Students laugh in a laboratory

Biosciences online open day

Studying the science of life will equip you with the real-world skills required to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Biosciences include, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Ecology and Conservation, and Zoology.

Live chat

We have dedicated channels for each of our subject areas, as well as for any other questions you have about student life.

Staff and students are online to answer your questions about studying Biosciences at Lancaster University.

Chat about Biosciences at Lancaster

Welcome to Biosciences

Professor Martin McAinsh, Professor Paul Bates, and Professor Phil Barker welcome you to this year's Undergraduate Open Day.

Our five subject areas

Click on the images below to watch introductory presentations on our five subject areas.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is an exciting and rapidly developing subject and the primary investigative science within biology and medicine. You will examine the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular and cellular level, studying core modules in biochemistry and chemistry.

Biology

Tailor your degree to match your specific interests by choosing from a wide variety of modules. You can develop your knowledge of a range of biological processes, learn how plants and animals are affected by the challenges of the 21st century and have the option to specialise, for example, in the biomedical, biochemical or environmental aspects of biology.

Biomedical Science

Our flexible Biomedicine and our IBMS-accredited Biomedical Science degree courses are aimed at those with a broad interest in human life processes and disease and give you the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the techniques and issues associated with modern biomedical research.

Ecology and Conservation

You will examine the ecology and conservation of different ecosystems, in which organisms are locked in complex interactions with one another and their environment. It's a diverse field and your degree will focus on areas including animal behaviour, evolution and global change biology.

Zoology

Zoology is a science dedicated to the study of animal life, and our degree provides a range of modules covering the different elements from animal behaviour to cellular processes and physiology, and from taxonomy and the diversity of animal life to evolution.

What you need to know

In the following short presentations, you will find out what you need to know about studying Biosciences at Lancaster University.

How we support you

Dr Sarah Allinson tells you about how we support you throughout your studies at Lancaster University.

Accreditation

Dr Nikki Copeland explains why accreditation with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is essential for your future career.

Our research

Dr Andrew Fielding looks at some of the research undertaken across the Faculty.

Covid-19 Research

Dr Muhammad Munir talks about his current work researching the coronavirus, looking at both diagnostics and vaccines.

Case studies: Preserving coral reefs

Lancaster University scientists study the way in which rats have a devastating impact on the ecology of tropical islands.

Case studies: Bacteria and honey bees

Lancaster Scientists studying the link between changing land use and bacteriological diversity in honey bee food.

Case studies: How to feed a growing population

Lancaster Scientists researching how to maximise sunlight availability in plant photosynthesis.

Bioscience Lectures

What can you expect from lectures at Lancaster? Our research-led teaching means that your lecturers will also be at the forefront of research in their field. Below are two sample lectures; one filmed in a lecture theatre, the other using Microsoft Teams to present virtually.

Biomedical testing and vaccinations

Watch an excerpt from a real lecture with Dr Carol Rolph and Dr Rachel Rigby. In this lecture Dr Rolph looks at how we screen for disease with specific mention of how we screen for Covid-19, and Dr Rigby takes a look at vaccinations.

Animal behaviour research

In this lecture, Dr Stuart Sharp answers why we study animal behaviour, and looks at the differences between pure and applied research.

Where are the Biosciences on campus?

You will study in Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), which is home to both the Biomedical and Life Sciences and the Lancaster Environment Centre, in the southern half of the campus. This is the largest complex of buildings on the campus and features cutting-edge teaching laboratories, lecture theatres, break out spaces and facilities. It is situated just two minutes walk from the centre of campus, where you can access shops, cafes, study spaces and the Library

Download a campus map
Teaching in the LEC building

Courses

Biochemistry

Biology

Biomedical Science/Biomedicine

Ecology and Conservation

Zoology

Beyond the labs

Your global experience

Enhance your studies, boost your self-confidence and immerse yourself in the culture of another country as part of our exciting opportunities to study overseas.

Fieldwork opportunities - Biology

Fieldwork is an exciting and interesting way to develop your practical skills. Our surroundings allow us to give you regular hands-on experience of a wide range of biological situations in the local area, and you will also have the opportunity to travel further afield or even overseas on a range of exciting field courses that will place your studies in the context of real-world issues.

Fieldwork opportunities - Ecology & Conservation

Nestled between the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales National Park and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lancaster is perfectly placed to study ecological and environmental processes.

Meet our students

Our students give you an understanding of what it is like to study Biosciences at Lancaster University.

Jay Balamurugan

A place for Jay

The University gave a really positive, chilled vibe. When I first came to the campus, everyone I spoke to was so friendly, helpful and truly cared about their university, and I still feel that it's a special place - I knew Lancaster was the place I wanted to be.

I love learning about the human brain, it is the most fascinating thing I have ever studied; it’s thoroughly complex and incredibly amazing at the same time. I did a project in my third year on Alzheimer’s, where we looked at how the disease inhibits the brain using an electron microscope. The experience of using cutting-edge technology was amazing and I realised that what I am studying at Lancaster University could make an impact in the real world after my studies - it was a pretty monumental moment for me.

Jay Balamurugan

What to do next

Thank you for visiting the Biosciences online open day. We hope that you found the presentations useful and informative, and we hope you had the opportunity to ask questions in the Live Chat.

Choosing your course and university is a big step. If you have any further questions, please get in touch at bioladmit@lancaster.ac.uk.

Linked icons

Linked icons