The emphasis of Biochemistry at Bristol is unashamedly on the biomolecular processes that underpin human health and disease and on the applications of biomolecular knowledge for synthetic biology and bioengineering. These approaches dominate both our research and our teaching programmes.

Research

Our research studies extend from fundamental single-molecule studies of biomolecules through whole cell imaging to studies in model organisms. The quality of our research has been consistently recognised in the UK research assessment exercises, and in REF2021 we were ranked 8th in the ranking of UK biological sciences departments, with 95% of our submitted outputs rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Research in the School of Biochemistry is supported by approximately £9 million of competitively awarded, external income per year.

Teaching

The enthusiasm for research from our school community directly inspires what we teach, and this is borne out in quality and satisfaction ratings across our teaching. The annual National Student Survey results consistently confirm that our students have a very high level of satisfaction with their undergraduate experience at Bristol (for example in the 2021 NSS 100% of respondents said that they were satisfied with the quality of the course, found it intellectually stimulating, and had been challenged to achieve their best work).

Our excellence in teaching also carries students through to life after university: our graduates are popular with employees for their extensive grounding in the fundamentals of biochemistry, and their clear familiarity with quantitative biochemical methods.

A high proportion of our undergraduates proceed to postgraduate study, at both the University of Bristol and other institutions. We have a strong record of doctoral training in the school and are part of several training programmes, including the BBSRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership, Synthetic Biology Centre for Doctoral Training, and Wellcome Trust PhD in Dynamic Cell Biology.

Facilities

Well-funded research labs, cutting-edge central research facilities, modern, airy and well-equipped teaching labs, and the excellence of both staff and students, provides an unrivalled environment for research and teaching to flourish.