Marine Biology with a Foundation Year

Due to vital ongoing issues with our oceans, an academic understanding of ocean life across the world has never been more important.

Our Marine Biology degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions towards solving current environmental and societal challenges. The breadth and depth of the curriculum allows you to develop a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and the biological principles that govern life in our oceans.

The programme encourages you to consider the impact of human activity on marine environments, and to explore sustainable approaches to conservation.
As a graduate, you will be equipped to become an advocate for the ocean, contributing to solutions for climate change, pollution, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
You will also gain proficiency in laboratory and field techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing you to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and other environmental crises.

Our degree uses ethical, sustainable and innovative approaches to fully prepare you for a range of meaningful careers in areas including marine science, conservation, and environmental management.

Boat work on the Research Vessel Mary Anning, fieldwork on local shores and work in our cutting-edge laboratories are all core parts of the degree. As Marine Biology is so broad, you can tailor your path to be field or lab focused, depending on your interests.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

In Year 0, you will typically study areas including: Foundational Scientific Skills; Foundation Biology; Elementary Chemistry; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Techniques in Ecology and Biogeography; Foundation Physical and Environmental Geography.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Cellular & Microbial Biology; Becoming a Scientist; Ecology and Behaviour; Evolution and Genetics; Life in the Oceans; Animal and Plant Diversity.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Marine Invertebrates; Boat Based Marine Biology; Ecological Data Analysis; Marine Biology Field Course; Molecular Ecology.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Biosciences Research Project; Professional Laboratory Skills; Professional Skills in Marine Biology; Tropical marine ecology field course; Tropical marine ecology and conservation; Advanced Data Analysis; Macroevolution and Phylogenies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups supported by practical classes and field courses. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, coursework and a practical research project.