Biological Sciences

As a postgraduate student, you’ll be an important part of our research intensive university, contributing to the intellectual vitality and vibrancy of our institution as you learn, grow and develop. You’ll benefit from our collaborative research ethos across the wide-ranging disciplines of the biosciences. Our School of Biological Sciences contains a dynamic research community with expertise that covers the full spectrum of biology. Our various postgraduate research programmes are organised around four areas of research. Organisms and the Environment - Discover an array of plant and animal systems, in the field and the laboratory, to gain an integrated understanding of adaptation and ecology at the molecular, organismal, population and community levels. By studying questions in evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation, we address both fundamental issues and societal priorities, such as the preservation of biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. Cells and Tissues - Focus on how cells, tissues and whole organisms develop and work. We have strengths in cell and developmental biology and use modern research facilities to investigate fundamental questions important in health and disease, using for example the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, the gut, the eye and cancer models. Molecular Microbiology - Address the fundamental aspects of microbiology and microbial biochemistry. Microbes are the most successful organisms on Earth and they are the driving force in the evolution, development and success of multicellular organisms. Our research addresses big questions in microbiology from the effect of microbial communities on host fitness and reproduction to mechanisms of bacterial infection and their role in driving the global sulphur and nitrogen cycles. Plant Sciences - Study different aspects of plant molecular biology including biochemistry, gene expression regulation by small RNAs, flower development, modelling of cell polarity and disease resistance. We make fundamental discoveries and translate them to cultivated crops to increase nutrient level, yield and resistance against pathogens. The research theme includes The Sainsbury Laboratory, which is based in a separate facility on the Norwich Research Park. Whichever path you choose, you will benefit from genuine research-led teaching, as well as partnerships with colleagues in other Schools within UEA and affiliated organisations within the Norwich Research Park. For more information on our research and current research opportunities visit: www.uea.ac.uk/bio/research

Annually, there are some 3,500 students come to the university from outside the UK to study the various courses on offer. In addition to their full studies, there are a number of programs available through the Collaborative International Programmes Office. Through the website, there is also country specific information for students to help them understand everything from entry requirements to information about study fairs and scholarships. There is also practical advice for students about living and studying in the UK. There are over 200 societies and clubs available for students outside the classroom. These range from playing football to taking part in the student newspaper or TV station. Most of these are operated through the Student Union, which also operates a number of entertainment venues including a club and bar. The student union also provides services such as an advice centre. It also runs The Waterfront venue just off campus that has seen acts including U2, Coldplay, Iron maiden and Dizzee Rascal performing there. As well as sports and arts clubs there are also volunteering opportunities for students to get involved with the larger community. There is a notable annual event, the UEA Literary Festival, held each year since 1991. It has featured a number of notable speakers including Stephen Fry, PD James, Terry Pratchett and Peter Ustinov and includes film screenings and political discussions in addition to the talks.