Marine Biology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Course Content

Throughout the Marine Biology (with Foundation Year) degree you will study a range of modules and engage in a wide variety of different learning activities, which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practicals. In addition, you will develop your knowledge and skills through undertaking a wide variety of assessments.

Many modules include day field trips. In year 2 there is a day trip and a field course based on the research vessel and in year 3 hypothesis testing exercises are undertaken during the intertidal field project. You also have the option of an overseas field course in Virginia, USA. Your practical work is continually assessed and examination of each module is by multiple choice questions (MCQ), laboratory tests and written examinations.

You will not only enjoy the resources expected of a modern centre of marine biology, with freshwater and marine aquaria, but will also benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of marine habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. We are unusual among British universities in having access to a state of the art research vessel.

What will you study on this course?

This very popular course allows you to study the fundamental aspects of the biology of marine life as well as more specialised aspects such as aquaculture, fisheries and marine biotechnology.

The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project. In addition, you will complete modules on Essential Biology and Essential Chemistry. 

Year 1 and 2 of the programme aim to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and widen skills base. The aim of the third year is to further develop your critical understanding of the subject and to further enhance your employability.