Bioscience Conference 2023

University Centre Peterborough welcomed Peterborough College and Stamford College Science students to the campus, as our Level 6 Bioscience students showcased the amazing work they have been doing this year.

The day was kicked off with an introduction to the University from Liz Knight, Academic Director, and Glen Mason, HE Manager for Science and Technology. They then handed over to Tivkaa Amande, Course Leader for Bioscience, who introduced all of the students to the course and the opportunities and avenues on offer to them after they finish their studies.

Once Tivkaa had finished his introductions, it was time for the guest speaker of the day to present to the room. Dr Rachel McMullen is a Senior Lecturer for the Open University and spoke with the students about her journey through academia, before starting onto her main talking point; how the body reacts to things it finds disgusting. This was an incredibly interesting talk about the science and research behind this universal emotion, and how this is used in wider areas of life, such as public health campaigns. Before heading for a short break, Rachel left the students with a closing line of ‘follow the things you enjoy doing, because if you enjoy doing them, you’ll do them well’, which fit the mentality of the students who have to decide what they want to pursue after their time at college.

After a short break, it was time for the Level 6 Bioscience students to present their work to the group. Each student has been working all semester on their specific research field and curated a presentation which summarised this research and their findings. These were very varied topics, ranging from how different fungi can increase farming yield, to testing the local area’s fresh water for its resistance to antibiotics. Our students showcased their work well and presented some thought-provoking topics to the lecture theatre, which may have inspired the audience to go out and complete their own research.