Marine Biology and Zoology MSci

Program Overview

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This four-year Marine Biology and Zoology degree at Bangor University provides an in-depth understanding of animal life and ecosystems. Students gain hands-on research experience through a substantial fourth-year project and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a research ship and marine aquaria. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, particularly in marine biology and zoology.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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About This Course This is a 4-year course designed specifically for students who want to gain a really in-depth understanding of the subject. During the first three years, you will follow an same degree course structure as for Marine Biology and Zoology BSc. At the end of Year two, providing a satisfactory mark has been obtained, you continue with Year three of the BSc course and proceed to a 4th year specialised course. In the fourth year you will carry out a substantial piece of research which forms your final year dissertation. You will be able to work in a staff member’s research group and will gain valuable research experience of working in a research environment. The Marine Biology element of this course covers animals, seaweeds, plants and microbial life in the seas and their interactions. The Zoology element covers all animals whether on land or in water. This degree therefore gives a wide overview of the diversity of animal life and ecosystems on this planet, ranging from the mountains to the deep sea trenches. On this course you will learn how interactions between animals and their environments apply equally to marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of biology, ecology, and evolution of marine organisms and all animal groups. We also cover more applied aspects such as aquaculture and fisheries, parasitology and immunology. This course is unique to Bangor University. Bangor’s location makes it an ideal place to study terrestrial and aquatic habitats, with easy access to both the mountains and the sea for field trips. The lectures who will teach you are carrying out research across the planet. Facilities include a research ship, workboats, tropical marine, temperate marine and freshwater aquaria, an underground laboratory for the study of soil fauna, and a zoological museum. Our teaching laboratories are a few metres from the sea, enabling you to collect marine animals and study them in the laboratory in the same lab session.

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Additional Course Options

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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 Careers 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.

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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.

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Outline

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Course Content The first 3 years of this degree involves attending lectures, practical classes and fieldwork on the shore. In Year three there are two field courses, each a week long, and during Years 1, 2 and 3 time is spent aboard the research ship Prince Madog. Your practical work will be continually assessed and there are written examinations for each module.

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Careers This course is ideal preparation for a career in research.

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Additional Information

• This course is available with a Placement Year option
• This course is available with an International Experience Year option

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Disclaimer: This content is based on information provided in the context and may not be exhaustive. Please refer to the official course website for the most up-to-date information.