BIOMEDICALSCIENCECanterbury

The UK’s European university

Undergraduatestudy

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ANDINSPIRATIONAL TEACHING

Kent is one of the UK’sleading universities,producing world-classresearch and excellentdegree programmes.

World-leading researchThe School of Biosciences at Kentranks among the most active inbiological sciences in the UK, withresearch funding at about £4 millionper year. Outside bodies havecommended the School for itsresearch, which is acknowledgedto attain international levels ofexcellence.

The research in the School isfocused on understanding systemsand processes in the living cell. Ithas a molecular focus and coversthe disciplines of biochemistry,microbiology and biomedicalscience. The research projectscurrently ongoing in the School

include: cancer biology and cancertherapies, bioprocessing and thedevelopment of novel therapeutics,genetic and prion diseases,reproductive medicine, syntheticbiology, protein folding andstructural biology, the biologyof aging, molecular motors, andbacterial pathogenesis and sensing.

Our research feeds directly intoour teaching, providing excitingand relevant final-year projects,well-equipped and well-resourcedlaboratories, and ensures that youlearn the most up-to-date sciencepossible.

Passionate teachingThe School of Biosciences wasawarded the maximum score of 24in its teaching quality assessment,achieving full marks in areas suchas the design and delivery ofteaching materials, and the supportand guidance we give our students.

The assessors concluded that theSchool of Biosciences offers ‘welldesigned, flexible and coherentdegree pathways, taught bydedicated and enthusiastic staffwell-matched to the syllabus andclearly informed by industry andresearch’.

This reputation for teachingexcellence in the School ofBiosciences is reflected in theNational Student Survey. Forexample, in the subject area ofBiomedical Science, Kent hasbeen rated as one of the top twouniversities in England and Walesfor overall course satisfaction in fiveof the last seven years.

The School also has a reputation forinnovation. One of our academics,Dr Dan Lloyd, has won a NationalTeaching Fellowship Award for hiswork on the School’s communicationprojects (see p16). These projectsenable our science students to givetalks in local schools and explainscience to the public using variousmultimedia outlets. The School hasalso received several recent awardsfrom the Science Faculty and Kent’sstudent union including awards forBest Feedback and for being votedone of the top three Schools withinthe University.

Supportive communityTeaching methods include lectures,lab classes and work in smallgroups (via tutorials, workshops andproblem-solving sessions). We alsouse some self-learning packages.All students gain extensive practicaltraining and spend up to two days a

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A successful futureIn your studies, you gain excellentanalytical, communication andnumerical skills. You have the optionat the start of Stage 2 of eithertaking the modules that lead to anaccredited degree or choosing tostudy a broader range of subjects.In this way, you tailor the course tomatch your own particular careeraspirations and interests.

We have excellent links withemployers such as the NHS,GlaxoSmithKline and Genzymeand can offer a Sandwich Yearoption, which gives you theopportunity to earn a salary for ayear, evaluate a potential employer,and enhance your employmentprospects. See p14 for details.

For more information on the careershelp we provide at Kent, see p8 orvisit our Employability web page atwww.kent.ac.uk/employability

Professional accreditationOur degree is accredited by theInstitute of Biomedical Sciences(www.ibms.org), the professionalbody for Biomedical Scientists.Gaining an accredited degree willallow you to work as a BiomedicalScientist in the National HealthService.

Summer studentshipsWe offer all our Biomedical Sciencestudents who join us with A levelgrades of AAB (or equivalent) aguaranteed eight-week paidresearch project in one of theSchool’s research labs in thesummer vacation of the secondyear. The studentship is optionaland does not contribute to yourfinal degree result, but it providesan ideal opportunity to experiencethe excitement of research first-hand and to gain valuable skillsthat will be useful when seekingemployment or further study at theend of your degree course. Summerstudentships are conditional on youcontinuing to achieve good gradesat university.

week in the laboratory. In the finalyear, there is the chance to conductan eight-week research projectwhich may be laboratory, library,or communication based, and isintegrated with the expertise of theacademic staff.

A global outlookOur School has an internationalreputation and collaborates withresearch groups throughout the UKand Europe. Our students also havethe option to spend a year studyingabroad (see p10). This year can bea fantastic opportunity for personaldevelopment and provides anadded insight into your subject.

The University has a cosmopolitanatmosphere with many studentsfrom overseas – 22% of Kentstudents come from outside the UK.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

DID YOU KNOW?Kent was ranked 3rd inLondon and the south-eastfor overall student satisfactionin the 2011 National StudentSurvey.

