prospectus

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BIOSCIENCES
The University of Kent’s School of Biosciences
ranks among the most active in biological sciences
in the UK. Our expertise in disciplines such
as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical
science allows us to exploit technology and develop
ground-breaking ideas in the fields of genetics,
molecular biology, protein science and biophysics.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, an impressive 100%
of our research was deemed to be of international quality and we were
ranked 7th in the UK for research intensity.
Our research revolves around understanding systems and processes
in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge
activities that are synergistic with one another and complementary to
the teaching provision. Fields of enquiry also encompass a range of
molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation
through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production
of biotherapeutics and bioenergy.
Postgraduate resources
The School is well equipped,
with excellent general research
laboratories, together with a range
of specialised research resources
including facilities for growing
microorganisms of all kinds,
extensive laboratories for animal
cell culture and monoclonal
antibody production and an
imaging suite providing highresolution
laser confocal and
electron microscopy.
Additionally, the macromolecular
analysis facility provides resources
for protein and mass spectrometry,
CD and fluorescence
spectroscopy, surface plasmon
resonance, and HPLC and FPLC
systems for all aspects of
biochemical and microbiological
research. Notably, the School
has a new state-of-the-art Bruker
Avance III four-channel 600 MHz
NMR spectrometer equipped
with a QCI cryoprobe. Our NMR
spectrometer was upgraded to
this status via an equipment
research award from the
Wellcome Trust.
The School runs FIREBio (Forum
for Innovation, Research and
Enterprise in Biosciences), which
is a weekly informal meeting for
staff, postdocs and postgraduates
involving short presentations and
discussions. Postgraduates can
use the opportunity to present
unpublished research findings
and discuss them in a supportive
environment.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF