Newcastle University

Marine Zoology BSc Honours
UCAS Code: C350 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

The seas and oceans play an important role in our lives but our use of them is not without cost. Biodiversity loss, climate change, sea-level rise, pollution and over-exploitation of resources are just some of the issues challenging our abilities to manage this ecosystem sustainably.

It is important for us to understand the biology and function of marine animals if we want to understand how to conserve and protect these organisms as species and systems.

This degree concentrates on the study of animals in the marine environment, from single organisms right up to mammals such as blue whales.

It has a much stronger emphasis on genetics, cellular and sub-organism processes than our other two marine sciences degrees. It also provides an understanding of the marine environment in which animals thrive.

Teaching and assessment

Research-informed teaching shapes the content of our undergraduate degrees and makes sure that you have chance to cover the most up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject. Our research in Marine Zoology covers two main areas:

• marine organisms and ecosystem research
• coastal processes and management

Throughout each year you develop and extend your practical skills by visiting a wide range of sites. You routinely visit offshore sites on the University’s research vessel, whilst our modern teaching laboratories facilitate your development of essential investigative and analytical techniques.

We assess your performance in each module through a combination of assignments and end-of-semester examinations. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment involves written examinations at the end of each semester, as well as course work associated with practicals submitted during the year. You also carry out your own research project in Stage 3 in the UK or abroad. This gives you the chance to design and conduct an original piece of research on a topic of your choice, under the close supervision of a member of staff. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Fieldwork

We place great emphasis on seagoing experience and this is reflected in the high number of seagoing training hours you will receive on our brand new research vessel. These North Sea offshore practicals will train you in essential skills required by marine biologists and zoologists including:

• plankton sampling
• fish and benthic trawls
• analysing the physical and chemical properties of seawater
• undertaking seabed surveys
• experimenting with the latest oceanographic technology

You will also take part in a number of field trips throughout the course, including an overseas residential field course in Stage 3.

Opportunities abroad

You undertake an overseas residential field course during your final year; we offer a choice between a European and non-European location each year.

You may also undertake your final-year dissertation overseas at a location of your choice and we will support you in setting up this project.

This is an exciting opportunity to experience new cultures, to network with scientists in other marine institutions, and to see the diversity of marine science on a global platform.

It will also broaden your appreciation of the spectrum of marine careers available to you around the world. 

Industry links

You will have opportunities to see marine management in action - the University collaborates with a wide range of organisations to monitor, assess and devise policies and solutions to some of the key issues affecting the marine environment. This includes the Marine Management Organisation in Newcastle whose role is to regulate and manage the seas around England and Wales.

We also have staff representation on the regional fisheries committees, on the regional biodiversity committee, and on other prominent national organisations.

Facilities

At Newcastle you will have access to excellent facilities to support your studies:

• A field station right on the beach in Cullercoats. The Dove Marine Laboratory is located just 20 minutes from campus and is equipped with research aquaria to study live organisms
• Controlled-environment aquaria on campus, providing a contrasting research environment to our beach-based field station
• Marine biology research laboratories
• New twin-hulled research vessel, The Princess Royal, giving you the chance to develop your seagoing skills

School of Marine Science and Technology

You will be part of the School of Marine Science and Technology. This is one of the largest marine schools in Europe, attracting more than 300 students each year.

Based in the Armstrong Building, you will join an international community of staff and students who are interested in learning more about the seas and how we can use this international resource in an environmentally sustainable way.

The students’ common room is a hive of activity and often the place to find the School’s student society, WetSoc, planning their next event.

The School also organises an annual careers fair, exclusively for students in the School where you can meet future potential employers and get an insight into the range of marine-related careers.