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 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.
96% of our graduates find employment within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted in 2019).
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
We conduct cross-disciplinary research across the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences. The positive outcomes of this research can be seen in our Research Excellence Framework 2021 results for Unit of Assessment (UoA) 3 and UoA7. Both of these UoAs had more than 80% of their research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour and 100% of their Impact Case Studies rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of their reach and significance.
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
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Garry Scarlett
- Job Title Associate Head (Academic)
- 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 (Academic)
- Email Address fiona.myers@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Frank Schubert
- Job Title Associate Dean (Research and Innovation)
- Email Address frank.schubert@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor

Dr Alessandro Siani
- Job Title Associate Head (Students)
- Email Address alessandro.siani@port.ac.uk
- Department School of Biological Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Science and Health
- PhD Supervisor PhD Supervisor
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.