Marine Biology with a Year in Applied Research, BSc (Hons)

Marine biology is a captivating field focused on oceanic life, offering students a chance to explore diverse topics such as marine plankton, oceanography, ecosystems, and ecology. This four-year BSc programme includes a year-long industrial placement to apply skills and boost employability. Located on the coast, it 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 survey vessel. Facilities include advanced research centres, a visualisation suite, and laboratories, with accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. Courses cover themes like animal welfare, conservation, microbiology, and climate impacts, and options for a year abroad are available to enhance skills and experiences.The curriculum spans modules in Years 1 and 2 on animal diversity, cellular biology, marine ecosystems, and field techniques. Year 3 involves a tailored research project, while Year 4 explores advanced topics such as aquatic diseases, fisheries, and polar biology. Assessment combines lectures, seminars, practicals, exams, coursework, and a research project, ensuring comprehensive skill development.

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. You will spend Year 3 on a research project. Each students' experience and activity will depend on the field and specialism of the hosting organisation. Year 4: 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.