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The School of Biological Sciences has a full suite of new laboratories, so you can learn in a state-of-the-art environment and conduct original research.

Our facilities enable teaching and research in exciting fields such as brain computer interfaces, assistive and rehabilitation technologies, hard and soft robotics, virtual reality, haptics and wearable electronics.

Laboratories

Our recently refurbished labs are designed to accommodate every discipline within biological sciences.

Facilities include:

  • tissue culture suites
  • multi-mode microplate readers (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence)
  • multicolour flow cytometry
  • real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital gel scanning and documentation
  • spectrophotometers
  • centrifuges
  • ultra-centrifuges
  • fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
  • equipment for the large-scale growth and harvesting of microbial and animal cells.

Our biomedical engineering facilities include:

  • range of virtual reality and haptic interfaces
  • wearables laboratory
  • brain embodiment laboratory
  • brain computer interface laboratory
  • electrophysiology laboratory
  • terahertz spectrometer.

Health and Life Sciences building

As the new home of the School of Biological Sciences, our £60m Health and Life Sciences building is purpose-built for teaching and research.

The building houses a flexible teaching lab that can be subdivided to create up to four separate spaces, research labs, seminar rooms, study space and a cafe.

Excellent research centres and facilities

Our interdisciplinary research centres and facilities offer excellent learning opportunities:

Whightknights lake with trees

Our campus

Our School is located on the beautiful Whiteknights Campus, a 14 time winner of the Green Flag Award. It features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.

Read Faustina's story

Our link with the close-by Royal Berkshire Hospital provides opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience in communicating with clinicians and working in a clinical environment.

Faustina Hwang,

Professor of Interactive Systems Design

Our research

Our research focuses on understanding the brain and designing technology to manage diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and epilepsy, and improve longevity and health.
Athena SWAN Silver Award