Marine Biology MMarBiol (Hons)

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the compulsory modules in Biology alongside modules in at least one other subject.

Typically, you will take core modules during your first two years, and advanced modules during your third, fourth and fifth years (known as Honours).

1st Year

In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all biology degree programmes. Both of the following modules are compulsory.

• Biology 1: provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
• Biology 2: provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and will address key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life.

In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for Marine Biology, and new topics are introduced in some second year modules such as evolutionary biology and ecology. Students on the Marine Biology course must take the following modules:

• Ecology: introduces basic concepts in population and community ecology and how they relate to biodiversity.
• Research Methods in Biology: develops essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. This is achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, independent data-handling workshops and group work on a mini research project.

Students must also take two of the following modules:

• Comparative Physiology: covers the principles of physiological adaptation in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats.
• Evolutionary Biology: gives an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology.
• Invertebrate Zoology: surveys the major invertebrate groups, emphasising the diversity of body plans while demonstrating how the common functional requirements such as feeding, reproduction, respiration and excretion are achieved.
• Vertebrate Zoology: explores the diversity of vertebrate animals, beginning with the closest relatives of vertebrates and the evolutionary origins of the group.

In third year, you will continue to specialise in Marine Biology via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:

• Aquatic Ecology
• Biology of Marine Organisms
• Developmental Biology
• Ecosystems and Conservation.

During fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules in your chosen speciality. Advanced modules offered in the past include:

• Advanced Biological Statistics
• Animal Cognition
• Foraging in Marine Mammals
• Marine Bioacoustics
• Marine Mammals and Man
• Polar Ecology: A field course in Antarctica.

In fifth year, you will also undertake an advanced laboratory research project to investigate a defined problem within marine biology. The project will involve initiative and independence in experimental design and in pursuing the literature, as well as excellent experimental and analytical techniques. Students will be allocated to a member of staff within the School of Biology who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year. The project will be presented in the form of a proposal, a research dissertation, an oral presentation and a viva.

The sub-honours modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours-level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above.