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.
Department of Life Sciences
The new department aims to deliver excellence in research and teaching across the spectrum of Life Sciences.
A new Life Sciences Department for Bath
A brand new department offering a range of Biosciences and Biomedical degrees, including accredited Pharmacy degrees.
Our cutting-edge multi-disciplinary research spans human health to environmental sustainability and utilises bioengineering technologies and big data approaches.
Find out more about the creation of the new Department
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.
Our research
Our research spans a diverse range of areas, from drug discovery science and healthcare, to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.
Biotechnology
Advancing knowledge and delivering products and solutions with medical, industrial and agricultural impact, via study and use of molecules, cells and organisms.
Cells, development and disease
Understanding the molecular and genomic processes regulating cell function in development, health and disease.
Evolution and biodiversity
Applying evolutionary concepts to fundamental questions in biology with a drive to address real world challenges through research, education, and outreach.
Patients, medicines and diagnostics
Optimising patient and population health outcomes through translational research.
Microbiology, infection, inflammation and immunity
Understanding the role of microbes, and the host response to them, in health and disease.
Undergraduate study
Find out about our undergraduate courses.
Undergraduate pharmacy courses
Train as a healthcare professional in all aspects of medicines use and design.
Undergraduate biosciences courses
Learn more about our Biology, Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences courses, including entry requirements and course structure.
Undergraduate pharmacology courses
Play a vital role in the discovery, development and testing of therapeutic agents to improve global health.
Postgraduate study
Find out about our master's courses, PhD degrees, and taught postgraduate courses for practising pharmacists.
Master's courses in Life Sciences
We offer a range of master's courses including molecular biosciences, biotechnology and drug discovery.
Clinical pharmacy postgraduate courses including Prescribing
Part time, practice-based, career-long learning for pharmacists and other health professionals.
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.
Latest news
Read about the latest research news and press releases from the Department.
Why is it so hard for humans to have a baby?
Professor Laurence Hurst from the Milner Centre for Evolution finds solution to the mystery of why most human embryos die young.
Scientists unravel the mystery of genes that are key to brain development
Scientists are starting to understand the precise workings of a type of gene that, unlike other genes, does not code for proteins – the building blocks of life.
Inhaled antibiotics could help reduce antimicrobial resistance
Using inhaled antibiotics to treat lower respiratory tract infections could help reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Add iron-trapping extracts to sunscreens to make them truly effective
A new paper identifies antioxidants that can be added to skin-care products to mop-up harmful iron, thereby lessening sun damage.
PhD student awarded fellowship for research on stroke prevention medicine
Anneka Mitchell was granted £180,000 to fund her research on the effectiveness of anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners.
Joubert Syndrome: the link between intellectual disability and defects in the hippocampus
An important link has been found between the intellectual disability seen in children with Joubert Syndrome and defects in a specific part of the brain.
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
During term-time, overnight on-campus accommodation may be available, for those schools/colleges travelling from further afield.
About us
Five cross-disciplinary research themes are prioritised: biodiversity and evolution; biotechnology; cells, development and disease; microbiology, infection & inflammation; and diagnostics, therapeutics and patient care. These themes bridge across the Department, enabling new opportunities for wider collaboration and to define a new vision of Life Sciences.