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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 27,200
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Marine Biology | Marine Science
Area of study
Natural Science
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 27,200
About Program

Program Overview


Students learn about the diversity of marine life and the factors influencing their distribution and survival. The program emphasizes marine sustainability, climate change, and other human impacts on marine ecosystems. Graduates are highly employable and pursue careers in conservation, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, and research.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

From microscopic algae to giant whales, most of our planet’s life is found in the oceans. As a marine biologist, you will learn about the behaviour, physiology, and ecology of marine organisms.


Objectives:

  • Understand the interaction between the biology of marine organisms, the composition and properties of seawater and the physical processes operating in the oceans.
  • Develop a strong emphasis on marine sustainability and ecosystem management, marine biogeochemistry, the climate system and numerical skills.
  • Gain the varied skills necessary to examine the marine environment and relay your findings to audiences from the general public through to government bodies.

Description:

  • The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, encompassing its biological, chemical, and physical aspects.
  • Students will explore the diversity of marine life, from microscopic organisms to large marine mammals, and investigate the factors that influence their distribution, growth, and survival.
  • The program emphasizes the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
  • Students will develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, through laboratory and field work.
  • The course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMAREST), enhancing career opportunities for graduates.

Outline:


Year One:

  • Compulsory Modules:
  • Laboratory and Field Techniques for Ecologists (ENVS171): This module provides training in a range of ecological skills through field and lab exercises, covering identification, sampling, and quantitative skills.
  • Life in the Seas and Oceans (ENVS121): This module introduces the diversity of marine life, exploring adaptations and challenges faced by organisms in the marine environment.
  • Marine Ecosystems: Diversity, Processes and Threats (ENVS122): This module explores the diversity of marine ecosystems across the globe, focusing on key organisms, processes, and human threats.
  • Study Skills (Ocean and Climate Sciences) (ENVS103): This module introduces students to key concepts and skills in ocean and climate sciences, including data analysis, illustration, and fieldwork experience.
  • Optional Modules:
  • Ecology and Conservation (ENVS157): This module explores the interactions between organisms and the environment, examining species organization, energy flow, and ecosystem responses to change.
  • Environmental Chemistry (ENVS153): This module introduces the fundamentals of chemistry, covering atomic structure, elements, molecules, and chemical reactions.
  • EVOLUTION (LIFE103): This module describes the evolutionary processes that have resulted in the diverse life forms on Earth, including natural selection and genetic processes.
  • Essential Mathematical Skills (ENVS117): This module provides a foundation in mathematics for students without a strong background in the subject.

Year Two:

  • Compulsory Modules:
  • Marine Ecophysiology, Ecology and Exploitation (ENVS251): This module provides a grounding in marine ecophysiology, ecology, and the impact of human activities on marine organisms.
  • Sampling the Ocean (ENVS220): This module covers methods and skills used in oceanography for surveying and sampling, including navigation, physical parameter measurement, and biogeochemical analysis.
  • Research and Career Skills (ENVS204): This module develops research and careers skills required by marine biologists and ocean scientists.
  • Oceanography, Plankton and Climate (ENVS245): This module investigates the role of plankton in marine ecosystems and their impact on Earth's climate.
  • Statistics for Environmental Scientists (ENVS222): This module provides training in statistics for environmental scientists, using industry-standard software like R and RStudio.

Year Three:

  • Compulsory Modules:
  • Global Carbon Cycle (ENVS335): This module introduces the fundamental theory behind the global carbon cycle, exploring the partitioning of carbon between the atmosphere, land, and ocean.
  • Sea Practical (ENVS349): This module provides hands-on experience in collecting data and samples at sea, including navigation, meteorological parameters, and biogeochemical analysis.
  • Independent Research Project (ENVS306): This module involves a two-semester dissertation research project, carried out individually by a student with supervision by a member of academic staff.
  • Optional Modules:
  • Marine Ecology: Theory and Applications (ENVS383): This module explores the connections between ecological theory and management of marine communities and ecosystems.
  • Ocean Dynamics (ENVS332): This module addresses how the ocean and atmosphere circulate, focusing on heat, salt, and dissolved substance transport.
  • Surviving the Marine Environment: Adaptation, Behaviour and Conservation (ENVS310): This module examines the adaptations, behavior, and conservation of marine species in the context of behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and ecophysiology.
  • Contemporary Issues in Ecology and Marine Biology (ENVS301): This module focuses on current research themes in ecology and marine biology, including careers, international perspectives, and scientific communication.
  • Contemporary Issues in Ocean and Climate Sciences (ENVS366): This module explores current research topics within ocean and climate sciences, drawing on recent reports and expert seminars.
  • Key Skills for Environmental Data Analysis (ENVS202): This module provides training in manipulating environmental data sets using the industry-standard Matlab software.

Assessment:

  • Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
  • Written exams
  • Coursework submissions (essays, scientific papers, briefing notes, lab notebooks)
  • Oral and poster presentations
  • Contributions to group projects
  • Emphasis is placed on good laboratory practice, maintaining useful lab notebooks, and scientific integrity.

Teaching:

  • Teaching strategies include a mix of lectures, tutorials, workshops, field classes, research vessel cruises, laboratory work, computer sessions, group projects, and individual work under supervision.
  • Students typically receive around 15 hours of formal teaching each week, as well as about 60 hours on residential field courses each year.
  • The course is delivered by staff from the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, all of whom are actively involved in marine research.
  • Staff collaborate with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre, which has a research center on the Liverpool campus.

Careers:

  • Graduates are highly employable and can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including:
  • Conservation
  • Aquaculture
  • Pollution and environmental monitoring
  • Media
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Administration
  • Academia
  • Teaching
  • Local and national government
  • International banking
  • Examples of recent graduate careers include:
  • Fisheries observers
  • Surveyors
  • Seabird research assistants
  • Turtle conservation field leaders
  • Field assistants on mammal surveys
  • Rangers
  • Environmental surveyors for construction work
  • Students can also choose to study a language as part of or alongside their degree.
  • The course is research-connected, with staff actively involved in marine research and bringing their findings into lectures and laboratories.
  • The course emphasizes the development of digital fluency, confidence, and global citizenship in students.
  • The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year abroad fee £13,600 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

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