Message from Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Understanding ourselves, our world, and its place in the universe

The Faculty of Science comprises the seven departments that cover the classical science subjects of maths, physics, chemistry, biology and psychology.

Our mission is to understand ourselves, our world, and its place in the universe. We fulfil this mission by teaching BSc, integrated Masters and MSc courses, and by our research that leads to MPhil and PhD degrees.

Our students think that we do a good job, as evidenced by the excellent results in the National Student Survey. We are committed to enhancing the student experience and integrate our research, scholarship and teaching to ensure that the Sheffield graduate is well placed to succeed outside the University.

Our faculty works to improve the world by seeking to understand it, through application of our research excellence. Whilst knowledge itself has intrinsic value we are committed to the transformation of the new knowledge we generate into real benefits; whether they are economic, ecological, or societal.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise the clear majority of our research was deemed internationally excellent.

The faculty structure has been set up to be nimble and responsive. The Faculty Executive Board comprises the seven Heads of Departments and Faculty Officers (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty Director of Learning and Teaching, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation) and meets twice a month. The Research and Innovation and Learning and Teaching committees have been established and are supported by ad hoc Task and Finish groups.

I look forward to working with all our staff and students to deliver a world class faculty fit to lead on the intellectual developments of the 21st century.

Professor Tony Ryan OBE
Pro-Vice-Chancellor