PhD Tropical Marine Biology - Tropical Marine Biology Degree

Program Overview

The Integrated PhD in Tropical Marine Biology provides advanced ecological and practical skills for a career in marine biology. Students complete a one-year Master's followed by a PhD research project exploring topics such as coral reef conservation, fisheries, and deep-sea connectivity. The program features field trips to tropical marine ecosystems, collaborations with industry partners, and a supportive research environment with expert supervision.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Tropical ecosystems provide important resources locally and globally, and coral reefs are the most diverse of marine ecosystems threatened by human activities. An Integrated PhD provides a route into research study if you do not have a Masters degree, or have very little research training. It enables you to spend your first year completing a full-time Masters-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years or a part-time PhD studied over 6-7 years. We also offer a ‘standard' PhD in this subject which can be studied either full-time (3-4 years) or part-time (6-7 years). The first year on our Integrated PhD Tropical Marine Biology, is designed to deliver advanced tropical marine biology theory and to facilitate the development of a comprehensive range of practical and professional skills required by today's employers. You also have the opportunity to put theory into practice and study coral reef conservation first hand during the School's annual field trip to the Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia. Please note that students who join this optional expedition are subject to additional travel costs – the fee for field trips vary from year to year. In your second year you move into the PhD element of the course. We offer supervision in all areas of staff expertise in marine biology including community ecology of coral reef systems, tropical seagrass beds, mangroves and fisheries, deep sea/marine connectivity, ocean acidification and macronutrient cycling. We're ranked 31st for promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on life below water (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023). Learn more about the THE Impact Rankings 2023 as well as the partnership between The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the University of Essex to collaborate on training and research related to aquatic ecosystem science.

Outline:

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY
• Biological Science - Research (0 CREDITS)
• This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their thesis.
• COMPONENT 01: CORE
• Research Project: MSc Tropical Marine Biology (60 CREDITS)
• Your dissertation is the culmination of your academic career so far.
Split into two stages, you will firstly undertake detailed research of the relevant scientific literature and prepare a project proposal (10% of the project mark). You will then be provided with appropriate training relevant to your chosen area of research, enabling you to compile a detailed report in the format of a scientific paper and literature review (90% of project mark).
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY
• Tropical Marine Systems (15 CREDITS)
Learn how to evaluate ecological and biogeochemical processes within tropical marine systems and their productivity, connectivity and resilience.
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY
• Marine Resources (15 CREDITS)
• This module explores the mariculture and fisheries in tropical seas as well as the biotechnological 'treasure chest' provided by marine microbes, algae and invertebrates.
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
• Methods in Marine Biology (15 CREDITS)
• The overall aim of this module is to sharpen the skill base in practical research by introducing a range of methodologies to aid in the investigation of marine processes.
Focus on some components of bio-geochemistry, physiology, data analysis and visualisation, and biotechnology, and develop the four of the most wanted cross-disciplinary skills (multi-disciplinary, data management, numeracy, and translating research into practice) which will help you effectively operate as a professional marine biologist.
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY
• Postgraduate Professional Skills (15 CREDITS)
• In this career-focused module you develop skills specific to your discipline, such as critical analysis, integration and communication in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Study how to utilise modern learning environments and how to apply statistical methods in handling, analysing and interpreting large datasets in R, the software environment for statistical computing and graphics. The seminars and workshops cover CV and application clinics, facilitate expedition planning, introduce health and safety aspects of practical work, and increase numeracy skills.
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY
• Data Analysis and Visualisation (15 CREDITS)
• This module provides you with the opportunity to improve your data analysis and visualisation skills.
The ability to critically analyse raw data, and to communicate findings from these analyses in appropriate formats in a multidisciplinary research environment, provides the foundation for your successful career in environmental sciences.
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS
• BS710-7-AP or BS711-7-AP or BS720-7-SP (15 CREDITS)
• COMPONENT 08: CORE
• Advanced Research Skills (30 CREDITS)

Year 2 - PhD

• The research element of your degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.
In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks.
• Dissertation
• Within our School of Life Sciences, you attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year once you have started the PhD element of the course, where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members.
At these meetings, the documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed.
• We encourage full-time PhD students to submit within three years and certainly expect completion of PhDs within a four-year period.

Teaching:

• We teach using a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, seminars, optional fieldwork, independent reading and research projects

Careers:

• As the world's environmental problems increase, the demand for qualified marine biologists continues to grow, and postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and to work in some public bodies or private companies.
• Our graduates go on to a range of careers.
Some choose to continue into a research career by taking up doctoral positions in the UK or overseas. Others work with governmental and non-governmental organisations and environmental agencies, consultancies and voluntary organisations.
• We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.

Other:

• Our Coral Reef Research Unit is the most extensive of its kind in the UK.
• We have strong links with a range of organisations, such as the Environment Agency, Cefas, Defra, Operation Wallacea, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities.
Key academic staff for this course are members of our Ecology and Environmental Microbiology Research Group. We have experts in community ecology of coral reefs, tropical marine biology and conservation, coral stress physiology, aquatic community ecology, and ecological and evolutionary responses to global change.
• After your first year, when you start your PhD, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree.
In some cases, you may be jointly supervised. The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan. Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.
• Your technical and intellectual development will be enhanced by becoming part of a Research Group, and participating in School Seminars.
• We have excellent facilities for studying tropical marine biology both in the laboratory and in the field.
In house facilities include:
• a range of aquatic and terrestrial mesocosms, including large temperature-controlled aquaria for simulating tropical marine systems
• replicated environmental outdoor mesocosms simulating tidal and terrestrial systems
• a state-of-the-art tropical coral-reef research facility devoted to fully climate-controllable experiments
• multiple pH-stating systems to control CO2 concentration for ocean acidification experiments
• a suite of field equipment
• microbial culturing facilities
• advanced bioimaging suite to visualise and analyse images of biological processes in real time
• You have access to a wealth of local and overseas field sites through ongoing funded projects and collaborations.
• A dedicated study room allows all our postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories.
This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating reading and writing as well as good communication and a sense of community.