About the School of Life Sciences

From zoology to biomedical science, forensic science to crime and investigative studies, we’ll help you develop practical skills and knowledge to make an impact in your chosen field.

We're located on Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge campus.

Courses

We develop our courses to prepare you for the workplace of today and tomorrow.

Our full-time undergraduate courses offer optional placement opportunities and our courses are accredited by various professional bodies, including the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Science and even recognition from the Royal Society of Biology.

You can go on to enhance your skills and knowledge through our MSc courses, enabling you to further specialise in your chosen area.

Field trips

We strongly believe that, as well as hearing about things in lectures, you should have the opportunity to see and do them.

Forensic science, and crime and investigative trips
Through laboratory investigations to field visits such as excavation and investigation exercises, mortuary and courtroom visits and mass disaster cases, we believe it's really important to get experience in practical skills and our courses reflect this.

Animal science trips
Gain hands-on experience while you study. Through residential and local field trips you’ll develop an understanding of habitat conservation, build identification skills, and gain valuable employment skills. You might experience rutting red deer on the island of Rum; marine biology in Scotland; world-class zoos in the Netherlands; wildlife and ecology in Africa; and diving and marine biology in the Red Sea.

First-class, research active staff

Our staff take pride in delivering an up-to-date and exciting curriculum, while offering a friendly atmosphere in which you can thrive. You'll be taught by a group of highly qualified and enthusiastic academics who have strong links with industry and many external organisations.

Research

Our School is home to four research groups: Applied Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Biomedical, and Forensic and Investigative Sciences.

Our Applied Ecology Research Group undertakes world-class research to understand and provide innovative solutions to a myriad of urgent and complex global issues facing natural ecosystems.

Core areas of research in the Behavioural Ecology Research Group currently include animal communication, cognition, social behaviour, and animal welfare.

Members of our Biomedical Research Group aim to further our understanding of health and disease. The Group encompasses several specialist research areas, including cancer cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology.

And finally our Forensic and Investigative Sciences Research Group carries out high-level research in forensic science and criminal investigation.

Explore our research groups and get in touch with a group member for further information on their specialisms:

Postgraduate research

We offer PhD programmes and innovative research project opportunities in Biology, Biomedical Science and Forensic and Investigative Sciences:

Visit us

If you're thinking of studying one of our courses, the best way to find out about us is by visiting our next Open Day. See exactly what we have to offer, have a tour of our facilities and chat to staff and students.