School of Bio­logical Sciences

Our teaching portfolio offers a large set of related undergraduate programmes, with an emphasis on flexibility built on a universal bioscience first year that makes it easy to switch between our many course options. Students can specialise in subjects such as neuroscience, biotechnology (with enterprise), biochemistry or more general courses such as biology and biomedical sciences.

We offer MSci undergraduate master’s study in most subjects, as well as industrial placement and modern language options. Postgraduate study options offer more in-depth study in topics including life sciences, biotechnology and bioinformatics, gaining skills and knowledge from research specialists.

We educate students to be scientifically knowledgeable in biology and biomedical sciences, preparing the next generation of globally engaged scientists and leaders.

See more about our teaching and learning in biosciences.

Our research builds on our strong foundations in discovery science, through model systems and on into real world applications, notably in clinical translation, industry, and the environment.

Our six Divisions cover fundamental molecular and cellular bioscience, and its evolution and function in many areas, including genes and genomes, the immune system, the extra-cellular matrix and neurological systems.

We apply this knowledge across challenge areas such as disease and health (arthritis, skin, kidney disease, respiratory medicine, neurodegeneration, antimicrobial resistance, and rare genetic disease).

Flagship partnerships with industry such as Boots No7 epitomise our multiscale approach, where molecular bioscientific discoveries are translated into skin healthcare products on the shelves.

Our research and teaching have a profound impact on society, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility.

We develop genetic tests that are delivered in clinics to prevent unwanted deafness in newborn babies, and we create gene therapies for genetic eye diseases.

Our biologic repositories help establish better medicines for autoimmune diseases, and our bioinformatics databases assist commercial partners in designing superior products.

Our teaching and outreach efforts are highly effective in educating people globally, underscoring our dedication to translating research into real-world solutions and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

We harness the power of the humble fruit fly for biological research, improve infection awareness and prevention in hard-to-reach groups, and advise policymakers on the risks of overusing antifungal compounds on crops.