Welcome to Biochemistry at Bristol
Professor Leo Brady, Head of School of Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the fundamental study of the molecular processes that underlie life itself. Studies of the intricate networks of biomolecules that comprise a living organism are not just intrinsically fascinating, but also form an essential part of modern drug development. The Bristol flavour of Biochemistry places particular emphasis not just on discovering novel biological molecular processes, but also on their quantitative analysis such that these systems can be harnessed and modified in a predictive manner. Being part of a School of Medical Sciences, our emphasis is unashamedly on the biomolecular processes that underpin human health and disease. These approaches dominate both our research and our teaching programmes.
Our research studies extend from fundamental single-molecule studies of biomolecules through to whole cell imaging. The quality of our research has been consistently recognised in previous Research Assessment Exercises, in which Bristol Biochemistry has consistently rated as one of the best UK Biochemistry departments. In RAE2008, to which virtually all our staff were submitted as a single unit, we were rated as 20% 4*, 45% 3*, 30% 2* 5% 1* and 0% Unclassified - a 'Grade Point Average' of 2.80. In both The Times Higher Education and the Guardian league tables, this places us in the top 6 biological science departments in the country (out of 52 returned under UoA14). This would have been an impressive result if we had 'cherry-picked' the individuals that we returned in our submission; it is even more impressive given that we were inclusive rather than selective.
The enthusiasm of members of the School for their research inspires much of our teaching
Similarly, in the most recent assessment of teaching quality and student support, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) awarded the School of Biochemistry a score of 24 out of 24. The enthusiasm of members of the School for their research inspires much of our teaching. Our graduates are popular with employees for their extensive grounding in the fundamentals of biochemistry, and their clear familiarity with quantitative biochemical methods. A high proportion of our undergraduates proceed to graduate (usually doctoral) training, at both this and other institutions.
Substantial investment from various sources has meant that the majority of research and teaching laboratories in the School have been refurbished in recent years. This, and the excellence of both staff and students, provides an unrivalled environment for research and teaching to flourish. The School of Biochemistry has been honoured with an Athena Silver SWAN award for excellence in recruiting and progressing women in science, engineering and technology (SET). In 2010, three of only six awards to be presented by the Biochemical Society will be given to members of staff in Bristol Biochemistry - an outstanding achievement for one Department. Dr Mark Dillingham has been awarded the Colworth Medal and Prize, Prof Pete Cullen will give the Morton Lecture, and Prof Andrew Halestrap the Keilin Memorial lecture. In addition, Dr Jez Carlton - who obtained his PhD in 2007 for his work with Prof. Pete Cullen in Biochemistry - has been awarded the Biochemical Society's Early Career Researcher Award in the field of Cell Biology.
These web pages are intended to give a flavour of our current activities. I hope that you will find your visit interesting, informative and enjoyable. Perhaps you might also be inspired to join us for undergraduate or graduate study, or as part of our vibrant and enthusiastic research community.
Professor Leo Brady, Head of School of Biochemistry