Department of Biological Sciences

This joint institute with UCL coordinates internationally recognised research into biological systems that is increasing our understanding of human diseases and how best to combat them.

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

Our flexible courses, taught by world-recognised teachers and researchers, will give you the technical and practical skills you need to develop your scientific career.

Find out about the ground-breaking and world-leading research in our department.

Current students in the department can use Student Services to access study support, library services and Moodle for programme handbooks.

Get in touch with us if you have any queries about studying, researching, working or collaborating with us.

Find out more about our past achievements in teaching and research, plus our diversity and equality programme to support staff and students.

The department is proud to be awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) in recognition of the department’s commitment to achieving gender equality.

We have state-of-the-art laboratories and the Birkbeck-UCL Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (ISMB) gives you access to further world-class equipment and facilities.

Academics in our department at working on world-leading projects across the chemical and biological sciences.

Find out how to pursue research in our department.

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

Read the latest news on research, awards and events in the department.

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.

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