Department of Biology
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/biology/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/
Tackling global challenges through bioscience education and impactful research.
Study with us
We're a friendly and supportive academic community committed to sharing our expertise with the next generation of bioscientists.
Our courses span the full range of contemporary biological sciences including biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology and biomedical science.
Our research
Our world-class bioscience research addresses major global challenges.
Grounded in excellent fundamental science, our research spans the discipline and generates solutions for a sustainable green future and a healthy human population.
Biology at York is a really exciting place to be! Amazing staff, enthusiastic students and exceptional facilities drive interactions between research and teaching, which in turn create collaborations and innovations that produce positive impacts on global challenges.
Professor James Chong, Head of Department
1st in the Russell Group for 'Academic Support'
among universities included for molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry in the 2024 National Student Survey.
Biological Sciences is ranked in the top 10 overall in the UK according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results.
We are proud to have held an Athena Swan Gold award since 2014.
News
News
Biomass Biorefinery Network celebrates supporting researchers to turn ideas into real-world progress
17 March 2026
From rapid increases in technology readiness levels to over £12m in leveraged funding, the Biomass Biorefinery Network releases a report demonstrating its impact.
News
Discovery of alkaloid biosynthesis enzymes featured in ‘From First Principles’ podcast
10 March 2026
New research from Dr Benjamin's Lichman's lab has been published in the New Phytologist.
News
Plant discovery could lead to new ways of producing medicines
6 March 2026
Scientists have shown how plants produce powerful natural chemicals that could help in the production of new medicines in more environmentally friendly ways.
News
Cells that communicate may help hinder bladder cancer from spreading
20 February 2026
Researchers at University of York’s Jack Birch Unit have revealed how direct communication between cells can help maintain healthy human tissue - potentially paving the way for new treatments for bladder cancer.
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