Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences is dedicated to understanding cell, molecular and systems biology and clinical diagnosis of disease and treatments, and advancing this knowledge through research and teaching.

We offer a wide range of courses in the biosciences and all place an emphasis on hands-on practical skills and real-life problem solving. Internship, work experience and placement opportunities also ensure that our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Graduates of our Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited Biomedical Science course go on to careers in the NHS and other health-related industries, while graduates in our Royal Society of Biology accredited Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Pharmacology have found success in R&D, science communication, as industrial laboratory scientists and technical sales specialists, as well as in academic research.

Our Food Science course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and the course has a 100% employment rate for graduates working within the global food and drink industry, developing new and healthy products, and innovating more sustainable use of resources developing the circular economy.

The Department also offers a range of specialist taught postgraduate master's courses and launched an MRes degree in Biological Sciences in 2021.

Staff forms for genetic modification

Relevant Health and Safety forms for staff. Please direct any queries to Professor Linda Scobie.

Research activities

Our research activities span a number of areas, and aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying a number of key long term conditions, including chronic infections, obesity and diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our researchers are also interested in developing novel therapies for these and associated conditions and in the prevention and treatment of infection. The department incorporates the translational science arm of the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit (SPVU). The SPVU is the only NHS centre in Scotland able to treat and care for patients with pulmonary hypertension. The department also hosts contract research in the areas of microbial safety, food analysis and novel methods of disinfection. GCU SHLS are members of SULSA supporting research via a strategic alliance between eleven Scottish Universities that aims to advance Scotland’s research and innovation in the life sciences. Funding is supported by the EU, government agencies and commercial entities amongst many others.

PhD opportunities in the biosciences

PhD study within the Biosciences at GCU equips students with the latest research technologies in aspects of Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Molecular Epidemiology.

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences prides itself in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for cell culture, bio-imaging and advanced molecular biology strategies. Our PhD students progress to successful careers in academic research (national and international), Higher Education and employment in the Bio-Pharmaceutical Sector. Further details on subject-specific areas in which you can study for a PhD can be found on the Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetes and other Long Term Conditions Research Group pages within the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH).

For more details of PhD opportunities, please get in touch via email: HLS Research Student Admin hlsrsa@gcu.ac.uk.

Explore our research

Department highlights

Biological and Biomedical Sciences are members of SULSA and collaborators on a number of interdisciplinary flagship programmes such as the IBioIC, the West of Scotland Health Sciences network and the Glasgow City of Science Innovation Strategic Programme Board.

BSc Food Bioscience is the only Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) approved programme in Scotland, and it was recently listed 5^th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Guide. Other accreditations include the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology.

Our students participate in a number of international exchange schemes, including to Hong Kong and Italy.

Two of our UG programmes BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and BSc (Hons) Food Bioscience achieved 100% satisfaction in NSS 2019.

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology graduates Eleanna Kritikaki and Mark Campbell were awarded the British Pharmacological Society Undergraduate Pharmacology Prize in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The Glasgow Pharmacological Society, founded here at GCU and co-ordinated by Dr Yvonne Dempsie, was selected by the British Pharmacological Society to host the 2018 and 2019 Bill Bowman Prize Lectureship.

Accreditations

Courses offered by this department benefit from accreditations from a number of professional bodies. This ensures your course is up to the highest standards and gives your qualification professional recognition, ensuring your career gets off to the best possible start.

We offer the only Biomedical Science course with placement in Glasgow that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).