Biological Sciences

About us

As a School we believe that Biological Science is a practical and rapidly advancing subject, the teaching of which must be informed by research. We have strengths in both teaching and research. Our taught curriculum focuses on our research strengths.

Results of the recent 2010 National Student Satisfaction Survey confirm the strength, excellence and the high quality of the teaching of the biology subject area in School of Biological Sciences. The results showed that 96% of students are satisfied with our pathways compared to the sector median of 88%, placing Portsmouth 7th in the UK (out of 54 institutions).

The table below shows the satisfaction rating in a number of key areas compared to the sector average (100% is the highest score achievable):

Satisfaction results of the National Student Survey for biology subject area
(BSc (Hons) Biology, BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology and BSc (Hons) Marine Biology. Data (UoP & sector) is for full time students)

Other surveys have also supported these results with The Guardian placing us 26th out of 88 for biosciences based on: teaching, feedback, spend per student, student:staff ratio, value added, job prospects and entry score.

Two of the School buildings, King Henry (our main teaching building) and St Michael's (housing the cell and molecular biology research laboratories) are at the heart of the Guildhall campus and five minutes walk from the city centre, the Students' Union and Library. Our Institute of Marine Sciences Laboratories are based at Langstone Harbour and which house both teaching and research. With around 500 undergraduate students and 40-50 usually studying for their Ph.D, we are a busy School with world-class facilities and staff who enjoy teaching and research at the highest levels.

What our 2008 graduates had to say about their tutors

"I was allowed the freedom to take my project where I wanted it to go and received invaluable knowledge and advice when I needed it most .”
K.D.  B.Sc. (Hons.) Forensic Biology 1st Class and winner of the annual prize for the best performance in Forensic Biology

“ I would like to take this opportunity to  thank my supervisor for his ongoing guidance, support and advice throughout what has been a most  enjoyable third year project.”
W.W.  B.Sc. (Hons.) Marine  Biology 1st Class

“A special thanks to my  project supervisor who always had time to help and encourage me.”
S.F. B.Sc. (Hons.) Forensic Biology and Biochemistry. 2:1 Class

“I am deeply indebted to my supervisor for giving me the chance to explore the world of chromatin, for all his help and support, stimulating suggestions and encouragement."
I.E.  B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry 1st Class