School of Biological Sciences
In the School of Biological Sciences, we're addressing the most pressing issues impacting people's quality of life around the world. From finding new ways to combat climate change to our pioneering research into plastic-eating enzymes, we're turning our expertise into action.
We cover all aspects of biological science – from developmental biology and epigenetics, to molecular biophysics, marine biology and applied environmental research – and our academics, lecturers and researchers are experts within their fields.
The School holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, in recognition of the work we're doing to advance the careers of women in science.
Teaching
We're a top 30 university for student satisfaction, and many of our courses have 100% satisfaction scores (NSS, 2020) – with 88% of our graduates finding employment within 6 months of graduating (DLHE, 2017).
We emphasise personalised study and high levels of interaction and collaboration between lecturers and students. Our research activities frequently inform our teaching, and our graduates develop the ability to apply the skills they learn during their study.
We provide high levels of student support and guidance in a nurturing environment. Our researchers and teaching staff share their passion and excitement for research to inspire the scientists of the future.
Our teaching areas
Visit our Biological Sciences subject area page to find out more about the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees we offer.
Research
Our research and innovation activities are focused around our research strengths of developmental biology and epigenetics, molecular biophysics, marine biology and applied environmental research. We conduct cross-disciplinary research with staff from the school of biological sciences and the school of pharmacy and biomedical sciences. The positive outcomes of this collaboration can be seen in our 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) review results. Our work from the Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science (IBBS) has also made headlines.
Working with researchers across the globe we have developed techniques that can address the growing issue of plastics and how to deal with their negative impact on the environment. This research lead to our Centre for Enzyme Innovation being awarded £5.8 million for its research into plastic eating enzymes.
Research areas of expertise
Explore the work we're doing across the 6 areas of expertise within our Biological Sciences research.
Our research centres
Much of our exceptional research takes place within the following cross-disciplinary research centres – find out more below.
We're researching the role of simulated clinical experiences, the role of the pharmacy team in general practice and the safety of monitored dosage systems.
We provide tools and services to support researchers using Xenopus models.
Our staff
Dr Darren Mernagh
- Job Title Head of School
- Email Address Darren.Mernagh@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
Dr Garry Scarlett
- Job Title Principal Lecturer (Biochemistry)
- Email Address Garry.Scarlett@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor
Dr Fiona Myers
- Job Title Associate Head (Education)
- Email Address Fiona.Myers@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
Explore our faculty
Explore the other Schools and Departments that make up our Faculty of Science and Health.
Contact us
To get in touch, please contact our Faculty office.
University Coronavirus Information Line
We're preparing to reopen the campus ready for the new academic year starting on 5 October 2020.
We have set up an information line to manage enquiries from students, parents and guardians, as university life will be a little different in 2020/21 due to the Coronavirus.
Email: infoline@port.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 5588
The phone line is open Monday–Thursday 8.30am–5.00pm, Friday 8.30am–4.00pm and Saturday–Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm.