MMarBiol Marine Biology

University of Essex

Bachelor's degree

In Colchester

£ 9,250 + VAT

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Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Colchester

  • Duration

    4 Years

About the course
On our marine biology course you dive into a fascinatingly complex world of whales, coral reefs, fish, deep sea trenches, coastal lagoons, sea ice, and tropical seagrass beds

The vast majority of life on earth is found under the sea; but exactly how much remains unknown, since there is so much still to be explored


At Essex, we take you on a journey of discovery from the poles to the tropical reef systems of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans

We work on ecosystems from estuaries and coastal environments to oceanic systems, and on conservation and resource management


On our four-year MMarBiol Marine Biology, you gain the same expert knowledge of marine biology as achieved on the three-year BSc through study of essential core modules and the flexibility to specialise in the areas that interest you most, including:
The major types of marine community, including aquatic mammals and fish
Direct and indirect human impact on the marine environment
Coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove systems
Marine and freshwater taxonomy and biodiversity
Diving and snorkel-based practices
In addition, you achieve a masters-level qualification and have the opportunity to investigate more advanced topics in tropical marine biology, including:
Tropical marine systems, including coral reefs, tropical oceans, seagrass beds and mangrove systems
The diversity and socio-economic impact of tropical marine resources
Methodologies in tropical marine biology
You also have the option on the MMarBiol to go on a three week expedition to study coral conservation in Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia

Facilities

Location

Start date

Colchester (Essex)
See map
Wivenhoe Park, CO4 3SQ

Start date

On request

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Systems
  • Conservation
  • Project
  • Biodiversity
  • Teaching
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Marine Biology
  • Skills and Training

Course programme

Example structure
Studying at Essex is about discovering yourself, so your course combines compulsory and optional modules to make sure you gain key knowledge in the discipline, while having as much freedom as possible to explore your own interests. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible your core module structure may be subject to change.
For many of our courses you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from – those listed in this example structure are just a selection of those available. The opportunity to take optional modules will depend on the number of core modules within any year of the course. In many instances, the flexibility to take optional modules increases as you progress through the course.
Our Programme Specification gives more detail about the structure available to our current first-year students, including details of all optional modules.
Year 1
Scientific and Transferable Skills for Biosciences


Marine Biology Field Skills
Genetics and Evolution


Plant Biology and Ecosystems




Microbiology




Animal Evolution, Ecology & Behaviour
Marine Ecology


Year 2
Marine Biodiversity


Professional Skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists
Marine Vertebrates
Coral Reef Biology (optional)
Ecology: Populations and Communities (optional)
Biodiversity and Conservation (optional)
Plant Molecular Physiology and Genetics (optional)
Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology (optional)
Tropical Marine Field Research Skills (optional)
Final year
Research Project in Ecological and Marine Sciences
Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Field Module
Fisheries Ecology
Pollution: Impacts and Management (optional)
Conservation Management and Practice (optional)
Sustainability (optional)
Freshwater Ecology (optional)
Oceanography and Marine Conservation (optional)
Interdisciplinary Science Group Project Module (optional)
Research Project in Biological Sciences (interdisciplinary) (optional)
Animal Behaviour (optional)
Year 4
Tropical Marine Resources
Tropical Marine Systems
Methods in Tropical Marine Biology
Professional Skills in Tropical Marine Biology
Teaching
An optional three week expedition to Indonesia
Learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and coursework
Gain experience collating and interpreting data, and reporting findings clearly and concisely
Benefit from teaching at our local marine biology field centre
Assessment
Degrees are awarded on the results of your written examinations together with continual assessments of your practical work and coursework
Conduct a research project into marine biology in your final year of study
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Additional information

“My fondest memories of studying at Essex will be the travelling opportunities it has given me, particularly intensive field courses where I was instructed by scientists at the forefront of my subject I was also happy to conduct my postgraduate studies at Essex due to the University’s high research status in biological status and because of the notable scientists within the Department ” Sarah-Jane Walsh, BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology, 2009 Professional accreditation Develop your practical skills with UK and overseas field trips, including a part-subsidised visit to our Indonesian coral reef research centre, where you gain scuba dive certification Our expert staff As one of the largest schools at our University, we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with research-led study and high quality teaching Two-thirds of our research is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2014), and you learn from and work alongside our expert staff Our research covers a wide spectrum of biology – from the cell right through to communities and ecosystems Key academic staff for this course include Dr Leanne Appleby Hepburn, who works on community ecology and ecosystems of coral reefs, Professor Dave Smith who is researching tropical marine biology and conservation, and Dr Michael Steinke, who is working on biogenic trace gases in marine environments The University of Essex has a Women's Network to support female staff and students and was awarded the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award in November 2013 in recognition of its continuing work to support women in STEM Specialist facilities Recent spending by our University has allowed for major refurbishment and expansion of our School of Biological Sciences, including: Work in an open and friendly department, with shared staff-student social spaces Conduct your final-year research alongside academics and PhD students in shared labs Our local marine biology...

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MMarBiol Marine Biology

£ 9,250 + VAT

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