Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry)

Program Overview

Aberystwyth University's BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology with integrated year in industry equips students with a comprehensive understanding of interconnected marine and freshwater ecosystems. Through practical skills, critical analysis, and industry experience, graduates are prepared for careers in ecological consultancy, environmental management, scientific research, and more. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and offers optional field courses for immersive learning experiences.

Program Outline

This is crucial, given that these ecosystems support some of the most threatened species and habitats on the planet. Situated on the coast of Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth offers excellent access to rocky and sandy shores, estuaries of conservation importance, as well as near-pristine rivers and lakes. Cardigan Bay is also home to the largest residential population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. The program aims to equip students with practical skills in sampling techniques used in the aquatic environment, critical analysis of data and literature, and the presentation of findings to various stakeholders. This prepares graduates for professional roles that seek to understand and address the challenges facing marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Cell Biology (BR17520) - 20 credits
• Comparative Animal Physiology (BR16720) - 20 credits
• Ecology and Conservation (BR19320) - 20 credits
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120) - 20 credits
• Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920) - 20 credits
• Skills for Wildlife Scientists (BR15720) - 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Applied Aquatic Conservation (BR26220) - 20 credits
• Aquatic Botany (BR25820) - 20 credits
• Freshwater Biology (BR22020) - 20 credits
• Marine Biology (BR22620) - 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Animal Behaviour (BR21620) - 20 credits
• Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring (BR26020) - 20 credits
• Invertebrate Zoology (BR25420) - 20 credits
• Vertebrate Zoology (BR26820) - 20 credits
• Behavioural Ecology (BR23920) - 20 credits

Year 3:

• Core Module:
• Integrated Year in Industry (BRS0060) - 60 credits

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture (BR33220) - 20 credits
• Research Project (BR36440) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Behavioural Neurobiology (BR35320) - 20 credits
• Global Biodiversity Conservation (BR33420) - 20 credits
• Marine and Freshwater Field Course (BR35020) - 20 credits
• Population and Community Ecology (BR33920) - 20 credits
• Wildlife Conservation (BR34520) - 20 credits

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Dossiers
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Reflective diaries
• Literature reviews
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks
• Exams

Teaching:

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork, and practicals, including residential field courses. Students receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems, with an emphasis on marine and freshwater environments. The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.

Careers:

Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers, including:

• Ecological consultancy
• Environmental management and conservation
• Teaching
• Scientific journalism
They are also well prepared to pursue a scientific research career, continuing postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level. Completing a year in industry allows students to:
• Apply learning from the course to the work environment
• Make valuable industry contacts
• Develop practical skills related to their area of study
• Enrich their final year of studies with an enhanced appreciation of its applicability to their career
• Greatly enhance their CV and increase their prospects of success in the job market.

Other:

• The taught component of the Marine and Freshwater Biology with integrated year in industry degree (C166) is identical to its three-year sister course BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology (C164).
• The year in industry is taken in the third year in the UK or overseas, is supervised and assessed, and will count towards the degree grade.
• During the year in industry, students pay a discounted tuition fee.
• This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Students have access to two research vessels, enabling them to gain real hands-on experience of the sampling techniques used by professional marine and freshwater biologists.
• Students also have access to aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms.
• An optional residential two-centre field course in the final year, currently based in Portugal and Scotland, allows students to immerse themselves in the study of marine and freshwater biology further afield.
• Students are assigned a personal tutor who will be their main contact throughout the duration of their studies.
• The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met.
• The University's inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study.
Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary.