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

Our accreditations

Accreditations received by our courses include the Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers).

Research institutes, centres and groups

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. 

Wessex Portal

The Wessex Portal is an online community that promotes a better understanding of our region’s unique natural environment and heritage assets without compromising progress.

Co-creating science

Learn how students and staff in the Department of Life & Environmental Sciences co-create new knowledge and understanding that has practical benefits for the environment...

Nature volunteers

Nature Volunteers is a website for those that are interested in volunteering to help nature. Volunteers can use the site to find opportunities run by...

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.

Visit the BU Global Environmental Solutions website

Making an impact

NUS Green Impact programme run in the Department of Life and Environmental Science at Bournemouth University

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.

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