Biosciences at Durham University

Biosciences at Durham University has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.  Zoology and Botany were first introduced to the Durham's main Science in the mid-20th century-although Professor of Natural History was appointed in 1873 in Newcastle, when the College of Physical Science was founded.

Botany became an official department in 1939, followed by Zoology in 1945. Professorships in both subjects were established in 1951, with James Cragg leading Zoology and David Valentine heading Botany.  In 1988, the two departments merged to form Biological Sciences, which was renamed the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences in 2001. Finally, in 2016, it became the Department of Biosciences.

Today, the department has evolved to become one of the leading centres for biological research and education in the UK. The Department of Biosciences covers a wide range of topics, from molecular biology and genomics to ecology and environmental science. Their teaching provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological sciences, with specialists in fields such as evolutionary biology, plant sciences, and biomedicine. The department is renowned for its research excellence, playing a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in areas like conservation, microbiology, and bioinformatics. Our strong focus on interdisciplinary research allows us to tackle global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and human health.

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Department of Bioscience