Program Overview

Introduction to Marine Biology

Marine Biology is the study of organisms that inhabit 95% of our planet's biosphere, thriving in environments as diverse as polar seas below -2 and hydrothermal vents exceeding 100. As we become increasingly aware of the importance of marine organisms in climate regulation, food sources, medicine, and other products, this field of study becomes ever more crucial.

Course Overview

The Marine Biology course at Bangor University is a comprehensive program that covers the fundamental aspects of marine biology, as well as specialized areas like aquaculture, fisheries, and marine biotechnology. The course is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the biology of marine life and its associated ecosystems.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The compulsory modules cover topics such as ecology and evolution, marine biology practical, diversity of marine life, and fundamentals of oceanography. The optional modules allow students to specialize in areas such as estuary and shelf sea processes, tides, waves, and marine energy.

Compulsory Modules

• Ecology & Evolution: This module offers an overview of ecology and evolution for students in the natural sciences.
• Marine Biology Practical 1: This module introduces students to three important components of Marine Biology: Field Science, Laboratory Science, and Communicating Science.
• Diversity of Marine Life: This module covers a wide range of marine life, including all major taxa - from the basic lifeforms such as microbes and algae, to organisms such as annelid worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, and molluscs.
• Fundamentals of Oceanography: This module provides an introduction to the physics and chemistry of the oceans.

Optional Modules

• Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes: This module covers the key physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in these important ecosystems.
• Tides, Waves, Marine Energy: This module explores the fundamental physics behind these phenomena and how they may be identified from real ocean data.
• Marine Conservation and Exploitation: This module brings science to bear on the two global challenges of marine conservation and managed exploitation.

Careers

This course is an ideal preparation for careers in research, conservation, marine resource management, fisheries, and aquaculture, government advisory bodies, think tanks, the scientific media, ecotourism, and much more. Many graduates go on to work in conservation, consultancy, teaching, and research, with employers including Natural Resources Wales, Environment Resources Management, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Fees and Costs

The tuition fees for the course are ｣9,790 for UK and Ireland students and ｣21,000 for international students. There are also additional costs to consider, such as books, printing, and photocopying.

Welsh Provision

There are many opportunities to use and develop Welsh-language skills at Bangor University, including scholarships and bursaries for studying through the medium of Welsh. The university offers a range of services to support students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh, including Welsh Language Support, Study Skills Support, and Student Support.

Conclusion

The Marine Biology course at Bangor University is a comprehensive program that provides students with a solid understanding of the biology of marine life and its associated ecosystems. The course is designed to prepare students for careers in research, conservation, marine resource management, and more, and offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge in a supportive and stimulating environment.