The future is being built at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Life Sciences. Here, researchers are working across disciplines to improve the lives and wellbeing of everyone around us.
As a student here, you will be part of an inspiring ecosystem of world-class spaces and scientists. What better way to develop in-demand analytical and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for exciting, diverse careers and become sought-after by employers? Past cohorts have gone on to support cardiac patients, discover new drug treatments, and thrive in roles such as Lead Specialist for Technical and Scientific Development, Head of Centre for Manchester Blood Centre, NHS Blood and Transplant Scientist, Molecular Business Manager, and more.
More students are set to join them – and they get to do so in the faculty’s new US$145 million Dalton Building. Located right in the heart of the Manchester campus, this modern facility provides the spaces and resources to grow and explore new possibilities. It features purpose-built teaching and research spaces tailored to courses offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which includes the Department of Life Sciences, ensuring that you have the best environment and atmosphere to harness science and technologies to make a better future for everyone.
For Life Sciences students, new cell and molecular, microbiology and physiology research labs will serve as your platform to undertake cutting-edge research. These are excellent facilities, filled with specialist equipment. There are high-quality portable microscopes that can be used outside a lab; virtual dissection/visualisation tables and tablets to assist in learning core topics in anatomy, physiology, histology and disease; patient simulators to accompany learning complex disease models; and research-grade equipment to capture data and analyse biomolecules, microorganisms, and human physiological functions in both laboratory and remote environments.
The full list of equipment is long, promising seemingly endless possibilities, especially when paired with the many study and social spaces now available. These are on every floor, bringing students and researchers from every discipline within the faculty closer to enable world-changing discoveries.
At the Dalton Building, workshops, studios, and labs encourage interactive and engaging sessions. Source: Manchester Metropolitan University
Recognised as a leader in health research, the Department of Life Sciences ranks 15th in the UK for its health and biomedical research (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Its global reputation is a result of expert faculty like Dr Nessar Ahmed and Prof Emma Hodson-Tole, who, with students, carry out research to advance health and well-being.
“An important part of training for Biomedical Science and Human Physiology students is to develop the practical, hands-on skills required for practice following graduation,” explains Dr Ahmed.
The new Dalton Building promises more opportunities for Dr Ahmed and Prof Hodson-Tole to make their course more hands-on. For example, the active learning spaces allow them to include more problem-based learning in their courses. “This approach ensures everyone can engage in the lesson and learn at their own pace,” says Prof Hodson-Tole.
Similarly, Dr Ahmed highlights the benefits of the Superlab, an open-plan laboratory environment: “We can accommodate and teach up to 200 students simultaneously, with better facilities, strict health and safety measures, and an improved environment for laboratory work.”
These faculty members are just as excited about the bespoke collaboration spaces. “The atmosphere is much brighter now,” shares Prof Hodson-Tole. “These spaces foster a sense of community, bringing students together across all six floors of the building. It’s inspiring to see them well-used throughout the day.”
From the Department of Life Sciences to meaningful careers
The Department of Life Sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that blend academic theory with practical experience and research. No matter your interests, you will find various learning pathways that prepare you for real-world challenges.
The BSc Biomedical Science programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and the Royal Society of Biology. Over three years, you will learn everything there is to know about biomedical sciences, from how human cells and biomolecules work, to the science to diagnose and treat health disorders used in research and hospital laboratories. By the time you’re working on your final-year project, you will be diving into advanced topics and scientific techniques to explore topics that excite you most. And if you are aiming to advance your expertise, the IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science is a proven next step.
Human physiology is another standout subject from the department. In the Royal Society of Biology-accredited BSc (Hons) Human Physiology programme, you will explore pathophysiology, uncovering how things go wrong and the strategies used to address medical challenges. The MSc Human Physiology builds on this foundation with advanced training in specialised techniques and technologies. According to Prof Carol Ainley, Head of the Department of Life Sciences, it is “one of the few taught postgraduate courses in human physiology in the UK, featuring a unique curriculum delivered by specialist experts who are active researchers.”
Whichever programme you choose, you’re set to make a difference in diverse careers, ranging from education and government to environmental policy and further study — carrying on the department’s legacy of innovation and impact.
Sign up for on-campus or virtual open days and info webinars.
Follow Manchester Metropolitan University on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