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SUPERB STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Based on a scenic campus,you have the use ofmodern teaching labs,with state-of-the-arttechnology.

Top class study facilitiesThe £1 million bioscience teachinglaboratories ensure that our studentshave an excellent environment inwhich to develop their practicalskills. The School of Biosciencesalso attracts a large researchbudget, which allows us to provideexcellent research labs. If youchoose to do laboratory research aspart of your final-year project (seep16), you will work alongside ourworld-class research scientists,using the same high-leveltechnology.

Also on campus are good academicfacilities, such as the TemplemanLibrary which houses over a millionpublications, over a thousand publicPCs and a range of study supportservices for help and advice.

Thriving scientificcommunityOur school often collaborates withresearch groups throughout theUK and Europe, and within industry.It has excellent links with localemployers such as the NHS,GlaxoSmithKline and Genzyme.

Beautiful locationCanterbury city centre is only a 20-minute walk or a short bus-ride fromthe centre of campus. It’s a beautifulcity with many stunning medievalbuildings and also has lively bars,pubs, restaurants and cafés anda wide range of shops, from smallindependent outlets to high streetchains. The attractive coastal townof Whitstable is close by and thereare sandy beaches further along thecoast. London is under an houraway by train.

Friendly campusThe campus is built on 300 acresof parkland, overlooking Canterbury.Modern buildings are surroundedby open green spaces, courtyards,gardens, ponds and woodland.

It’s self-contained and all the mainfacilities are within walking distance.

These include: sports centre,cinema, theatre, nightclub,restaurants, cafés, bars, medicalcentre, pharmacy, off-licence, shop,banks and laundry facilities. Manystudents comment on the friendlyatmosphere at Kent which allowsyou to make friends from all overthe world.

A European universityKent has a diverse cosmopolitanstudent population with 125nationalities represented oncampus. We have strong links withuniversities in Europe and Kent isonly around two hours by train fromParis and Brussels.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

“The teaching laboratories arereally well laid out. They aremodern, spacious and give youa professional environment towork in.”

Stephanie PauldingFinal-year student

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Have you thought about whatyou want to do after graduation?In our second year, people from theUniversity’s careers service gave ustalks on the directions you can gowith a biomedical science degreewhich was very helpful. At themoment, I am thinking aboutdoing a Master’s or a PhD.

What about Kent’s social life?There are lots of clubs and societiesyou can join. I play cricket and waslucky enough to get a scholarship;the scholarship scheme is excellentand gives you lots of help with yoursport. Over the last couple of years,I have worked with strength andconditioning coaches who havehelped me to plan my trainingaround my academic work andstudent life in general. I haveabsolutely loved having ascholarship; it has really helped withmy cricket. I went to India with theEngland academy to play cricketand the University was verysupportive.

I also joined the mountaineeringclub which I really enjoy – we goclimbing almost every otherweekend.

What advice would you giveto those thinking of comingto Kent?I have really enjoyed it and woulddefinitely recommend it. It is a verynice environment to learn in, so justenjoy yourself and get involved ineverything you can.

Karen Baker is a final-yearstudent on the BiomedicalSciencewith aYear inIndustry programme.

Why did you choose Kent?I looked at other universities butKent was well placed in the studentsatisfaction league tables andscored highly for teaching quality.When I visited, I liked the look of thecampus and the course was exactlywhat I wanted to do.

I live locally, so I didn’t live oncampus and was worried that thiswould make it harder for me to settlein, but there are lots of ways to meetpeople, through the various clubsand societies, so it was fine.

Did the course live up to yourexpectations?Absolutely. You can take anaccredited course, but I chosenot to. The modules are varied andcover lots of aspects of biomedicalscience. So far I have enjoyed it all,especially the practical side – it isexcellent. In your first year, you aregiven lots of instruction on thetechnical side and then in yoursecond year you do a mini projectthat prepares you for your final-yearproject. It is well planned, and youare not rushed into doing things,which are too complicated.

In your final year, you do anextended project and can chooseto work in any area that interestsyou. I am planning to do acomputing-based project usingbioinformatics which is relevant

to a whole range of different topics.Having done a lot of lab work in mywork placement, I feel working inthis area will be more of a challengeand give me a wider range ofexperience.

What about the lecturers?The lecturers are veryapproachable and happy toanswer questions. There is a lotof interesting research going onin the School and that is includedin lectures which is great.

