BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

Bachelor's degree

In Plymouth

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Plymouth

  • Duration

    3 Years

  • Start date

    October

In this hands-on degree, one of the best in the UK and with an international reputation, you’ll explore the diversity of marine life from coastal margins to the deep sea and gain an in-depth understanding of the biology of marine organisms. Teaching takes advantage of the South Devon coast as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities – so you’ll have the opportunity to not just experience marine biology but to practice it at the highest levels in both the laboratory and out in the field. You'll gain an understanding of marine life at the level of the biology of organisms – ranging from microbes found on coral reefs, the physiology and behaviour of marine vertebrates, to the biology of the marine algae that underpin the vast majority of other marine life. The aim of the degree is not only to teach you about marine biology, but to equip you with the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to be a practising marine biologist.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Plymouth (Devon)
See map
Portland Villas, Plymouth PL4 6DX, UK

Start date

OctoberEnrolment now open

About this course

128 points from a minimum of 2 A levels to include biology plus a second science (includes chemistry, environmental science, geography, geology, marine science, mathematics, physics or psychology). Biology and the second science subject must be at grade B or above. If no second science is offered, 136 points (including grade A Biology) are required. General Studies and key skills are excluded.

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Reviews

This centre's achievements

2019

All courses are up to date

The average rating is higher than 3.7

More than 50 reviews in the last 12 months

This centre has featured on Emagister for 5 years

Subjects

  • Teaching
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Biodiversity
  • Microbiology
  • Marine Biology
  • Physiology
  • Marine Organisms
  • Ecophysiology
  • Oceanographic
  • Biology of Sex
  • Ocean Planet

Course programme

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key biological and oceanographic themes, with topics ranging from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll also benefit from a residential field course abroad, introducing you to the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis.

Core modules
  • BIOL120 Cell Biology and Microbiology

  • MBIO120 Introduction to Marine Biology

  • MBIO121 Life on Earth

  • MBIO122 Evolution and Biodiversity

  • MBIO123 Marine Biology Field Course

Optional modules
  • BIOL124P Biology of Sex

  • BIOL125PP Scientific Method and Ethics in Biology

  • OS106PP Our Ocean Planet

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll sharpen your practical skills in the setting of the South Devon coastline, just minutes away. We’ll introduce you to methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well engaging with the biology of marine organisms and the ecology of shallow water marine habitats. Depending on your choice of modules, you can receive training in underwater sampling and all students will explore experimental methods during a field course that currently takes place in Portugal.

Core modules
  • MBIO217 Ecology of Shallow Water Marine Habitats

  • MBIO222 Ecophysiology of Marine Animals

  • MBIO223 Methods in Marine Biology

  • MBIO226 Experimental Marine Biology Field Course

  • MBIO228 Biology of Marine Organisms

Optional modules
  • BIOL214 Ecology

  • MBIO221 Marine Molecular Biology

  • OS207 Scientific Diving

Optional placement year

During your optional third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do a work placement, for a six or 12-month period. Alternatively, you’ll be able to choose a work-based learning module alongside your studies.Core modules
  • BPIE336 Marine Biology related Placement

Final year

Your final year of study provides the opportunity for you to focus on your chosen areas of interest. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learned. You’ll also choose from a range of modules that are driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, while studying at the cutting edge of marine biology.

Core modules
  • MBIO313 Personal Research

  • MBIO329 Marine Biology: An Evolutionary Approach

Optional modules
  • BIOL311 Ecotoxicology

  • MBIO317 Behavioural Ecology

  • MBIO32 2 Marine Microbiology - Ecology and Applications

  • MBIO324 Speciation and Diversity

  • MBIO325 Marine Algae: Eco-Physiology and Utilization

  • MBIO327 Marine Ecology

  • MBIO339 Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates

  • MBIO340 Behaviour and Physiology of Marine Animals

  • MBIO363 Fish and Fisheries

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

Additional information

International fee

£13,000

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

Price on request