Department of Biosciences

The study of the biosciences has never been more important.

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

5th The Complete University Guide 2023

100% internationally recognised research environment (REF 2021)

3rd Guardian University Guide 2023 (Biology)

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.
Postgraduate Study

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

Undergraduate Study

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

Postgraduate Study

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

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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

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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Groups

Services and Collaboration

DBS Genomics

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Greenhouse designed for growing GM crops

Explore our Facilities and Equipment

News

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).

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Research news
Scientists decrypt the ‘mechanical code’ of DNA

Our highly-rated Department of Biosciences has helped to decipher the mechanical code of DNA.

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Global research
Scientists envisage climate change will severely impact bird communities by 2080

Leading ecologists from our Department of Biosciences and Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany have predicted in their latest research that bird communities will change worldwide in 2080 due to climate change, largely as result of shifting their ranges.

Read more

Research news

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

Scientists decrypt the ‘mechanical code’ of DNA

Our highly-rated Department of Biosciences has helped to decipher the mechanical code of DNA.

Global research

Scientists envisage climate change will severely impact bird communities by 2080

Leading ecologists from our Department of Biosciences and Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Germany have predicted in their latest research that bird communities will change worldwide in 2080 due to climate change, largely as result of shifting their ranges.

Research news

More news

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