University of Hertfordshire, School of Life and Medical Sciences Masters Degrees

Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

The Department focuses on some of life sciences most exciting and rapidly evolving disciplines - biosciences, nutrition, and environmental sciences - where up-to-the-minute knowledge and practical skills are essential.

Active in research, consultancy and training and with strong links to education and commerce worldwide, we deliver career-relevant programmes in all three areas.

We offer the only Pharmacovigilance MSc in the UK, attracting students from the EU, the USA and beyond.

At our dedicated Science Training Centre we’ve trained over 12,000 scientists from across the biological and pharmaceutical industries since 1990.

We also offer excellent opportunities to travel and gain valuable work experience with well-known employers.

Learning environment

All our subject areas (Biosciences; Sport, Exercise and Health; and Geography, Environment and Agriculture) - are based at the College Lane campus.

Across the disciplines, we provide flexible programme options for over 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Courses cover biotechnology, pharmacology, geography and more. Subjects such as environmental management and public health can also be studied part-time, while a combined sports studies degree provides a broad grounding in management, development and coaching.

We encourage students to achieve their best by offering research-led course content, practice in applying skills, and a friendly environment. We also have a highly qualified and experienced academic staff, widely recognised for their expertise.

Extensive computing and informatics resources are complemented by several well-equipped specialist laboratories, staffed by experts.

Biosciences research facilities cover fermentation biotechnology, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), cell culture, molecular biology and pharmacology.

We have four dedicated laboratories for geographical and environmental science. They house field study materials and aerial photography; IT and research resources for geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing; equipment for testing sediments; petrological microscopes; geological maps; and a rock and fossil collection.

Our newly refurbished Sports facilities comprise six purpose-built laboratories and a therapy room with an adjacent sports injuries clinic. State-of-the-art sport, exercise and therapy equipment is located here, including systems for analysis and electrotherapy. Our large environmental chamber, with a temperature range of -20 - +40 degrees Celsius, is used by national teams to help with heat acclimation.

Enterprise partnerships

We have long-standing partnerships with leading industry players who directly access our expertise and resources.

At our world-renowned Science Training Centre we run popular short courses in biosciences and environmental management, which can be tailored to company needs. Our scientists also provide industry with consultancy, laboratory services and interactive elearning media.

At the Biodeterioration Centre we carry out microbiological testing on water, air and aircraft fuel for companies such as leisure centres, investment banks, pharmaceutical firms and supermarkets.

We also consult on diverse geographical and environmental issues, such as EU policy, remote sensing and GIS, plant disease diagnosis, and local government organisation and planning.

In science and health our capabilities cover cardiovascular and lactate testing, weight management, sports injuries, sports psychology support and nutrition.

Research focus

We are strong in research, managing an active agenda in four areas of expertise. These are biotechnology and molecular biology; geography, environment and agriculture; pharmacology; and applied and health aspects of sports science.

In different ways our projects aim to improve people’s quality of life. They currently focus on applying biotechnology and molecular biology to the environment and plant productivity, analysis of air pollution, the geography of transport planning, diagnosis of tuberculosis, and the role of exercise in reducing mortality from obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Professional accreditation

Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)

Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)