School of Biological Sciences
Explore the teaching and research activities taking place with our School of Biological Sciences
Teaching | Research | Facilities | Our staff | Explore our Faculty | Contact us
In the School of Biological Sciences, we're addressing the most pressing issues impacting people's quality of life around the world. 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 science – from developmental biology and epigenetics, to molecular biophysics, marine biology and applied environmental research – and our academics, lecturers and researchers are experts within their fields.
The School holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, in recognition of the work we're doing to advance the careers of women in science.
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.
96% of our graduates find employment within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted in 2019).
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.
Our teaching areas
Visit our Biological Sciences subject area page to find out more about the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees we offer.
Research
We conduct cross-disciplinary research across the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences. The positive outcomes of this research can be seen in our Research Excellence Framework 2021 results for Unit of Assessment (UoA) 3 and UoA7. Both of these UoAs had more than 80% of their research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour and 100% of their Impact Case Studies rated as outstanding or very considerable in terms of their reach and significance.
Working with researchers across the globe we have developed techniques that can 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.
Research groups
Explore the work we're doing across our 3 research groups.
Biophysics and molecular genetics research group
The University of Portsmouth is studying biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins to allow us to tackle issues such as disease, pollution and energy.
Ecology and evolution research group
The University of Portsmouth is expanding knowledge of the diversity of the living world, from molecules to ecosystems, and creating a basis for assessing and reversing the extinction of species.
Marine biology research group
We're researching key environmental issues in marine science such as climate change, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and ocean acidification.
Our research centres
Much of our exceptional research takes place within the following cross-disciplinary research centres – find out more below.
Facilities
School of Biological Sciences Facilities Showcase
Discover the facilities available within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth.
Video with no dialogue, showing the facilities within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth: School of Biological Sciences, Experimental Aquarium Rooms, Seawater System for Research and Offshore Research.
Our staff
Explore our faculty
Explore the other Schools and Departments that make up our Faculty of Science and Health.
Faculty of Science and Health
Explore the Faculty of Science and Health at the University of Portsmouth, and learn more about the teaching and research activities that take place within the Faculty's different departments and schools.
School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences
We're studying how our planet works, how it's changing and what we can do about it, with academic expertise in palaeontology, geology, geotechnical engineering, geography and environmental science.
School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Through our teaching and research, the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences strives to find new ways to help those with debilitating illnesses and diseases.
Department of Psychology
Explore the Department of Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, and learn more about the teaching and research activities happening within the department.
School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science
We study the physiology, psychology and biomechanics of the human body during exercise and its application to sports performance and health.
School of Health and Care Professions
The School of Health and Care Professions offers exceptional health and social care education to meet the current and future needs of the health and social care sectors.
Contact us
To get in touch, please contact our Faculty office.
