Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Marine & Freshwater Biology

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Marine & Freshwater Biology course focuses on the study of the fascinating diversity of life contained in aquatic habitats. Students will explore the aquatic environment, its importance in understanding climate change, and how to monitor and protect marine and freshwater species in a sustainable manner.

Mode of Study

• Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration

• 6 years

Start date

• September

Study Abroad

• Yes

Course details

The course will equip students with a broad portfolio of skills in both specialist techniques such as species identification, surveying, data analysis, and GIS, along with communication of scientific information, IT, problem-solving, and team working.

Year 1

• Foundations in Science
• Life on Earth
• Scientific Enquiry
• Introductory Microbiology

Year 2

• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
• Practical Skills in Biodiversity
• Cell Biology: Structure and Function
• Animal Behaviour

Year 3

• Genes and Inheritance
• Ecology and Sustainability
• Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
• Option module

Year 4

• Ecology Field Studies
• Research Methods
• Conservation Biology
• Freshwater Biology

Year 5

• Habitat Assessment and GIS
• Professional Practice
• Marine Biology
• Research Project (split over two years)

Year 6

• Current Topics in Ecology
• Fish and Fisheries Biology
• Research Project (split over two years)

Entry requirements

Minimum Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBB including Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
• A Level: BCC including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Applied Science
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2/H2/H3/H3 including a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) at minimum grade 5

Minimum Year 2

• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include Biology
• A Level: BBB to include Biology
• HNC: Pass HNC in a related subject with B in the graded unit

Minimum Year 3

• HND: Pass in a related subject with Grades BB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £305
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £1,157
• Overseas and EU: £3,225

Careers

What can you do with a Marine & Freshwater Biology Degree?

By studying Marine & Freshwater biology at Edinburgh Napier University, students will learn about the marine and freshwater species habitats, management of aquatic resources, and ecosystems. On completion of the course, students will have become experts in marine species as well as coastal and freshwater environments, with practical skills in aquaculture, fisheries management, and conservation.

What does a Marine or Freshwater Ecologist do?

A marine or freshwater ecologist specializes in studying and monitoring the communities of animals that live in aquatic ecosystems. Daily tasks and responsibilities may include:

• Ecosystem monitoring
• Species identification
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Creating or advising on environmental policy
• Public engagement