School Of Biosciences, University of Kent

20/01/2025

We're thrilled to announce that our brilliant academics, Professor Mark Smales and Professor Kathy Kotiadis, are leading an incredible £8.2 million project to fast-track innovative tools for better and faster disease diagnosis 🩺

Backed by a £3.8m Research England grant, this initiative will unite England’s top diagnostic experts and launch the Centre for Advanced Diagnostics Development and Application (CADDA) here at Kent.

In collaboration with the University of Manchester (led by Professor Alan Dickson) and University College London (UCL) (led by Professor Jolene Skordis), the project will bridge the gap between academia, industry, and end users, driving cutting-edge diagnostic solutions forward.

Find out more about why this matters at www.kent.ac.uk/news/health-social-care-and-wellbeing/35995/diagnostics-development-centre-announced

17/01/2025

05/11/2024

Our leading experts on the science of ageing will be inspiring the local community to embrace their inner scientist in a series of free, interactive workshops in Ramsgate this weekend 👴 🔬

The workshops, hosted in collaboration with Discovery Planet, will see Biogerontologist, Dr Jennifer Tullet, and Microbiologist, Dr Emma Hargreaves, run a series of family-friendly activities to introduce the wonderful world of scientific worms, what they can teach us about our own bodies and ways to keep it healthy.

Supported by a number of students and researchers from Dr Tullet’s lab, participants will have the chance to view the worm, C.elegans, under the microscope and examine how the different stages of the worm’s development relate to those of the human lifecycle.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4hw2WAw

10/09/2024

Are you joining us for our Postgraduate Open Event tomorrow? 🤔

Come along and discover what it's like to be a PG student at Kent! You'll be able to:

➡️ Chat to current students and staff
➡️ Get all the information you need on fees and funding your study
➡️ Talk through the application process with our admission experts
➡️ Meet our academic staff to discuss your project

For more information visit 👉 www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit/postgraduate-events -now

06/08/2024

In 2023, sewage discharges into the south east’s rivers and seas hit record levels 🌊

While the Environment Agency tests bathing water quality between May and September on a weekly basis, ITV Meridian wanted to carry out their own investigation into water quality after talking with campaigners and volunteers who take it upon themselves to gather data about sewage outflow with mobile chemistry kits.

They called upon Dr Anastasios Tsaousis, a Reader in Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology at our School of Biosciences, to test samples from beaches at Bexhill, St Leonards, Hastings, Whitstable and along the River Medway near Maidstone.

Dr Tsaousis tested the water samples, which were taken following some dry weather spells, for the presence of any viruses or bacteria – which could be harmful to both humans and aquatic life. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the tests on the water did not show any alarming levels of bacteria which could have an impact on health. Two from the River Medway and one from St Leonards showed some signs of contamination, but there was nothing particularly worrying to flag.

Yet, Dr Tsaousis did note that the samples are only from ‘one time point on a certain day’ and that really we require continuous monitoring from frequent times of the day too.

06/08/2024

06/08/2024

Our top tips for applying through Clearing!

Clearing is upon us and with results day just around the corner, you might be starting to consider your options. Whether you've had a change of heart for your course or place or study, you've got your results from a previous year and want to make a new application, or you want to broaden your options for September, Clearing is all about CHOICE.

Here's how to make that choice a little easier:

1. Look at course vacancies 💻

As Clearing is open from 5th July onwards, you can look at the courses available ahead of results day. Lots of universities, Kent included, allow you to pre-register your interest for courses available in Clearing, getting you priority access to course information when it comes up.

2. Research course content 📚

Just like you did during your initial application, take some time to look through module content, university facilities, and support services. Kent has a Virtual Experience where you can hear from students who study your course to find out more about life at Kent. Take a look here: https://virtualexperience.kent.ac.uk/

3. Be flexible! 🤷

Look at courses you haven't considered before and don't be put off by unfamiliar degree titles, they might have similar module content to the course you originally applied for. If you're unsure, you can always email the school you're interested in to ask for more information.

If you'd like to find out more, visit our dedicated Clearing Hub for all the info you need: www.kent.ac.uk/Clearing

06/08/2024

The best graduation duo - Edith and Alfie 🐶

"I have had the pleasure of Alfie's company since he was 15 weeks old, and he has brought immeasurable joy to my life. As a multi-disabled individual, owning Alfie has played a crucial role in fostering my independence. Without his support, I doubt I would have successfully completed my Biomedical Science degree, let alone graduated with First Class honours.

"Ordinarily, the cacophony of loud noises and the weight of academic achievement would overwhelm me. However, with Alfie by my side, I had the assurance of safely walking down the aisle and returning to my seat, enabling me to capture precious, enduring memories."

Congratulations Edith and well done Alfie! 🎓

06/07/2024

What a fantastic turnout for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate Open Day! 🎉

Thanks to SO many of you who came down to see our beautiful Canterbury Campus, meet staff and students, and learn more about life at Kent.

We also hosted open lectures on subjects from Clearing to careers, from finance to commuting to uni from home. We even held our own Question Time to discuss the post-election results and ask you what you made of the political campaigns.

If you're still looking for a place at university this September, our Clearing hotlines are open. Give us a call to discuss your options and visit www.kent.ac.uk/Clearing for more information.