We are a multi-disciplinary team of biologists, ecologists, geographers, forensic, medical and environmental scientists. Our wide-ranging specialist interests include human evolution, biology and genetics, microbiology, sustainability, paleoecology, remote sensing, coastal and terrestrial geomorphology, the ecology of plants and animals within terrestrial, freshwater & marine environments and forensic science covering crime and disaster events.
In a biodiversity hotspot, close to iconic environments such as the New Forest National Park, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, we’re ideally situated to study and research life and environmental sciences.
On campus, our forensic science students have access to our dedicated Crime Scene Training Facility where you can participate in simulated crime scenes and disaster scenarios. Our purpose-built medical science facilities include cell culture labs and the latest industry-standard equipment.
Our courses
Undergraduate courses
Postgraduate courses
Our accreditations
Accreditations received by our courses include the Institution of Environmental Sciences, the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Research institutes, centres and groups
Research projects
Read about the impact of further research projects:
Work in the community
From volunteering to working to promote our region's natural environment and creating ways to help us to understand our regional and international environment, here are some of the ways our department is working to make a difference.
Consultancy: BU Global Environmental Solutions (BUG)
Bournemouth University Global Environmental Solutions (BUG) is a consulting arm of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Bournemouth University, located within the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences. We provide a unique blend of academic and practical expertise to address global ecological issues; developing sustainable solutions to support industry and regulators alike.
Making an impact
The Green Impact team started their journey in 2015 when the NUS Green Impact Programme was first introduced at Bournemouth University and have encouraged and supported staff and students to reduce their environmental impact since then.
They have achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, involving undergraduate students, postgraduate assistants, demonstrators, lecturers and professors to create a more sustainable environment at BU and beyond.
