A new type of covalent bond that stabilizes folded proteins
This new bond links lysine and cysteine in proteins together under oxidizing conditions.
Department of Life Sciences
We deliver excellence in research and teaching across the spectrum of Life Sciences, from biology, biochemistry and biomedicine to pharmacy and pharmacology.
Latest news
Read about the latest research news and press releases from the Department.
City birds found to be carriers of antimicrobial resistant bacteria
New analysis shows birds living near humans had up to three times more antimicrobial resistant bacteria in their gut than those living in more remote areas.
New DNA analysis helps bust 200-year-old royal conspiracy theory
DNA analysis refutes the theory that Kaspar Hauser was a ‘lost prince’ of the House of Baden
Size doesn’t matter for mammals with more complex brains, according to new study
New research in Nature Communications investigates the effect of sexual size dimorphism on genome evolution.
English school children unwittingly smoking spice-spiked vapes, finds University of Bath
Testing hundreds of confiscated vapes in 38 schools in England reveals 1 in 6 (16.6%) contained spice
Insight into one of life’s earliest ancestors revealed in new study
The Last Common Universal Ancestor (LUCA), from which life evolved into bacteria, plants and animals, was older and more complex than previously thought.
Our research
Our research spans a diverse range of areas, from drug discovery science and healthcare, to evolutionary biology and biodiversity.
Biodiversity
Studying organisms across the five kingdoms, find out how our research is helping answer the big questions about past, present and future biodiversity.
Evolution
We study the evolutionary process from micro to macro-evolution to resolve key problems in fundamental, applied and evolution education research.
Food Security
From plant immune systems to synthetic biology, find out how we're helping increase crop plant resilience against extreme temperatures, drought, and pathogens.
Infection and antimicrobial resistance
Discover how we're addressing the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the challenges of emerging microbes with epidemic and pandemic potential.
Life Course
From conception to death, our research addresses developmental and homeostatic mechanisms and the detection, treatment and prevention of their dysfunction.
Meet our researchers
Hear from some of the teams working across our research domains.
Dr Stephanie Lo
Dr Stephanie Lo, a senior lecturer in the Milner Centre for Evolution, discusses her research on vaccines and the race against ever evolving pathogens.
Professor Tiffany Taylor
Professor Tiffany Taylor and her team explain how they can harness the rapid evolution of bacteria to uncover insights into our microbiome.
Dr Vicky Hunt
Dr Vicky Hunt and her team share their work on the parasite genes and what they teach us about parasitic life cycles and their ability to infect their hosts.
Professor Zamin Iqbal
Professor Zamin Iqbal and his team study microbial genomics and evolution, exploring how drug resistance spreads amongst bacterial populations to help fight it.
Research with Impact
Our research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to help create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
Stemming the flow of drugs into prisons
A multi-disciplinary team from Bath is developing the world's first portable device that detects synthetic drugs.
Undergraduate study
Find out about our undergraduate courses.
Undergraduate pharmacy courses
Train as a healthcare professional in all aspects of medicines use and design.
Choosing between Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Start your career at the forefront of modern healthcare.
Undergraduate pharmacology courses
Play a vital role in the discovery, development and testing of therapeutic agents to improve global health.
Undergraduate biosciences courses
Learn more about our Biology, Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences courses, including entry requirements and course structure.
Postgraduate study
Find out about our master's courses, PhD degrees, and taught postgraduate courses for practising pharmacists.
Master's courses in Life Sciences
We offer a range of master's courses including molecular biosciences, biotechnology and drug discovery.
Clinical pharmacy postgraduate courses, including Prescribing
Part-time, practice-based learning for UK practising pharmacists at all career stages.
Postgraduate research degrees in Life Sciences
Find out about our PhD degrees, funding opportunities and how to apply.
People, equality and diversity
We are firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome a diverse population of both students and staff.
People in the Department of Life Sciences
Find a member of staff in the department.
Equality, diversity and inclusion in the Department of Life Sciences
The Department is firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
School outreach activities
Details on how we engage with schools and communities.
Life sciences outreach activities
We offer a range of activities to local schools, colleges and communities.
Campus visits for schools and colleges
Explore our campus, meet staff and students, and learn what it's like to study at Bath.
About us
Five cross-disciplinary research domains are prioritised: biodiversity, evolution, food security, infection and antimicrobial resistance, and life course. These domains bridge across the Department, enabling new opportunities for wider collaboration and defining a new vision of Life Sciences.
Contact us
Ask us more details about our courses and research, and keep up-to-date through social media.