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You’ll cover a broad range of topics to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge in Marine Biology. This foundation will help you understand more complex challenges and solutions as you progress in your degree.

You'll also be introduced to standard laboratory procedures, experimental design, sampling methods, field observations, and recording, analysing and displaying scientific information.

Modules

You will take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules Credits
Genetics and Evolution 20
Ecology and Conservation 20
Marine Biology 20
Animal Life 20
Introduction to Marine Sciences (previously called The Marine Environment) 20
Skills for the Biosciences 20

 

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of marine ecology. You’ll also learn how your marine biology skills apply to many different areas. These can include industrial, biotechnology and food production.

You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through laboratory practicals, workshops, field trips and a residential field course.

Modules

Compulsory modules

You will take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory module Credits
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation 20
Tropical Marine Ecology 20
Contemporary Oceanography (previously called Oceans and Climate I) 20
Professional Skills for Bioscientists (previously called Academic and Employability Skills) 20
Field skills for Marine Science 20

Optional modules

You will take one of the following optional modules:

Optional module Credits
Evolution and Behaviour 20
Vertebrate Biology and Ecology 20
Deep Sea and Polar Biology 20

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director, alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected. 

In Stage 3, you’ll complete your marine research project either in the UK or overseas. As part of your project, you’ll submit a scientific paper and present your findings to staff and students. This experience is invaluable as writing research papers is a core requirement in the field.

You'll also study advanced marine biology and zoology and learn more about current research in ecology or zoology. You’ll choose an optional module from a range that allow you to tailor your learning to your interests. Options may include topics such as biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, physiological zoology, or global marine science.

Compulsory modules

You will take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules Credits
Global Challenges & Solutions 20
Research Project 40

You will choose whether to take either one or both modules from the following list: 

Optional modules Credits
Current Research in Ecology 20
Current Zoology 20

If you chose one optional module from the previous section, you will take two optional modules from the following, or if you chose both optional modules from the previous section, you will take one optional module from the following:

Optional modules Credits
Environmental Impact Assessment 20
Biodiversity Science and Management   20
Physiological Zoology  20
Global Marine Science 20

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director, alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.