About us

A message from the Head of School, Professor Pip Beard:

The School of Life Sciences is a community of inquisitive students, researchers and staff who study living things. This includes plants, animals, humans and micro-organisms, how they interact with each other and relate to the environment around them. The work we do can be at a molecular and cellular level, at the level of a whole organism, or the study of a whole population.

We provide high quality, innovative and research-informed education in a suite of programmes covering biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, ecology and conservation, geography, geology, environmental science, pharmacology, neuroscience, biomedical science, bioveterinary science, microbiology and immunology. We focus on teaching and strengthening skills that are valued by employers, and that will provide the foundations for your chosen career path.

Our students are taught by exceptional scientists who incorporate their knowledge, expertise and experiences into exciting learning activities. The School of Life Sciences is known for its world-leading research into vector-borne diseases, glycoscience, synthetic biology, infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and place-based approaches to sustainable living, providing a range of opportunities for laboratory and field-based learning. These opportunities are matched by our state-of-the-art science facilities, including new laboratories and teaching spaces.

The School is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the excellent academic and pastoral support given by staff. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.