Abertay University
The Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences (BELS) is part of the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, and hosts the Biomedical Science, Forensic Sciences, Food Science, Nutrition, and Engineering academic provision. The Department is highly research active, consisting of over thirty staff delivering a range of undergraduate (Hons.) and postgraduate degree programmes, the majority of which are accredited by relevant professional bodies. We take a research-led approach to teaching, which emphasises active learning through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and workshops, providing opportunities for skill development. With an applied focus, our interest is in developing graduates equipped to engage in critical analysis and scholarly debate, and to contribute meaningfully to research, innovation, and professional practice within their discipline.
Biomedical Science
Teaching in Biomedical Science is supported by the Department’s research foci, including Comparative Physiology and Nutritional Health; Cancer Biology; Reproductive Physiology; Microbiology, with emphasis on Antimicrobial Resistance; Pharmacology; and Bioethics. Our research-led approach is embedded within a curriculum aligned with professional standards in Biomedical Science, ensuring that teaching is informed by current developments in the study, investigation, diagnosis, and monitoring of human health and disease. Students develop an integrative understanding of biological systems, disease mechanisms, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, supported by exposure to contemporary laboratory methods and clinical practice. The Department’s links with the NHS support teaching by providing students with a clinical context for developing professionally relevant knowledge and skills. This enables engagement with real-world challenges in healthcare and biomedical research, while fostering an appreciation of the ethical, regulatory, and translational dimensions of Biomedical Science.
Beyond Biomedical Science
Research in the Department also extends across the following areas:
Forensic Sciences: Work in Forensic Sciences places particular emphasis on fingerprints and forensic mark visualisation, with staff collaborating closely with the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, Police Scotland, and judicial services.
Food Science, Nutrition, and Health: This subject area spans Food Science and Technology; Food Chemistry and Process Optimisation; Microbiology, Zymology, and Alcoholic Fermentations; Applied Food Technology; Food Innovation; Sensory and Consumer Science; Consumer Science and Diet; and Public Health and Human Nutrition, with a strong focus on knowledge exchange and extensive interaction with industry.
Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering: Research in this area includes Geo-environmental, Geo-technical, and Structural Engineering, as well as Sustainable Technologies and Decision-making for Sustainable Systems.
SNG representative at Abertay University