Department of Biology & Biochemistry research

We are one of the leading research-intensive biosciences departments in the UK.

Research themes

We carry out research on animals, plants and microorganisms across a broad range of areas from cell and developmental biology, structural and molecular biology to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.

Cell and developmental biology

We research how cellular and molecular processes combine to regulate the development and functioning of animals and plants.

Infection and immunity

We address questions related to the origins and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology and evolution.

Medical and industrial biotechnology

Our research focuses on a fundamental understanding of the molecular processes of life, especially those involved in health and disease.

Research centres

Our staff work across a range of interdisciplinary research centres.

Milner Centre for Evolution

We are a unique, cross-faculty research centre bridging biology, health and education.

Centre for Regenerative Medicine

We improve patient health by researching the repair, replacement and regeneration of cells, tissues and organs.

Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour

An graphical image representing a network

An interdisciplinary research centre for the modelling and analysis of complex interacting systems.

Centre for Mathematical Biology

We translate living systems into mathematical models in order to make quantitative predictions and inform biological experiments.

Research excellence

The results of the Research Evaluation Framework (REF) 2014 confirm the excellence of the research undertaken in the Department.

85% of biological sciences research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2014

All impact case studies submitted to REF 2014 rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

Study with us

Find out about our MSc and PhD degrees as well as ongoing research projects.

Master's courses in biosciences

Our MSc Molecular Biosciences degrees are available in four specialist areas.

Postgraduate research degrees in biology & biochemistry

Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Specialisms in the department include cell & developmental biology, biotechnology, infection & immunity and evolutionary biology & biodiversity.

The outstanding quality of our research is reflected in the level of external funding from UK Research Councils, medical charities, European Union and industry, as well as publications in top international journals (Nature, Science, PNAS and PLoS Biology).