Biomedical Society
Leader
Dr Vennard and Mrs Edmunds
Cohort
Max 15 Students
Timing
Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm
Course Overview
Biomedical Society offers an exciting program of talks, workshops, and practical experiences designed to inspire students interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and biology-related careers. Throughout the course, students will engage with healthcare professionals, conservation experts, and industry leaders, while developing key laboratory skills.
Key Benefits
- Learn from a wide range of guest speakers working in medicine, healthcare, conservation and biotechnology.
- Develop practical skills through hands-on workshops including gram staining, suturing, and venipuncture.
- Explore careers in Biology-related fields, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science.
Course Structure
Indicative Session Outline
Session 1: Applications open for Lower Sixth Leaders of Biomedical Society. Talk by Upper Sixth students applying to Biology and Medicine.
Session 2: Guest speaker Dr. Amreeta Sanghera a General Dental Surgeon, with an interest in Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Session 3: Guest speaker Berkshire Reptile encounters, a specialist rescue that provides care for unwanted reptile from the public, the RPSCA, vets and government agencies. They will bring a selection of snakes, lizards, and other species, giving you the opportunity to handle and observe their remarkable adaptations.
Session 4: Guest speaker Mr Damien McDonald, CEO and Mr Michele Pressacco, Vice President of Enovis, a global leader in medical technology. Enovis is dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovation, developing clinically differentiated solutions that enhance patient outcomes to restore motion and improve quality of life.
Session 5: Owl pellets contain indigestible remains of an owl’s prey, offering fascinating insights into their diet. You’ll have the opportunity to dissect pellets and identify small mammals by examining skulls and measuring jawbones.
Session 6: Guest speaker Berkshire Birds of Prey. Discover the fascinating world of these majestic birds as you learn about their behaviour, diet, and unique adaptations. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and interact with 10 incredible birds of prey.
Session 7: Suturing masterclass led by Mr Anthony Armstrong, a distinguished plastic, cosmetic, and aesthetic surgeon. During the session, you will be introduced to a range of suturing techniques and have the opportunity to practise these procedures using pigs’ trotters.
Session 8: A hands-on introduction to gram staining in microbiology. Gram staining is a fundamental lab technique that differentiates bacteria based on the structure of their cell walls. This simple yet powerful method is essential for bacterial identification and plays a crucial role in clinical diagnostics, helping to detect pathogens in samples such as throat, nasal or wound swabs.
Session 9: Join Sister Miriam from the Health Centre, where you will learn the principles of venipunctures and practise drawing blood using our model arm. You will also stain and observe your own blood, helping you to identify the red and white blood cells.
Session 10: Guest speaker Mrs Dahl, passionate naturalist with a particular interest in insects, and a Learning Officer with Berks Bucks Oxon Wildlife Trust