School of Biological Sciences

Male student uses syringe in biology lab

School of Biological Sciences

Explore the teaching and research activities taking place with our School of Biological Sciences

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Teaching | Research | Our staff | Explore our Faculty | Contact us

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.

Biodiversity and evolution

Through our biodiversity and evolution research, we're expanding our knowledge of the diverse organisms that exist across the Tree of Life – from microbes to whales.

man holding an oyster on a boat in the Solent

Epigenetics and developmental biology

We explore new ways to treat genetic disorders, identifying novel targets for drugs and searching for advances in treatment that could impact the lives of millions.

Ecotoxicology and environmental monitoring

We're examining how humans impact ecosystems, and developing new ways to assess and counteract our impact on the environment.

Marine sciences

Through our research in marine science, we're working to improve the marine environment for future generations, and to make marine activities more sustainable.

Environmental microbiology and biotechnology

We're searching for new antibiotics and other important enzymes and molecules – and developing the new technology needed to harness microbes for human benefit.

Fungal cultures in a petri dish in microbiology lab

Molecular biophysics

We're exploring the composition and function of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, and looking for new ways to modify and manipulate their behaviour so they can be used to benefit society and industry.

Enzyme structure, courtesy of Centre for Enzyme Innovation, Portsmouth

Our research centres

Much of our exceptional research takes place within the following cross-disciplinary research centres – find out more below.

Centre for Enzyme Innovation

Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences

Biodiversity and Evolution Research Group

We're exploring the diversity of life at levels ranging from the molecular and genetic, to organismal and ecosystem.

Clinical Microbiology Research Group

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.

Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Research Group

We're researching the vast number of unknown microbes in the world to solve issues such as food security and climate change.

Epigenetics and Developmental Biology Research Group

We're researching the basic mechanisms underlying cell differentiation and development leading to an understanding of how human health and disease is shaped.

European Centre for Xenopus Research

We provide tools and services to support researchers using Xenopus models.

Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

We're exploring disciplinary boundaries to discover, understand and develop knowledge for the benefit of the environment and humankind.

Pharmacy Practice Research Group

We're researching projects centred around two main areas – undergraduate education and pharmacy practice.