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Birkbeck, University of London School of Natural Sciences

A leading centre of innovative teaching and a world-class research environment

Our Staff
Our Research

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School of Natural Sciences

Our subjects

Study Biological Sciences at Birkbeck

Find out more about biological sciences courses which will give you the fundamental knowledge, together with technical and practical skills, to work in many science roles.

Study Earth and Planetary Sciences at Birkbeck

Find out more about flexible geology and planetary science courses, with fieldwork options for projects in Scotland, Greece and Morocco.

Our research

Research across Natural Sciences

Find out more about the innovative and world-leading research being undertaken in the School.

Become an MPhil/PhD Student

Find out how to take your research further in the School of Natural Sciences.

About the School of Natural Sciences

About us

Find out more about the School of Natural Sciences and its expertise in biological sciences and earth and planetary sciences.

Our staff

Our academics are world-class, internationally renowned experts, who bring the latest research into their teaching.

Contact us

Get in touch with us if you have any queries about studying with us.

Current students

Current students use Moodle, our virtual learning environment, to access module study resources and programme handbooks.

Athena SWAN Award

The subject area of Biological Sciences was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award in October 2018 - read more about these initiatives across the Faculty of Science.

Safety Policy

All staff, students and visitors working across Natural Sciences are expected to comply with these policies.

Meet our staff

"We aim to integrate textbook essentials with the cutting-edge research going on in the School, to give a flavour of the burning unanswered questions and latest scientific advances." Professor Carolyn Moores

Find out more

Science week

Birkbeck's annual Science Week showcases our groundbreaking scientific research with a series of public lectures and events.

Rosalind Franklin lecture

This annual lecture, which honours the life and work of one of our most distinguished alumni, Rosalind Franklin, enables a prominent female scientist to present her work.

Bernal lecture

This annual lecture commemorates the immeasurable contribution of Professor J. D. Bernal, who worked at Birkbeck for over 30 years.

Student funding

Securing funding for your studies will be a key concern and we are committed to providing the advice and support you need.

Come and meet us

The school holds virtual taster events and takes part in College-wide open events – find out more and book your place.
News

How bacteria communicate and compete

Bacteria may be microscopic, but they are constantly communicating with the microbes around them. New research reveals how cholera-causing bacteria can detect chemical signals from their neighbours, change their behaviour and outcompete other bacteria.
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Events calendar

Civil Service Fast Stream – a Career for You

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Comment

Spanner in the works for a parasite motor

In this blog, Alex Cook, former Birkbeck PhD in the Department of Biological Sciences, reports on research developing new approaches to malaria control.