You mentioned your workplacement, how did that go?I managed to get a place with alocal firm, Sekisui Diagnostics andI loved it. I worked on a product thatthe company had produced calledbeta-lactamase; it is used in sterilitytesting and antibiotic products andwhen analysing patient bloodsamples. There were already othercompetitor products in the marketthat were better, so my role wasto take the enzyme, improve it andso create a better product. I workedin a team of three, and once I hadshown that I could produce results,I was given aspects of the projectto take on by myself. I was able totrack the project through the wholeprocess, from evaluating newpotential to making the newproduct. The whole experiencewas very satisfying; I learnt somuch more than I had expected to.

Going on a placement is a fantasticexperience and boosts your CV.Learning about the commercialand business side of a company isimportant and will be useful later on.

STUDENT PROFILE

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Many career pathscan benefit from thenumerical, analytical andcommunication skills thatyou develop during yourstudies. Most of ourstudents are highlysuccessful aftergraduation.

As well as providing a first-rateacademic experience, we want youto be in a good position to face thedemands of a tough economicenvironment. We are consistentlyin the top 20 of graduate startingsalaries and in 2010, only 5% ofKent graduates were without a jobor further study opportunity sixmonths after graduation. We prideourselves on helping studentsdevelop transferable skills throughtheir studies.

Common career pathsAbout a third of our graduatesgo straight into laboratory work inhospital, industrial or university labs.

Typical specialisms include medicalmicrobiology, clinical chemistry,transfusion science, haematology,histopathology, cytology, virologyand immunology. For work withinthe National Health Service, weoffer a degree accredited by theInstitute of Biomedical Science(www.ibms.org).

Another third of our graduatesgo on to become senior researchscientists – a role that allows them towork at the cutting edge of scientificexploration. The most commonroute is to gain an MSc in a morespecialised area or a PhD by joiningan established research group.Most students receive full funding tosupport their scientific work whilestudying for a PhD.

The remaining third of ourgraduates go on to work in otherareas. The skills you gain in yourstudies are useful in a range ofcareers. In recent years, studentshave found employment in teaching,scientific publishing, sales,

marketing, banking, accountancy,police and social work. A gooddegree result can also qualifystudents to train in medicine orthe veterinary profession.

Professional experienceStudents who choose to take asandwich year (see p14) oftenfind this extra experience enhancestheir job prospects. They gainwork experience, insight into theprofessional pathways available,and useful skills. A year abroad canalso provide valuable experienceand an opportunity for personaldevelopment. See p10 for details.

A large number of our students alsodevelop professional skills and gainhands-on experience through Kent’swide range of voluntary workopportunities (see www.kent.ac.uk/employability). We also offerresearch summer studentshipswhich are paid positions in theSchool available during the summerafter your second year (see p3 fordetails).

Careers adviceThe Careers Advisory Service cangive you guidance in areas such as:how to choose your future career;how to apply for jobs; how to write agood CV; and how to perform well ininterviews and aptitude tests. It alsoprovides up-to-date information ongraduate opportunities, before andafter you graduate. For more details,go to www.kent.ac.uk/careers

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commercial production. I investigateall the transformations that occurwhen we convert raw materials intoa high-quality final product. I look atthe molecular properties in detail,examining microstructures to ensurethat they are stable and won’t breakdown over time.

What are your future plans?I would love to experience workingin another culture – so I may take anextended business trip in Americaor Asia. I would also like to meetmore technical experts and workwith them on really cool researchprojects such as new perfumedelivery technology or nextgeneration mascara.

One day I would like to go back touniversity for postgraduate study –life-long learning!

Do you have any other happymemories of Kent that youwould like to share with us?I had to sit for eight papers in mysecond and final-year exams and Isurvived! I remember drinking cideron the Rutherford field after my lastpaper – so wonderful!

Also, ArtsFest, the summer ball,Christmas carol service, thegraduation ceremony – nothingbeats the amazing CanterburyCathedral.

What advice would you giveto someone coming to Kent?Be prepared for a great and life-changing experience!

Bailu Lu graduated fromthe Biomedical Scienceprogramme in 2009. Shenowworks in researchand development forProcter &Gamble.

Why did you choose Kent?It is in lovely south-east England andI was hoping for sunshine! Also, theUniversity is close to London, hada good reputation and offered thecourse I wanted – BiomedicalScience.

