School of Biology

Overview

Through the process of evolution, organisms have evolved to function in their natural environment. Genetic information is translated, through development, into a phenotype that functions within the organism's particular environment. Within the School, we study different parts of this whole process (from genetics, through development, cellular biology, physiology, life history and ecology to evolution). In a rapidly changing world, with ever greater demands on resources, there are numerous scientific problems that demand our attention. How can we grow sufficient crops to feed a growing population, and can we do this in a way that is sustainable for the environment? Can we understand the biology of disease vectors – like malarial mosquitoes – with a view to their control and reduction in the million or so people killed by the disease each year? The rise of genome-sequencing begs important questions about the functioning of those genes that have been sequenced, and the translation of genetic information into the phenotype that functions in an ecological setting. These are a flavour of the research being undertaken within the School.

The School consists of approximately 50 academic staff, grouped within three research groups: the Centre for Plant Sciences, Ecology and Evolution and Heredity, Development and Disease. Our aim is to undertake high quality research on societal issues that matter (see the University Strategy Map at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/strategy), and within the School we aim to foster an environment where research can flourish because it is the focus of our activities and we interact in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment.

The School fits within the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Leeds and alongside the other Schools. Collaborations between members of the different Schools are common and encouraged, so we are part of the larger biological enterprise at Leeds. Collaborations outside the faculty are also common. For example, the University Interdisciplinary Institute, the Earth & Biosphere Institute is a grouping of scientists with interests in the effects of biotic and environmental changes on a spectrum of time and space scales, from short term to geological, and from nano-scale to global.

We are always interested in hearing from potential postgraduate students, research fellows and academics who may be interested in relocating to Leeds. Prospective undergraduate students should direct enquiries to the undergraduate school.

Professor Helen M Miller School Director

Matters regarding Undergraduate Teaching contact the Undergraduate School. Matters regarding Postgraduate Teaching contact individual staff/supervisors of the Postgraduate School