Doctor of Medicine (MD) - Biosciences - Organisms and Environment

Organisms and Environment is a specialised research area within the Biosciences postgraduate research programmes (MD), focusing on the study of whole organisms and their interactions within changing ecosystems. The research aims to understand how environmental change affects biodiversity, health, and genetic variation, using a combination of ecological, experimental, and molecular approaches across a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and fungi.

The programme is organised around key themes such as genomes and adaptation, ecosystems and global change, and microbial communities and infection. Research projects are typically multidisciplinary, spanning areas from field ecology and environmental studies to experimental microbiology and population genomics. The division benefits from strong collaborative links with institutions in the UK and internationally, as well as partnerships across different academic disciplines within the university.

Students are part of an active research community with access to specialised facilities, including molecular biology and analytical resources, and opportunities for field-based research, including at an international field centre. The programme also features a regular seminar series, providing opportunities to engage with leading researchers and present work, supporting both academic development and professional growth.