How would you describe theteaching at Kent?Really great – all the lecturers are sofriendly and academically excellent.They are patient and offer you helpwhen you need it. All studentshave a personal tutor, which,as an overseas student, I foundparticularly helpful. It was good tohave somebody I could talk to aboutcareer opportunities.

What about the course itself?Excellent – I want to do it all overagain! I loved the sandwich yearpart of the programme. It forcedme to leave my comfort zone andI gained invaluable experience,such as how to prepare forinterviews, which helped me tosecure a job when I graduated. Ican’t thank the University enough.

The lectures are well organised,interactive and hands-on. In yourfinal year, you do a research projectwhich I loved. You work as part of ateam and I found the whole process

very interesting. I felt a real senseof satisfaction when I finished myreport – and like a real scientist!

How would you describeacademic standards at Kent?Very high. Kent graduates have agreat reputation in the workforce.

How do the skills you gained atKent help in your career?Too much to summarise here!Obviously, communication skillsand literature-research, but also theexperience of interacting with somany different people has definitelyhelped me in the corporate team-building events I now attend.

Could you describe your careerpath since leaving Kent?I am passionate about scienceand innovation! For my sandwichplacement, I worked in research anddevelopment (R&D) in the consumergoods industry and chose tocontinue in that area aftergraduation.

Could you describe a typical dayin your current role?I work for Gillette Global Grooming,part of Procter & Gamble, in theR&D team. I am a process engineer.A typical day starts with checkingemails, followed by meetings andconference calls with my R&Dcounterparts all over the world. Iwork closely with the Formulator, whois responsible for the chemistry ofnew products, and we take the lab-made formulation and scale it upso that it is suitable for large-scale

GRADUATE PROFILE

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CHOOSING YOUR PROGRAMME

Not sure whichprogramme to choose?Here’s a quick guide to thedegrees on offer withinthe School of Biosciences.

Biomedical ScienceThis three-year programme exploresthe biochemical processes thatoccur in the human body, andhuman diseases such as cancerand the body’s response toinfection. It offers its graduates achance to put scientific knowledgeinto practical use within medicalhealthcare, in laboratory-basedfields within the National HealthService, the pharmaceuticalindustry or medical research.

The degree is accredited by theInstitute of Biomedical Science(www.ibms.org), important for thosewho wish to work in the NHS.

Biomedical Science witha Sandwich YearThe degree may be taken as afour-year programme with a paidwork placement (Sandwich Year)between your second and final yearof study. This can be in the UK orin another country. It is suitable forstudents who have a good level ofachievement at Stage 1. Forinternational students, holding astudent visa entitles you to workin the UK as long as you are stillregistered as a full-time student.Since the Sandwich Year is a fully-registered part of your degree,this can provide an opportunityfor international students to gain ayear’s work experience in the UK.

Biomedical Science witha Year AbroadThis four-year programme allowsyou to spend a year abroadbetween the second and finalyear of your degree – giving youa fantastic opportunity to immerseyourself in another culture.

If you are fluent in a secondEuropean language then youcan choose to study in a universitythat teaches in that language;alternatively, you can choose tostudy abroad where the teachingis in English.

We have English-speakingexchange programmes withUniversiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)near Singapore and at a rangeof institutions in Massachusetts,California and elsewhere in theUSA.

Biology with a FoundationYearThe Foundation Year is for studentswho have the potential to studybiosciences at degree level butlack the entry requirements.

During the Foundation Year, youstudy biology, chemistry and mathsand – once you have successfullycompleted the Foundation Year –you may continue on to a degreein Biomedical Sciences, or a degreein Biology or Biochemistry (seebelow).

Other degree programmesThe following degrees are alsoavailable within the School ofBiosciences.

BiologyBiology is the study of livingorganisms and their interactionswith the environment. The subjectincludes socially relevant topicssuch as human cloning, stem-cellresearch and DNA screening.

BiochemistryBiochemistry deals with the wayliving organisms function at themolecular level. How do livingorganisms work? How are theybuilt, controlled, repaired andsupplied with energy? Biochemistryis an ideal degree if you want toenter a research career in a lifesciences area.

Need more information?For Biology or Biochemistry, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug

For Biology with a Foundation Year,see www.kent.ac.uk/courses/foundation

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Modules: Stage 1Enzymes and Introduction toMetabolismThis module introduces you tometabolic pathways and thecontrol of metabolism by changes inenzyme activity. It includes the ratesof biological processes and thetheoretical principles underlyingthem, the basic structure andfunction of enzymes and theirkinetics. You perform enzymeassays to determine their kineticproperties and also study the keypathways of metabolism in animalsand their control mechanisms.

