Course summary
Our Marine Biology BSc course offers a comprehensive study of marine ecosystems, exploring the diversity of life in the oceans and the complex interactions that sustain marine environments. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree empowers you to develop crucial skills for addressing real-world challenges. Combine theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork and laboratory research and gain a deep understanding of marine organisms, their behaviour, physiology, and ecological roles.
The University of Chester is located in close proximity to the Dee Estuary which comprises the marine areas of The Dee Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and Dee Estuary/Aber Dyfrdwy Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with internationally important wetland species.
Key topics include coastal ecology, oceanography, tropical marine ecology together with the impacts of climate change and human activity on marine ecosystems. The course also emphasises the importance of sustainable marine resource management, equipping students with the skills to play a key role in marine conservation.
You will gain valuable skills in modern research techniques, such as molecular biology, data analysis, and remote sensing, to effectively study marine life and monitor ocean health. Additionally, you will gain invaluable experience and insights through exciting work placements with our industry partners. On completion of the course, you will have practical expertise in marine biology, paving the way for diverse career opportunities and advanced postgraduate studies.
Assessment method
There will be a broad range of assessment methods used throughout and across the different modules and Levels, so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks they might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of field journals, case studies, written pieces (both long and short form; such as communication pieces, literature reviews, dissertations or laboratory reports), data analysis and presentations. In some cases, various types of assessment may be combined into a portfolio that the students develop throughout the year as they learn and progress through different tasks. In some modules, students may encounter more time-sensitive assessment tasks like oral practical assessments and end-of-module assessments or they will need to work as part of a group towards the completion of assessment tasks. Where possible, both formative and summative assessment will be used. All assessments are designed from a competency viewpoint, where the competencies that students need to develop by the end of the assessment task are the focus and we work backwards from these to design the tasks. We thus continuously review the assessment methods used to ensure that they adequately prepare students for graduate-level employment when they complete their degrees.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
