Research opens up new avenue for Tuberculosis drug discovery
Researchers investigating the structure and function of the TB enzyme MCR have identified several possible new drug candidates for treating TB.
Department of Life Sciences
We deliver excellence in research and teaching across the spectrum of Life Sciences, from biology, biochemistry and biomedicine to pharmacy and pharmacology.
Latest news
Read about the latest research news and press releases from the Department.
Too many medicines, too many hospital visits: New study highlights hidden risk for older adults
Inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over, according to a new study from Bath.
Groundbreaking device instantly detects dangerous street drugs, offering hope for harm reduction
A portable device that detects illicit street drugs on the spot and at very low concentrations, highlighting the dangers they pose, has been developed at Bath.
Mammals' lifespans linked to brain size and immune system function, says new study
Why do cats generally live longer than dogs? New research shows cats’ longer lifespans could be linked to their bigger brains and more complex immune systems.
Researchers identify promising drug candidates for previously “undruggable” cancer target
Researchers have developed an irreversible inhibitor of the transcription factor cJun, which drives certain difficult-to-treat cancers.
Older patients can inadvertently be put at risk when they are taken off blood-thinning drugs
New study suggests that the benefits of prescribing anticoagulation drugs to older people outweigh the potential risks.
Our research
Our research spans a diverse range of areas, from drug discovery science and healthcare, to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Studying organisms across the five kingdoms, find out how our research is helping answer the big questions about past, present and future biodiversity.
Drug Discovery and Therapeutics
![The image shows a novel chimeric drug molecule [stick format], designed by combination of motifs from a naturally-occurring compound (purple) from Colchicum autumnale and a sex steroid oestrogen metabolite (blue) [spacefilling].](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54138633907_7e7fd2c8ce_b_d.jpg)
Through both prevention and cure, our research in drug discovery and therapeutics addresses the major health challenges of our times.
Evolution
We study the evolutionary process from micro to macro-evolution to resolve key problems in fundamental, applied and evolution education research.
Food Security
From plant immune systems to synthetic biology, find out how we're helping increase crop plant resilience against extreme temperatures, drought, and pathogens.
Infection and antimicrobial resistance
Discover how we're addressing the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the challenges of emerging microbes with epidemic and pandemic potential.
Life Course
From conception to death, our research addresses developmental and homeostatic mechanisms and the detection, treatment and prevention of their dysfunction.
Meet our researchers
Hear from some of the teams working across our research domains.
Dr Stephanie Lo
Dr Stephanie Lo, a senior lecturer in the Milner Centre for Evolution, discusses her research on vaccines and the race against ever evolving pathogens.
Professor Tiffany Taylor
Professor Tiffany Taylor and her team explain how they can harness the rapid evolution of bacteria to uncover insights into our microbiome.
Dr Vicky Hunt
Dr Vicky Hunt and her team share their work on the parasite genes and what they teach us about parasitic life cycles and their ability to infect their hosts.
Professor Zamin Iqbal
Professor Zamin Iqbal and his team study microbial genomics and evolution, exploring how drug resistance spreads amongst bacterial populations to help fight it.
Research with Impact
Our research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to help create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
Stemming the flow of drugs into prisons
A multi-disciplinary team from Bath is developing the world's first portable device that detects synthetic drugs.
Study with the Department of Life Sciences
Find out about our undergraduate and master's courses, PhD degrees, and taught postgraduate courses for practising pharmacists.
Undergraduate degrees in Life Sciences
Learn more about our range of BSc and undergraduate master's courses, including biosciences, pharmacy, and pharmacology.
Master's courses in Life Sciences
We offer a range of master's courses including molecular biosciences, biotechnology and drug discovery.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice: programmes and courses for pharmacists
Part-time, practice-based learning for UK practising pharmacists at all career stages.
Postgraduate research degrees in Life Sciences
Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.
People, equality and diversity
We are firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome a diverse population of both students and staff.
People in the Department of Life Sciences
Find a member of staff in the department.
Equality, diversity and inclusion in the Department of Life Sciences
The Department is firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
School outreach activities
Details on how we engage with schools and communities.
Life sciences outreach activities
We offer a range of activities to local schools, colleges and communities.
Campus visits for schools and colleges
Explore our campus, meet staff and students, and learn what it's like to study at Bath.
About us
Five cross-disciplinary research domains are prioritised: biodiversity, evolution, food security, infection and antimicrobial resistance, and life course. These domains bridge across the Department, enabling new opportunities for wider collaboration and defining a new vision of Life Sciences.
Contact us
Ask us more details about our courses and research, and keep up-to-date through social media.