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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
3rd in the Complete University Guide 2025
Athena Swan Silver 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

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

How tropical plants keep ant rivals peacefully apart by giving them separate ‘flats’

Researchers from our top-rated Biosciences department have uncovered a fascinating way tropical plants in Fiji manage to keep peace among rival ant colonies.

Research news
Tropical plants

Climate change driving rise in soil’s antibiotic resistance

A multinational research team, including Professor David W Graham from our top-rated Biosciences Department, have helped uncover a worrying new effect of climate change - the rise of antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria.
Research news
Soil bacteria

Bacteria evolved to help neighbouring cells after death, new research reveals  

Researchers have made the surprising discovery that a type of gut bacteria has evolved to use one of their enzymes to perform an important function after death. 
Research news
A generated image of bacteria in different shades of blue
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Upcoming events

  

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

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

Questions about studying here?

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