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Department of Biosciences

The study of the biosciences has never been more important.
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Welcome to the Department of Biosciences at Durham

Our research and teaching addresses fundamentally important questions facing humankind, from food security to sustainability in industrial processes, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the impact of climate change on life on earth. Our students develop a wide range of analytical and practical skills that prepare them to meet these challenges.

Find out more about us
100% internationally recognised research environment (REF 2021)
4th in the Guardian University Guide 2024
5th in the Complete University Guide 2024
Athena Swan Bronze Award

Study with Us

  • Undergraduate Study

    Our teaching is broad, from molecular structures to landscape-scale population dynamics, reflecting major questions in biology.

    Students working at computer screens

  • Postgraduate Study

    Join a strong and vibrant postgraduate community for training in modern research techniques using state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

    Student looking closely at a block

Undergraduate Study

Our teaching is broad, from molecular structures to landscape-scale population dynamics, reflecting major questions in biology.

Students working at computer screens

Postgraduate Study

Join a strong and vibrant postgraduate community for training in modern research techniques using state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

Student looking closely at a block

Work with us

We welcome new members to our team, bringing new approaches to answering biological questions.

The freedom to pursue your research interest, and to make that part of your teaching, is a valuable feature of what we offer to our team and, through them, to our students. You will also find that Durham’s interdisciplinary approach to research brings fresh perspectives to your own work.
See our recruitment page for more opportunities
Live Cell Imaging

Research

Our research covers the breadth of the biological sciences, from cell and molecular biology in animals, plants, and microbes; to ecology, evolution and the environment. We often work at the interface with other disciplines such as the physical sciences, supported by outstanding research infrastructure in genomics, bioimaging and mass spectrometry, and plant and animal growth facilities.

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News

New study finds European breeding birds respond slowly to recent climate change

In a new study, leading scientists from our Department of Biosciences have found that local colonisation and extinction of European breeding birds are very weakly influenced by climate change.

Research news
European bird - white tailed eagle

Strengthening and expanding protected areas of existing parks is crucial for biodiversity conservation

In a new study, bioscientists argue that strengthening the protection given to areas already protected under law or by local communities is as critical for safeguarding biodiversity as creating new protected areas.
Research news
Protected area for at risk species

Gabapentinoid and Opioid Tapering Toolbox (GOTT):We have achieved zero patients on high dose opioids!

Persistent pain is a huge world-wide health challenge. It is the primary reason people in the UK see their GP. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised it as a priority disease in 2019. NICE has also recently accepted that current chronic pain medications have limited use, and in fact carry serious safety concerns. Reducing opioid prescriptions (for non-cancer pain) to zero by 2024 is a priority for Public Health England (PHE).
Research news
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At Durham, we provide an outstanding environment for research and education in animal, plant and bacterial biology encompassing expertise from the atomic to whole ecosystem scale. Trained by Durham Biosciences in the skills and knowledge required, our students are able to succeed in a wide range of careers or training environments and help society tackle the challenges for the future.
Professor Martin Cann
Head of Department

Upcoming events

Circadian clock and calcium signalling in plants

Thursday 30 November 2023 - Thursday 30 November 2023
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
L50, Psychology
Durham Castle

Redox signalling and circadian rhythms in health and disease

Thursday 7 December 2023 - Thursday 7 December 2023
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
L50, Psychology
Durham river and Cathedral view
See all our events

Questions about studying here?

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