Program Overview

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Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry)

Course Overview

The BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology degree at Aberystwyth University is one of only a few nationally to provide you with an integrated catchment to ocean understanding of the biology, ecology and stressors affecting these intimately interconnected ecosystems. This is crucial, given that they support some of the most threatened species and habitats on the planet.

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 104
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for: September start 2025

Course Structure

Year 1

• Cell Biology (BR17520, 20 credits)
• Comparative Animal Physiology (BR16720, 20 credits)
• Ecology and Conservation (BR19320, 20 credits)
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120, 20 credits)
• Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920, 20 credits)
• Skills for Wildlife Scientists (BR15720, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Aquatic Botany (BR25820, 20 credits)
• Freshwater Biology (BR22020, 20 credits)
• Marine Biology (BR22620, 20 credits)
• Research Methods (BR27520, 20 credits)

Year 3

• Integrated Year in Industry (BRS0060, 60 credits)

Year 4

• Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture (BR33220, 20 credits)
• Research Project (BR36440, 40 credits)
• Practical Aquatic Conservation (BR37520, 20 credits)

Optional Modules

• An Introduction to Landscape Ecology and Geographic Information Systems (BR25520, 20 credits)
• Animal Behaviour (BR21620, 20 credits)
• Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring (BR26020, 20 credits)
• Invertebrate Zoology (BR25420, 20 credits)
• Researching Behavioural Ecology (BR27320, 20 credits)
• Vertebrate Zoology (BR26820, 20 credits)
• Behavioural Neurobiology (BR35320, 20 credits)
• Freshwater Biology Field Course (BR37720, 20 credits)
• Global Biodiversity Conservation (BR33420, 20 credits)
• Marine Biology Field Course (BR30020, 20 credits)
• Population and Community Ecology (BR33920, 20 credits)
• Wildlife Conservation (BR34520, 20 credits)

Careers

Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism. You will also be well prepared to pursue a scientific research career, continuing postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level.

Teaching & Learning

Our course is delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and practicals and residential field courses. You will receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems with an emphasis on marine and freshwater environments.

Assessment

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles, field notebooks and exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 104
• A Levels: BBB-BCC with B in Biology
• GCSE requirements: (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics
• BTEC National Diploma: DDD-DDM in a specified subject
• International Baccalaureate: 30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.