Chemistry for BiologistsThis module covers the topics thatunderpin the study of bioscienceat the molecular level, including thebasic concepts of physical, organicand bio-inorganic chemistry.

Human Physiology and DiseaseThis module considers the anatomyand function of normal tissues,organs and systems and theirdiseases. We look at themanifestation of the variousconditions at the level of cells,tissues and the whole patient, andalso discuss diagnosis, availableprognostic indicators andtreatments.

Introduction to BiochemistryThis module provides anintroduction to biomolecules in livingmatter. It contrasts the simplicityof the basic building blocks ofmacromolecules (amino acids,sugars, fatty acids and nucleotides)with the enormous variety and

adaptability of the differentmacromolecules they form (proteins,carbohydrates, lipids and nucleicacids). It highlights the nature ofthe molecular structure of themacromolecules and theirinteractions within the cellularenvironment.

Molecular and Cellular BiologyThis module introduces you tothe key themes and experimentaltechniques in molecular biology,genetics and eukaryotic cell biology.It covers basic cell structure, theprinciples of the cell cycle andcell division, the control of livingprocesses by genetic mechanisms,and techniques for geneticmanipulation such as gene cloning.

Genetics and EvolutionThis module is an introductionto Mendelian genetics and alsoincludes human pedigrees,quantitative genetics andmechanisms of evolution.

Skills for BioscientistsSubject based and communicationskills are relevant to all thebioscience courses. In thismodule, you become familiar withpractical skills, the analysis andpresentation of biological dataand are introduced to some basicmathematical and statistical skills asapplied to biological problems. Youare also introduced to the computernetwork and its applications andlearn essential skills such as note-taking and essay writing.

Stage 1 is the first year ofyour degree programme.Yourmodules providea broad survey of thevarious biologicaldisciplines and includeaspects of human healthand disease.

Teaching is via lectures,supervisions, tutorials, assignmentsand laboratory classes. Eachmodule involves, on average, 22hours of lectures, three one-hoursupervisions as well as practicallab sessions.

Most Stage 1 modules are assessedby 50% coursework and 50% exam.At Stage 1, you need to reach asatisfactory standard to proceedon to the second year. However, noStage 1 marks are carried forwardto your final degree result.

You study the following coremodules:• Enzymes and Introduction toMetabolism

• Chemistry for Biologists (doublemodule)

• Human Physiology and Disease• Introduction to Biochemistry• Molecular and Cellular Biology• Genetics and Evolution• Skills for Bioscientists.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

STUDYING ATSTAGE 1

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STUDYING ATSTAGE 2

Stage 2 is the second yearof your degree programmeand yourmarkscontribute towards thegrading of your finaldegree. Themodulesduring this stage becomemore specialised, focusingon such topics asinfectious disease,immunology, physiologyand pharmacology.

You take the following core modules:• Infection and Immunity• Pharmacology• Physiology• Skills for Bioscientists 2• Metabolism and Disease• Microbial Physiology andGenetics.

You also choose two options from:• Cell Biology• Gene Expression and its Control• Introduction to LaboratoryMedicine A & B (core foraccredited route)

• Medicinal Chemistry• Regulation of Metabolism.

Modules: Stage 2Infection and ImmunityThis module provides you withan understanding of the majordiseases of infectious originthat colonise human body tissues.It covers the principles ofepidemiology, and looks at

medically important diseases suchas the HIV virus and Aids. Thefeatures and functions of immunecells and molecules used in thedefence of the body againstinvading microorganisms arestudied.

PharmacologyThis module introduces you tothe major concepts underpinningpharmacology – the study of drugsand their actions in cells, tissuesand whole animals. You learn todescribe the effects of drugs incells and to relate the mechanismof drug action to their therapeuticintervention in disease.

PhysiologyThis module develops a moredetailed understanding of particularphysiological systems and relatesthis to relevant disease processes

and their detection. The role ofresearch and laboratory methodsin understanding human diseaseis also introduced at this stage.

Skills for Bioscientists 2In this module, you learn the generallaboratory techniques used inclinical biochemistry and medicalmicrobiology as well as transferableskills such as computer-basedprocedures, problem solving andessay writing. In addition, there arepresentations on careers to help youstart thinking about future careeroptions.

Metabolism and DiseaseThis module describes how errorsin metabolic processes result in thedevelopment of human diseasessuch as phenylketonuria, gout,hypercholesterolaemia, diabetesand porphyrias.

