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Department of Biosciences

Facilities and Equipment

Our research covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and we often work at the interface with other disciplines such as the physical sciences.  We have outstanding research infrastructure and equipment in genomics, bioimaging and mass spectrometry, and plant and animal growth facilities.

Amongst the equipment available to our research community are:

  • The Microscopy and Bioimaging facility, where state-of-the-art instrumentation for projects requiring widefield and advanced light microscopy (Lattice Lightsheet, LSCM + Airyscan + multiphoton, TIRF), electron microscopy (SEM / TEM), and histology is available.
  • The Genomics Facility, supporting a wide range of molecular biology applications with a  portfolio of general and specialist equipment, including those required for NGS & supported by a dedicated Bioinformatician.

The equipment is available for use by staff and students within Durham University; many instruments are also available for use by researchers from outside the University. For existing staff and students looking to book  instruments please use Calira. 

Director of Infrastructure - Professor Alistair McGregor

Research Facilities Overview

The Departments research equipment is organised into several research facilities, each managed by dedicated, highly experienced research staff.

Select a facility below to find out more.

Mammalian Cell Culture

Comprised of dedicated containment level 2 laboratories for all aspects of modern cell culture
student carrying out cell culture

Plant Growth Facilities

Controlled environment plant growth facility

Invertebrate Facility

Providing support services for researchers working with invertebrate model organisms
Image shows two stacked trays of vials with foam stoppers and colourful labels. Each vial contains a culture of Droshophila

  • Bioimaging

    Comprised of Advanced Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy, housing a diverse range of different types of microscopes
    Microscope objectives turret

  • Bioanalytics

    Various types of mass spectrometry are available across the department arranged into their specialism; Metabolomics, Metallomics & Proteomics
    Electrospray Ionisation source of mass spectrometer

  • Bioimaging

    Supporting a wide range of molecular biology applications, including specialist equipment required for NGS, complete with full computational support.
    DNA Strands

Bioimaging

Comprised of Advanced Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy, housing a diverse range of different types of microscopes
Microscope objectives turret

Bioanalytics

Various types of mass spectrometry are available across the department arranged into their specialism; Metabolomics, Metallomics & Proteomics
Electrospray Ionisation source of mass spectrometer

Genomics & Bioinformatics

Supporting a wide range of molecular biology applications, including specialist equipment required for NGS, complete with full computational support.
DNA Strands
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