Marine and Freshwater Biology (with integrated year in industry)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
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.
Overview:
Abertay University is a public university located in Dundee, Scotland. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong industry links. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as research opportunities.
Services Offered:
Abertay University provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
The university offers a range of student accommodation options, including halls of residence and private apartments.Student Support:
The university has a dedicated student support team that provides advice and guidance on a range of issues, including academic, personal, and financial matters.Careers Service:
The university's careers service helps students with their career planning, job searching, and internship applications.Library:
The Bernard King Library offers a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Sport:
Abertay Sport offers a variety of sports and fitness activities for students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Abertay University offers a vibrant and welcoming campus experience. Students can expect:
A buzzing city centre campus:
The university is located in the heart of Dundee, a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene.A strong student community:
The Abertay Students' Association (ASA) provides a range of social and support services for students.Opportunities to get involved:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies, participate in volunteering activities, and take part in events and activities organized by the university.Key Reasons to Study There:
Focus on applied learning:
Abertay University is known for its practical and industry-relevant approach to teaching.Strong industry links:
The university has strong relationships with businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and career development.Vibrant and welcoming campus experience:
Abertay University offers a friendly and supportive environment for students.Located in a thriving city:
Dundee is a vibrant city with a lot to offer students, including a thriving arts and culture scene, a range of shops and restaurants, and easy access to the Scottish countryside.Academic Programs:
Abertay University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in areas such as business, law, social science, applied sciences, design, and informatics.Postgraduate programs:
Abertay University offers a range of postgraduate taught and research degrees.Online Master's Degrees:
The university offers a number of online Master's degrees for students who want to study flexibly.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- UK Home Students:
- UCAS Tariff: 120 - 104
- A Levels: BBB-BCC with B in Biology
- GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics
- BTEC National Diploma: DDD-DDM in a specified subject
- International Students:
- Other Qualifications:
- 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.