Marine & Freshwater Biology

You will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

You will be introduced to the study of animal diversity and ecology. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Degrees in Arts, Life Sciences, Science and Social Sciences.

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study a wide range of topics including animal diversity and its classification; ethical aspects of scientific work; evolution and ecology; wildlife conservation; animal behaviour and animal welfare; environmental management (aquatic pollution); and aquatic environments. There are also visits to hatcheries, fish farms and aquaculture projects.

Another major component of your final year is an independent research project, which can be carried out in the laboratory, or in the field, at home or abroad. You can take Marine & Freshwater Biology as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between the third and final years of the degree. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute in the UK or overseas.

The list of available final-year optional courses is subject to change each year. In addition, places in optional courses may be limited, so students are not guaranteed a place on a particular final-year option

You may have the opportunity to undertake an overseas field course. For example, the tropical marine biology course includes an optional fieldtrip to study the coral reefs and mangroves of the Red Sea, Egypt.