Marine Biology, BSc (Hons)

Marine biology offers an engaging exploration of oceanic life through diverse modules such as marine plankton, oceanography, ecosystems, and ecology. Located on the coast, the course provides access to varied habitats like rocky shores, cliffs, salt marshes, and estuaries, with hands-on boat work on a state-of-the-art 18m catamaran survey vessel. Facilities include a £1.6m survey vessel, a centre for sustainable aquatic research, a £1.3m visualisation centre, and a £4.2m science laboratory. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the BSc programme covers topics like animal welfare, conservation, microbiology, and climate impacts, and includes options for a Year in Industry or Abroad to enhance employability.In Year 1, students study animal diversity, cellular biology, ecology, and core skills. Year 2 focuses on marine ecosystems, ichthyology, and field courses, while Year 3 explores aquatic diseases, fisheries, polar biology, and conservation. Teaching involves lectures, seminars, practical classes, and field courses, with assessment through exams, coursework, and research projects. We guarantee conditional offers for eligible applicants; visit our Open Day for more details.

Year 1: Areas studied typically include: animal diversity, form and function; cellular and microbial biology; marine and terrestrial ecology and animal behaviour; molecular and evolutionary biology; plants and algae – diversity, form and function; and core skills for Bioscientists. Year 2: Areas studied typically include: marine ecosystems; ichthyology; marine biology field course (Pembrokeshire); marine invertebrates; marine plankton and oceanography; marine techniques. Year 3: Areas studied typically include: diseases of aquatic animals; ecology of marine animals; fisheries and aquaculture; oceans and climate; polar biology; tropical marine biology field course (Puerto Rico); tropical marine biology and conservation; field and laboratory professional skills.