Discover Biology and Biosciences
Congratulations on your offer
Welcome to the Department of Biology. Our courses prepare you for a range of roles where you can make a real impact. You’ll be immersed in a rich research environment that will give you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding today. To make a difference to tomorrow’s world.
From hands-on experience in our specialist laboratories, to unmissable opportunities and expert, research-active tutors. This page will provide a real insight into your subject area.
We’re 1st in the North West for students employed in highly skilled occupations 15 months after graduating – so there’s plenty of opportunities to develop your career when you study with us.
Book your offer holder day
This is your chance to experience a day in the life of an Edge Hill student. Find out more about your chosen course(s) in a subject taster session, take tours of our beautiful campus and accommodation, and chat with our friendly current students.
Contact us to book your placeFacilities available to you
Plant science
Our plant science laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to aid your learning. You’ll find equipment such as LED growth light systems which can recreate any light environment within the visible IR and UV spectrum. As well as sensory equipment including turgor sensors, a thermal imagery system, a leaf area meter, an AP4 porometer, soil sensory equipment and atmospheric sensors. You’ll also find a climate-controlled growth chamber and plant microscopy equipment too.
Biotechnology
The department is fitted with state-of-art labs and equipment which include dedicated facilities for:
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- cell and tissue culture
- microscopy and vector biology
Available equipment and techniques include anaerobic microbiology chambers, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), laboratory-size parallel bioreactor system for plant and mammalian applications including drug development, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), several types of microscopy, DNA extraction and sequencing, qPCR and PCR facilities and mosquito-rearing facilities.
Plus, 100% of students are employed in highly skilled occupations 15 months after graduating.
Biomedical science
Access our state-of-the art cell culture facility dedicated to undergraduate student teaching and research. This facility encompasses:
- class-II safety cabinets
- various humidified incubators
- a fully automated inverted fluorescence microscope to monitor cell growth
- study advanced cell culture experiments
You’ll have access to modern biomedical research equipment, including cooled centrifuges for small and large tubes, fine-scales, pH-meters, water-bathes, hot-plates, various shakers, consumables and material for Western-blotting, toxicity and hormone level analyses.
Genetics
On the genetics programme you will have access to the Biotech laboratory which houses a DNA sequencer, DNA/RNA/Protein Bioanalyser, PCR machines and quantitative PCR machines capable of measuring gene expression, methylation studies and genotyping applications.
Biology
Biology facilities are wide-ranging with access to equipment such as a Scanning Electron Microscope, biotechnology labs and insectaries where we rear the world’s most deadly organism, the mosquito.
Ecology and Conservation
Our ecology teaching and research takes advantage of the outstanding countryside in the vicinity. This includes one of the best coastlines in Europe, ancient woodlands and distinctive rare habitats. The department has the use of a private local woodland for research. We also have excellent lab facilities including soil labs and microscopy facilities, dedicated labs for invertebrate ecology and plant science, including reference collections and bookable labs open to all students.
Hear from our students
When you study on one of our biology and bioscience degrees, you’ll combine technical, analytical and communication skills that will enhance your employability prospects. The Department of Biology has an active research culture and an extensive network of relationships with organisations and other universities in the UK and overseas.
Find out more about what our students have to say about their course, work placements available and their experiences as Edge Hill students.
Chat to our students
Got any questions about studying biology at Edge Hill? Want to know more about student life? Or just want to chat about Edge Hill in general?
Take a look at our Virtual Open Day
Immerse yourself in our campus with our virtual tour. Explore the buildings from your own home and get a feel for our learning, living and leisure space. Roam the halls of our iconic buildings.