| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | 2023-05-01 |
| 2024-01-08 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-04-22 | 2023-11-01 |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
We are increasingly aware of the value of marine organisms for food, medicine and other products as well as for their role in influencing the climate. Marine Biology is the study of organisms that occupy 95% of the biosphere of our planet, living in conditions ranging from the polar seas (below -2℃) to hydrothermal vents (greater than 100℃). The majority of phyla are found in the oceans; the sizes of organisms range from the smallest micro-organism on the planet to the largest invertebrates (giant squid) and mammals (blue whales).
The BSc Marine Biology (with Foundation Year) programme combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level. The with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to
Year 1 of the Marine Biology programme
.Why choose Bangor University for this course?
Additional Course Options
Placement Year
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
International Experience Year
This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.
Program Outline
Throughout the Marine Biology (with Foundation Year) degree you will study a range of modules and engage in a wide variety of different learning activities, which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practicals. In addition, you will develop your knowledge and skills through undertaking a wide variety of assessments.
Many modules include day field trips. In year 2 there is a day trip and a field course based on the research vessel and in year 3 hypothesis testing exercises are undertaken during the intertidal field project. You also have the option of an overseas field course in Virginia, USA. Your practical work is continually assessed and examination of each module is by multiple choice questions (MCQ), laboratory tests and written examinations.
You will not only enjoy the resources expected of a modern centre of marine biology, with freshwater and marine aquaria, but will also benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of marine habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. We are unusual among British universities in having access to a state of the art research vessel.
What will you study on this course?
This very popular course allows you to study the fundamental aspects of the biology of marine life as well as more specialised aspects such as aquaculture, fisheries and marine biotechnology.
The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project. In addition, you will complete modules on Essential Biology and Essential Chemistry.
Year 1 and 2 of the programme aim to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and widen skills base. The aim of the third year is to further develop your critical understanding of the subject and to further enhance your employability.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Marine Biology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
