The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Chester is based around an innovative group of about 50 academic and technical staff, research students and post-doctoral researchers, committed to providing high-quality teaching and research. We address global challenges including threats to human health and wellbeing, environmental change and the global biodiversity crisis. Researchers in the School collaborate with a range of external organisations, including national and international NGOs, government bodies and industrial partners. These connections are further enhanced by links with other regional and international universities. Facilities The research facilities include specialist laboratories including labs dedicated to biochemistry, molecular biology and endocrinology. We also have specialist laboratories for chemistry and chemical engineering including advanced instrumentation for chemical analysis, including infra-red spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry Postgraduate students can take advantage of our research-active culture and support from across the School. This is also strengthened by regular subject-specific and employability skills workshops as well as a research seminar programme. Research Areas The Department has four main areas of research that broadly encompass: Conservation and Animal Behaviour (in both terrestrial and aquatic systems, including species protection and management, surveys and monitoring, behaviour assessment and applied behaviour) Animal Health and Welfare (of companion animals, livestock and lab animals including non-invasive assessments, endocrinology and parasitology) Biological Applications (to a wide variety of areas including wastewater treatment, bioremediation, medical applications and pest management) Physics and Chemical Engineering (including industrial applications, computational methods and the development of new materials).