By RSBS EXCO ‘26
Most people think Biology lives in labs and textbooks. At the Raffles Society of Biological Sciences (RSBS), otherwise affectionately known as BioSoc, we know better. It’s in the flutter of a butterfly’s wing, the blooming of a flower, the pulse of curiosity upon witnessing something wonderful. If you have ever stopped to ponder why or how something is alive, you’re already one of us.
As a student-led CCA, we get to decide what the future holds. This means that every batch’s experience is unique and shaped by our interests. You can be sure that even conventional lecture-based sessions are never boring.
Here’s a sneak peek into some of our past activities!
We kicked off the term with butterfly catching, where members took to the sensory garden, nets in hand, in search of these flying jewels. There is nothing quite like the thrill of catching a butterfly and observing its delicate wings up close. It was a magical experience that left many in awe.
Members applying the swoop & flip technique learnt from the lecture when catching butterflies
Next came the first of many practicals. Animal dissections are no doubt the top choice among members! We started off with a simple organism: the prawn. Armed with scissors and an eye for detail, everyone was hard at work identifying, detaching appendages, and removing internal structures like the intestine and nerve cord.
BioSoc is one of the only CCAs that features regular field trips as part of our sessions. Other than the Anatomy Museum and Pathology Museum, which are the must-haves we visit annually, we also headed to Lee Kong Chian (LKC) Natural History Museum this year.
We were taken on an eye-opening tour of the museum’s vast collection of Southeast Asian biodiversity. When one talks about places with rich biodiversity, Singapore does not typically come to mind. The exhibits at LKC beg to differ.
From our shores and intertidal zones to our lush rainforests, the wide variety of Singaporean specimens is a stark reminder that we have so much to lose if we are not careful.
Ever fed a crocodile or held a hatchling in your hands? Do you want to witness how a baby crocodile is hatched from its egg, or even be the one to cut its umbilical cord?
In Biosoc, we got to do exactly that during an unforgettable trip to Long Kuan Hung (LKH) Crocodile Farm, Singapore’s last remaining crocodile farm! We were guided on an eye-opening tour and got the chance to hold crocodile hatchlings in our hands.
Their cute smiles and soft bellies will make your heart melt. The star of the show was Oreo—the farm’s fattest crocodile, who is now on a strict diet to ensure that his insatiable appetite doesn’t kill him.
If you find learning beyond the classroom exciting, Biosoc is the perfect place to be!
This year, we have also been focusing on our outreach to the school community. In collaboration with Alchemy, we hosted a scavenger hunt during the Team Raffles Games (TRG) where participants discovered flora and fauna they likely didn’t know share the school campus with us Homo sapiens.
Biosoc also invites external speakers regularly to share about cutting-edge developments in fields related to Biology, giving members unique insights and inspiration straight from the experts.
Doesn’t all that sound enticing? There is still more to look forward to! Deepen your knowledge through student-led lectures tailored to your interests, or propose your own session if you have a cool idea.
Not a fan of traditional lectures? Voice your preferences and explore topics through escape rooms, games, and interactive discussions.
In BioSoc, you are not just a passive participant, you are the owner of your CCA experience.
We hope that by sharing our passion for Biology and all living things, you will come to appreciate the leaves fluttering in the breeze, the fish swimming in the Biodiversity Pond, the chickens walking nonchalantly between tables at the Raja Foyer, and the other small and simple things in life…
Prerequisites (or lack thereof)
There are no stressful auditions or interviews–just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re already passionate about Biology or just beginning to explore its wonders, there’s a place for you here. We welcome students from all backgrounds and experience levels (even if you don’t take Biology), because what truly matters is your desire to understand the living world.
At the end of the day, BioSoc is more than just a CCA. It is a place to fuel your curiosity, connect with nature, and be part of a community where the world comes alive. Come join us. We can’t wait to learn with, and from you!
