Program Overview

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Marine and Freshwater Biology

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:
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for: September start 2025

Course Structure

Year 1

• Core
  • Communication Skills (BR01520, 20 credits)
  • Molecules and Cells (BR01340, 40 credits)
  • Organisms and the Environment (BR01440, 40 credits)
  • Practical Skills for Biologists (BR01220, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Core
  • 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 3

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

Year 4

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

Options

• Year 3
  • 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)
• Year 4
  • 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.

Student Testimonials

"I enjoyed my time studying Marine and Freshwater Biology and I am able to now apply various aspects of what I was taught during my three years to my current job role, even though it is not directly related to my course. The practical elements of my course were excellent, especially the two final year field trips." Rebecca – Project officer, Forestry Commission

"Studying Marine & Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth makes the course that bit more special. The location is perfect as you have both the sea and inland freshwater systems running through Aberystwyth into the sea. There is an array of diverse organisms right on your door-step at Aberystwyth; combining that with a lot of research in the field and the aquarium facilities makes the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable!" Richard Harris

"With the knowledge and scientific mindset I gain though my studies, I hope to be able to help preserve these fascinating environments for future generations. The course has been great; its main strength is its variety, with an array of topics covered over the three years in increasing detail." **George William Middleton

"The course gave me a good grounding in all aspects of marine and freshwater biology. There were plenty of opportunities for fieldwork in the course, including the dissertation project, which prepared me for the survey skills needed in my current job." Laura – Environment Officer Gwynedd County Council

"At the Marine Conservation Society I head the conservation team of 17 individuals working on everything from overfishing and the need for marine reserves to dealing with the growing problem of plastic waste at sea. I'm 37 now and I look back at my time in Aber with real fondness. The study helped, but the most important thing for me was that I developed an interest in the sea. Aber was a truly great place to do that, living on the seafront, and diving with the University sub-aqua club. "Simon – Head of Science, Marine Conservation Society

I really enjoyed the course. This made it easier to get up for lectures in the morning! The field courses were a highlight and nothing beats getting out there and getting your hands wet, whether it is doing a kick-sample in a small stream or doing a transect down a rock-pool strewn shoreline. I really liked the broad scope of the course and the opportunity to tailor the course through the various optional modules in the second and third years. As such it has given me a great grounding in biological science as a whole – essential for a role where you have to consider the whole ecosystem and look at so much more than just the fish and the immediate riverine habitat. Stuart Manwaring – Fisheries Technical Officer, Environment Agency

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff:
• A Levels: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics and Science
• BTEC National Diploma: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.
• International Baccalaureate: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.
• European Baccalaureate: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.
• 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.

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