School of the Environment and Life Sciences

In the School of the Environment and Life Sciences, we study how our planet works, how it's changing and what we can do about it. From finding new ways to combat climate change to our pioneering research into plastic-eating enzymes, we're turning our expertise into action.

We cover all aspects of biological and environmental science, from developmental biology and epigenetics, molecular biophysics, marine biology and applied environmental research, to palaeontology, geology, geotechnical engineering and geography.

Our academics are experts within their fields and conduct impactful research and innovation that informs our relevant and engaging teaching. We're committed to teaching our students through practical lessons and fieldwork, so they can learn from our experts, first-hand.

Teaching

We emphasise personalised study and high levels of interaction and collaboration between lecturers and students. Our research activities frequently inform our teaching, and our graduates develop the ability to apply the skills they learn during their study.

We provide high levels of student support and guidance in a nurturing environment. Our researchers and teaching staff share their passion and excitement for research to inspire the scientists of the future.

Learning on location

Students learn on residential fieldwork trips to Malta, Berlin, the Jurassic Coast, Somerset and the Isle of Wight. Self-funded trips to Lapland in Finland, Portugal, Malaysia, and Hong Kong are also available. We've also developed study exchange opportunities with universities in Spain, France, Australia and Canada.

Our students run tests and simulations in the same labs used by our research staff. We love guiding students to get to grips with exciting practical techniques including gamma spectrometry, crystal growth, low temperature physics and environmental monitoring.

Student integration

Cooperation and working with students actively shapes our teaching and assessment. Staff operate an open door policy, so students can look for guidance and support whenever they need it, and we encourage them to build networks and study groups with peers during their time at Portsmouth.

We work closely with the Students' Union Student Voice representatives to get regular feedback from students. We also run mid-term staff and student meetings to check in on how we're doing.

Employability

We have strong links with industry and often undertake site visits and invite industry experts as guest speakers. All of our courses within the School of the Environment and Life Sciences offer the opportunity to undertake a placement year in industry or to study abroad.

Many of our courses are accredited by relevant professional bodies, so employers know that our students are highly skilled and job ready. Accreditation bodies include the Royal Society of Biology, Palaeontology Society, Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), Royal Geographical Society, the Geological Society and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMMM).

Research

Our research in environment and life sciences aims to provide solutions to complex global challenges. It makes a positive impact at the local, national and international level.

The Research Excellence Framework 2021 rated Units of Assessment that include our research areas - Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, and Geography and Environmental Studies.

Within Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy, more than 80% of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour. 100% of our impact case studies were rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of their reach and significance.

Across Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences and Geography and Environmental Studies, our research was rated as having impact that was outstanding or very considerable in terms of its reach and significance. Our impact case studies evidenced societal benefits in areas such as water quality monitoring, management of the Chernobyl exclusion zone and improving the wellbeing of international women migrants and their families in Indonesia.

Working with researchers across the globe, we have developed techniques that address the growing issue of plastics and how to deal with their negative impact on the environment. This research lead to our Centre for Enzyme Innovation being awarded £5.8 million for its research into plastic eating enzymes.

Partnerships and funding

We work with a wide range of organisations to help solve environmental and societal challenges, and work towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These important partnerships include local to international companies, government agencies, NGOs and charities.

Our research is funded by research bodies including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Royal Society, European Commission, Economic and Social Research Council, and The Leverhulme Trust.

Our research projects

Water quality monitoring in the Kishon River catchment using Chemcatcher passive sampler

We developed an improved passive water sampler, used to monitor water quality across the globe. The creation and uptake of the Chemcatcher has lead to the development of national and international standards for the use of passive samplers. It's been used to measure levels of pharmaceutical pollutants all the way to radioactivity in water after the Fukushima nuclear incident.

This project involved deployment and analysis of Chemcatcher passive samplers in the Kishon river catchment, Israel. Screening and quantification for pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
The wildlife at Chernobyl

We've assessed the radiosensitivity of animals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and created sustainable ways to develop the area, including the creation of Atomik vodka.

Facilities

We have a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities within the School of the Environment and Life Sciences (ELS). The videos below showcase these facilities under the two former schools that combined to become ELS.