high profile in a recent performance, A Baroque Christmas, which has brought the autumn term to a brilliant finale and celebrates the diverse talent in our School.
Pictured below are (left to right) the four soloists from “A Baroque Christmas”: second year Biomedical Science students Jonathan Butten, Ruth Webster, Charlotte Webb, and member of academic staff Dr. Dan Lloyd.