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Introduction to LaboratoryMedicine A & BYou are introduced to the four mainbranches of laboratory medicineand begin to develop the skills yourequire to work effectively and safelywithin a clinical setting. Exposure toprofessional biomedical scientistsworking within the differentdisciplines, and to the unique NHSenvironment, also supports you inmaking career choices for thefuture. Introduction to LaboratoryMedicine may be taken as an optionfor the non-accredited route.

Medicinal ChemistryMedicinal chemistry is concernedwith the principles and practice ofdrug design. The module includes

historical aspects of drugdevelopment, particularly in thecase of chemotherapeutic agents,and modern approaches to drugdesign, including their mechanismof action.

Regulation of MetabolismThis module describes theintegration of the many chemicalreactions underpinning the functionof cells. For example, how cellsmake ATP and use it to drive cellularactivities, and how plant cellsharvest energy from the sun inthe process of photosynthesis.

Microbial Physiology andGeneticsThis module includes a review ofthe structure and biosynthesis ofbacterial and fungal cells, their keymetabolic processes and their questfor food. You also study microbialgrowth, genome organisation andstructure, and mechanisms of DNAtransfer.

Cell BiologyThis module reviews theexperimental approaches used toinvestigate the biology of the celland highlights the similarities anddifferences between cells ofcomplex multicellular organismsand microbial cells. Initially, itconsiders the functions of thecytoskeleton and cellularcompartments such as the nucleus.Later in the module, you examinethe mechanisms by which newlysynthesised proteins are secretedor shuttled to their appropriatecellular compartments.

Gene Expression and itsControlThis module deals with themolecular mechanisms of geneexpression and its regulation inprokaryotes and eukaryotes.This involves descriptions of howgenetic information flows from DNAto RNA to protein, how this flow iscontrolled in specific tissues andcells throughout development andhow it is disrupted in cancer cells.

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WORK EXPERIENCE:THE SANDWICH YEAR

If you choose to do aSandwichYear, it takesplace between Stages 2and 3.

Excellent links withemployersIn the past our students have takenplacements with employers such asthe NHS, GlaxoSmithKline, MSD andLonza. The School has establishedexcellent links with these employers,as well as many others.

Finding a placementWork placements are usuallyadvertised nationally and studentsapply by sending in a CV orapplication form. We guideyou through the process, givingyou valuable feedback on theplacements that are likely toenhance your career prospects,how to write a winning CV and howto hone your interview skills.

Salary and benefitsStudents usually work on placementfor the entire calendar year. Salaryand holiday entitlements varyaccording to the employer you workfor. However, many students find thatthey earn enough to be able to savesome of their income, and this oftenhelps them in their final year ofstudying at Kent.

Study and career benefitsA work placement providespractical experience that can beput to good use in your final year ofstudy. It gives you a sense of howthe theory works in practice andimproves your skills in many areas.It also allows you to evaluate aparticular career path, and gainknowledge of the workingenvironment.

In general, the Sandwich Yearis very popular with employers,because of the skills you gain in theworkplace. If your placement is asuccess, you may even be offereda job with the same employer aftergraduation.

Keeping in touch with KentYour tutor maintains close contactwith you during your year away fromthe University, checking on yourprogress and paying a visit to yourworkplace. All placement studentscome back on to campus for a dayhalfway through the year to talkabout their work with other studentsand staff. At the end of yourSandwich Year, your work isassessed by a presentation andwritten report and these contribute10% to your overall degree mark.

Biomedical Science

“I decided to take a sandwichyear and work in a lab, Iwould encourage people to doa placement because it givesyou experience, not only in thefield, but as a person. I haveno doubt that my placementwill enhance my employabilityafter I graduate.”

Lina MikaliunaiteBiomedical Science with a Yearin Industry

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In conjunction with the nervoussystem, these two regulatorysystems monitor changes in ananimal’s internal and externalenvironments and direct the bodyto make any necessary adjustmentsto its activities so that it adapts itselfto these environmental changes.

Pathogens and PathogenicityThis module covers the molecularbasis for microbial pathogenesis inrelation to bacterial, viral and fungalpathogens, focusing on humaninfections. Topics covered in detailinclude host-pathogen interactions,therapeutic strategies, vaccinationand the role of viruses in thedevelopment of cancer.

