Department of Biosciences

At a glance, 2026–27

Head of department: Professor Hugh Ransome
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Building: Biosciences Building, Riverside site
Academic staff: 66
Students: 560 undergraduates, 95 taught and 120 research postgraduates

The Department teaches the biological sciences from molecules to ecosystems, with a common first year that lets students move between its five degrees. Field courses run on the Pontar marshes and, in the second year, abroad.

The Department manages the University’s field station at Saltings Marsh, downstream of the city, which has recorded birds and plants on the estuary since 1968.

Subjects

Molecular and cell biology
Biochemistry
Genetics
Zoology
Ecology and conservation

Courses

Undergraduate

Postgraduate taught

Ecology and Conservation MSc T505
Molecular Biology MSc T506

Postgraduate research

Life and Health Sciences PhD R503, joint

Biosciences in the course finder

Research

Estuaries and wetlands: Saltmarsh ecology, birds and the effects of rising sea level.
Infection and immunity: How bacteria resist antibiotics.
Genes and development: Gene regulation in plants and animals.

Research students are supervised in every area listed. See research at Oxenfurt and the University’s centres and institutes.

Contact

Biosciences Building, Riverside site, Riverside Road, Oxenfurt OF1 4RS
Email biosciences@oxenfurt.uk · Telephone 01632 960690
The department office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.