_in_Microbiology_(Course_Code_AL839)1.jpg)
Kevin Temple: “I Love the Atmosphere of the College” | Discover Your Story
In conversation with Kevin Temple, an AIT student ambassador from Athlone, Co Westmeath. Kevin is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Microbiology (Course Code: AL839), Ireland’s only dedicated microbiology degree.
Q1: What do you study and why did you choose it?
Microbiology covers many key topics in biology that will set you up for a career in the sector while also allowing you to diverge into many different sectors from health microbiology to food microbiology to quality control. This degree offers an integrated work placement in third year which is what attracted me. Having experience working in the field either in industry or in labs really helps prepare you for your future career and helps further your understanding of your course. It also help you determine which area you want to specialise in.
Q2: What do you love most about AIT?
I love the atmosphere of the college. There’s a great community spirit. It’s very easy to settle in and make friends thanks to the small class sizes and clubs/societies available. All you have to do is get involved!
Q3: What’s one positive experience you’ve had to date with your course?
As a class group we visited Abbott Diagnostics in Co Longford. They showed us around their facility, showcasing what work they do, what life would be like in the biomedical industry environment and how they go about solving a problem in the workplace which ties in with modules we do. This was a very worthwhile trip, as it helped us apply the material we had learned throughout our degree and see it in action in the workplace
Q4: If you could go back and give your Leaving Certificate self some advice, what would you tell them?
I’d tell myself to make sure to get involved in as much extracurricular activities as possible. They really help build social skills and form a network with other people which is extremely important heading into college and for life. Activities such as sports teams in school or committees boost our confidence and help build communication and leadership skills.
Q5: Have you gone on work placement or studied abroad through AIT? If so, what did you learn from the experience?
Yes, I am currently on placement with a multinational biopharmaceutical company based here in Athlone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to get real working experience before finishing my degree. It’s helping me to decide which career path I’d like to follow and to apply my learning. Having a work placement as part of a degree is a big selling point of this microbiology course, and I would recommend it to any prospective student.
Q6: Why should everyone consider coming to AIT?
AIT is a great college to study at. We have much smaller class sizes in comparison to big universities which allows students to get more attention from their lecturers. AIT also offers a more hands-on experience and has a very friendly atmosphere with great supports available to students. This helps students to settle in and adjust to the step up from secondary education or to those who may have been out of education for some years.
Q7: What’s one thing you love about being an AIT student ambassador?
I love being able to interact with prospective students. I understand how difficult it is deciding where to go to college or which course to take, and love to be able to try make that decision less daunting by discussing my experiences and the rationale behind my CAO choice.
Athlone Institute of Technology is a contemporary third level institute distinguished by academic excellence in teaching, learning and research. The institute was awarded The Sunday Times ‘Institute of Technology of the Year 2020, 2018 and Runner-Up in 2017. The institute also tops Ireland’s official league table for research and was listed in U-Multirank’s ‘Top 25 Performing Universities in the World for Interdisciplinary Research’ in 2018 and 2019. For information relating to the institute’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, visit www.ait.ie. #ChooseAIT #DiscoverYourStory