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Biological sciences is the investigation of the web of life, from cellular processes to whole organisms, including how they interact with one other and the environment.

The opportunities for research and study in the School of Biological Sciences are wide-ranging in scope. Whether you're interested in a career at the forefront of biomedical discovery, or are keen to preserve fragile habitats and threatened wildlife, this is the place for you.

Our School is split into three sections: Biomedical Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Biomedical Engineering.

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Biomedical Sciences

We cover biochemistry, medical science, microbiology, molecular science and more, aiming to extend life, ease pain, combat diseases and enhance the healthy state.

We teach and research in exciting fields such as phylogenetics, bioinformatics, protein structure, evolution and population biology.

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Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

We investigate the living world at all scales, aiming to change the way people think about, and study, ecology and evolution.

Our award-winning Whiteknights campus is a rich, biodiverse environment, allowing our staff and students to use it as their laboratory.

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Biomedical Engineering

We bring the power of engineering to the field of healthcare, designing technology to manage diseases and improve health.

We work towards discoveries in biomedical engineering, brain computer interface, neurorehabilitation, assistive technology, neuroscience, biomaterial, robotics and electrical engineering.


Learn more about our School

Join a university that is ranked in the UK's top 10 for biosciences (the Daily Mail University Guide, 2025). Reading is a great place to study and research biological sciences. Our research-intensive institution is situated on the outstanding and biodiverse Whiteknights campus.
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Research

We conduct high-impact research in areas of great relevance to the challenges faced by society and the planet as a whole.

Our wide-ranging research seeks to understand and combat human disease and uncover new ways to protect the natural world.

View of Whiteknights lake and trees

Facilities

Our labs, microscopy suite, cardiovascular imaging facility, Cole Museum of Zoology, Herbarium, and range of virtual reality and haptic interfaces, are all situated on our beautiful Whiteknights campus.
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Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

The School of Biological Sciences is a demographically and culturally diverse place to work and study.

We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, which recognises the steps taken to advance gender equality at all levels of our School.

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Meet the team

Our community of staff includes internationally renowned academics, recognised for the excellence of their teaching and research.

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News and events

Visit our Twitter site @ReadingBioSci for the latest news from the School of Biological Sciences, and for details on upcoming events.
Aerial view of Whiteknights campus

Campus life

Our main campus, Whiteknights, is a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library, places to eat, and one of the UK’s best student clubs. You’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep. 
Athena SWAN Silver Award