Program Overview

Course overview

From microscopic algae to giant whales, most of our planet’s life is found in the oceans. As a marine biologist, you will learn about the behaviour, physiology, and ecology of marine organisms.

Introduction

Life first emerged in the ocean and has spread throughout this dynamic environment. The distribution, growth and success of marine organisms is affected by the interaction of biological, chemical and physical processes operating in the ocean.

You will discover how individuals, populations and communities respond to environmental drivers such as temperature and food availability, as well as to the challenges presented by a changing climate and human interaction. You will also gain the varied skills necessary to examine the marine environment and relay your findings to audiences from the general public through to government bodies.

You will study the interaction between the biology of marine organisms, the composition and properties of seawater and the physical processes operating in the oceans.

There is a strong emphasis on marine  sustainability and ecosystem management, marine biogeochemistry, the climate system and numerical skills. Training at sea, in the field, and in the laboratory in years one, two and three will provide you with the essential skills required to be a successful marine scientist including practical experience of data collection and processing, analysis and interpretation.

A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.

What you'll learn

Accreditation

Our degree is one of only a handful in the UK to be accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMAREST), opening up opportunities for students and graduates of our programmes.

Accreditations in detail