Skills for Biomedical Scientists 3In this module, you learn how tointegrate the information andconcepts you have studied intoessays and develop the ability toresearch, review and write aboutbiomedical information using arange of library skills. You alsodevelop your scientific problem-solving abilities. In order toenhance examination skills, someassessments are under examconditions rather than ‘open book’or in your own time.

Biological MembranesCells and subcellular compartmentsare separated from the externalmilieu by lipid membranes withprotein molecules inserted intothe lipid layer. The structure andfunction of these two componentsare diverse, ranging from regulatoryfunctions to maintaining thestructure of the cell.

Cell CommunicationYou are introduced to the nervousand endocrine systems of the bodyand their role in intercellularcommunication. You also studyintracellular signalling systems –including the role of signaltransducers, second messengers,and the regulation of cell functionby protein phosphorylation.

Haematology and BloodTransfusionThis module describes the anatomy,physiology, pathology, and therapyof the blood and blood formingtissues, including the bone marrow.It covers a wide range of disordersincluding haematologicalmalignancies, infection with blood-borne parasites that cause malaria,and inappropriate clotting activities.

Introduction to LaboratoryMedicine CYou extend your knowledge ofkey areas related to professionalpractice, including clinicalbiochemistry and screeningfor metabolic disease, cellularpathology and screening formalignant disease, and the studyof how infectious diseases spread(epidemiology).

Protein Structure and FunctionYou gain an understanding of thestructural organisation of proteinsand the physical forces underlyingprotein structure. You discover howthe structure of a protein relates toits function and what majorbiophysical methods are availablefor protein structural studies.

Stage 3 is the final year ofyour degree. One of yourcoremodules is a researchproject, which counts for aquarter of your final-yearmarks.

You take the following core modules:• Advanced Immunology• Integrated Endocrinology andMetabolism

• Pathogens and Pathogenicity• Research Project (doublemodule, see p16)

• Skills for Biomedical Scientists 3.

You also choose two options from:• Biological Membranes• Cell Communication• Haematology and BloodTransfusion (core for accreditedroute)

• Introduction to LaboratoryMedicine C (core for accreditedroute)

• Protein Structure and Function.

Modules: Stage 3Advanced ImmunologySince the discovery of HIV, muchprogress has been made in ourunderstanding of how the immunesystem functions. Here, we reviewtopical aspects of this subject, withan emphasis on the regulation ofthe immune response, and the roleof dysfunctional immune systemsin a variety of disease states.

Integrated Endocrinology andMetabolismThis module focuses on theendocrine system, one of the twogreat control systems of the body.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

STUDYING ATSTAGE 3

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YOUR FINAL-YEARRESEARCH PROJECT

In your final year of study(Stage 3) you complete theeight-week ResearchProject. You choose aproject that interestsyou from awide rangeof options.

You work independently but haveregular meetings with a supervisorwho guides you through theprocess and provides advice andsupport. Your supervisor will be anacademic whose research interestsare related to your topic.

There are three types of project onoffer – a laboratory-based project,a communications project, or adissertation-based project.

If you choose a laboratory-basedresearch project you will often meetand work with other members ofyour supervisor’s research team.This also gives you the opportunityto use the equipment and facilitieswithin the team’s research lab.

Laboratory-based projectLaboratory projects are offered in allof the research areas of the School.The current research projects in theSchool include: cancer biology andcancer therapies, bioprocessingand the development of noveltherapeutics, genetic and priondiseases, reproductive medicine,synthetic biology, protein foldingand structural biology, the biologyof aging, molecular motors, andbacterial pathogenesis and sensing.You carry out real research ofinterest to your supervisor andtheir research group. You have thepossibility of seeing or discoveringsomething for the very first timeand you may even have your workpublished in the scientific literature.

Example project titles include:• Genome organisation in spermnuclei using a novel analysissystem

• Is the periplasmic protein SurAa novel target for antimicrobialdrugs?

• Developing a method forevaluating DNA damage in yeast

• Novel single-chain antibodies forthe treatment of cancer.

Communication projectOne of the key challenges facingscientists is to make their workinteresting, accessible and relevantto the public. A communicationproject can develop these key skillsand broaden your employmentopportunities.

Biomedical Science

“It is exciting having final-yearproject students working in thelab. I think the opportunitiesfor them are tremendous, andit gives me the chance toinvestigate something ofinterest which I might nototherwise find the time to do.”

Bill GullickProfessor of Cancer Biology

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Recent student communicationprojects include the following:• Multi-drug resistance inmicroorganisms – do weneed to worry?

• The benefits of probiotics – fador fact?

