Program Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) is a part-time, six-month program designed for non-biological graduates seeking entry into the MSc in Marine Biology. It provides a comprehensive foundation in marine biology, ecology, and conservation, equipping students for careers in marine management, research, or education. The program consists of four modules, taught by experienced researchers, and incorporates a range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations, and examinations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) is a six-month part-time program designed for graduates from non-biological or environmental disciplines who do not meet the entry requirements for the MSc in Marine Biology program.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Describe key marine flora and fauna, the marine environment, and its biological and physical properties and processes.
- Define the roles of management and conservation across the marine environment.
- Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course to the working environment, enabling the development of policy.
Outline:
The program consists of four taught modules, totaling 30 credits:
- BL6012 Marine Megafauna (10 credits): This module explores the biology, ecology, and conservation of large marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.
- BL6016 Marine Ecology and Conservation (10 Credits): This module focuses on the principles of marine ecology, including population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem function. It also examines the threats to marine ecosystems and the strategies for their conservation.
- BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits): This module introduces students to the use of GIS in marine ecology and conservation. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data to address real-world problems.
- BL6026 Introductory Quantitative Skills for Biologists using R (5 credits): This module provides students with the foundational skills in statistics and data analysis using the R programming language. Students will learn how to apply these skills to marine biology research.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a combination of assessment methods, including:
- Continuous assessment: This includes assignments, presentations, and participation in class discussions.
- Examinations: Students will take exams at the end of each module.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers from the School of BEES, with expertise in various areas of marine biology, including:
- Marine mammal biology
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Intertidal and subtidal ecology
- Seabird ecology
- Marine conservation
- Shellfish disease and immunology The core team is supported by occasional visiting and guest lecturers.
Careers:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of careers in marine biology and related fields, including:
- Marine conservation
- Fisheries management
- Environmental consulting
- Research
- Education
Other:
The program is part-time and runs from September to the end of March. Students are expected to engage in significant reading of texts and scientific journals outside of class time. The program also fosters transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research, and time management.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025 Deposits If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January. Fee payment Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January. page. Any questions?
