School of Natural Sciences

Birkbeck, University of London

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

Our Staff

Our Research

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Course Level

Undergraduate (BA, BSc, LLB, CertHE programme enrolment)

Postgraduate (MA, MSc, LLM, MRes)

MPhil/PhD research

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Looking for short courses or certificates of higher education (modular enrolment)? Visit our short course page to browse or search.

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.

Meet our staff

"We aim to integrate textbooks 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

A Petri dish with visible samples being held up to view by gloved hands.

Birkbeck-led research secures grant to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis and respiratory diseases

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of mortality from a single infectious pathogen, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a significant global challenge that affects health, economies, societies, and the environment.

News

A space rover with many robotic elements is on a reddish rocky terrain.

Birkbeck academic contributes to Mars Sample Return research

New research sheds light on Mars exploration, as NASA’s Perseverance rover collects samples due to return to Earth in the 2030s.

News

a group of students in graduation robes stand on stairs and are all laughing and smiling as they throw their graduation caps into the air.

A moment of triumph: nearly 900 undergraduates celebrate success at winter graduations

Birkbeck students graduated in ceremonies filled with inspiring stories, distinguished speakers, and recognition of their exceptional academic journeys.

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Connect & Co-create: Learn from Birkbeck Research Centres

28 February 2025, 12:00 to
24 April 2026, 13:00

Online
Book your place

POSTGRAD DISSERTATIONS WORKSHOP SERIES: Finding Resources for your Literature Review!

29 May 2025
13:00 — 14:30

Online
Book your place

Let's Dive into Personal Branding for Employment! / Access to Digital Skills and Careers Programme

2 June 2025
18:00 — 20:30

Birkbeck Main Building, Malet Street
No booking required

View more events

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.