• Gene doping: the bleak future ofelite sport?

• Obesity – nature, nurture ornutrition?

Dissertation projectA dissertation project gives youthe opportunity to really dig deepin the scientific literature and fullyunderstand an area of research andthink about how it might develop inthe future. The topic will be one thatis of interest to your supervisor and,

in the initial stages of yourdissertation, your supervisor is ableto direct you to the most excitingpapers. At a later stage, you meetup with your supervisor on a regularbasis to discuss your findings andideas.

Recent student dissertation projectsinclude the following:• Invasion and down-regulationof the immune system by viruses

• Centrosome structure andfunction and the developmentof cancer

• Formation of disulphide bondsin multicellular organisms.

Communication projects are offeredin a wide range of topics or you cansuggest your own. The topic will bea poorly understood or controversialarea of bioscience and the aim isnot only to research the topic andwrite an up-to-date science report,but also to think about how you canexplain your findings to a wider non-scientific audience. Communicationstudents put this in practice bygiving a presentation in a localsecondary school and by preparinga website or a written article for anewspaper or magazine.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

“The students who choose thecommunication project arereviewing cutting-edgeliterature. But the additionalchallenge is to think abouthow they communicate this tonon-scientists. The projectgives them real confidence intransferable as well asacademic skills that are souseful in gaining graduateemployment.”

Dr Dan LloydSenior Lecturer in Pharmacology

18

VISIT THE CAMPUS

Come along for an OpenDay or a UCAS Visit Dayand see for yourself whatit is like to be a student atKent.

Open DaysCanterbury Open Days are held inJuly, September and October forpotential students, and their familiesand friends, to have a look roundthe campus. The day includes awide range of subject displays,demonstrations and informallectures and seminars, and thechance to tour the campus withcurrent students to view studentaccommodation and facilities.For more information seewww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

UCAS Visit DaysOur UCAS Visit Days are heldbetween January and April eachyear. Visit Days include a ‘taster’lecture by one of our academicstaff, lunch in one of the collegesfollowed by a tour of the campuswith a student guide, a presentationabout the School and its BiomedicalScience degree and a tour of ourteaching and research facilities.During the day, there are ampleopportunities to talk to one of ourcurrent students or an academicto discuss any queries you mayhave. For more information seewww.kent.ac.uk/visitdays

More informationIf you have any queries or needmore information, please contactour Information and Guidance Unit.

Tel: 01227 827272Freephone (UK only):0800 975 3777Email: information@kent.ac.uk

Biomedical Science18

LocationCanterbury.

AwardBSc (Hons).

Programme typeFull-time.

Degree programme

Single honours• Biomedical Science (B940)• Biomedical Science with aSandwich Year (B942)• Biomedical Science with a YearAbroad (B943)• Biology with a Foundation Year(C101)

Offer levelsABB-BBB at A level, IB Diploma33 points inc 5 in HL Biology or6 in SL Biology and 4 inMathematics or IB Diploma with15 points at Higher inc 5 in HLBiology or 6 in SL Biology and4 in Mathematics.

If your grades or subjects do notqualify you for direct entry, youmay be able to take a four-yeardegree with a foundation year.Please contact admissions formore details.

Required subjectsA level Biology or Human Biologyat grade B.GCSE Mathematics grade C.

Sandwich YearStudents have the chance tospend a year working in industrybetween Stages 2 and 3. See p14for details.

Year AbroadStudents have the chance tospend a year studying abroadbetween stages 2 and 3. See p10for details.

Professional recognitionThe Biomedical Science degreeprogramme is accredited by theInstitute of Biomedical Science(IBMS).

For the latest course information,including entry requirements,see: www.kent.ac.uk/ug

19www.kent.ac.uk/bio

Terms and conditions: the Universityreserves the right to make variations to thecontent and delivery of courses and otherservices, or to discontinue courses andother services, if such action is reasonablyconsidered to be necessary. If theUniversity discontinues any course, it willendeavour to provide a suitable alternative.To register for a programme of study, allstudents must agree to abide by theUniversity Regulations (available onlineat: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations).

Data protection: for administrative,academic and health and safety reasons,the University needs to process informationabout its students. Full registration as astudent of the University is subject to yourconsent to process such information.

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University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZT: +44 (0)1227 764000 E: information@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk

COME ANDVISIT USWe hold Open Days at our Canterburyand Medway campuses.

For more information, see:www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZT: +44 (0)1227 764000 E: information@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk