Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology

UCAS code: C160

Here's what University of Plymouth says about its Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology course.

Explore marine life from coast to deep sea with a globally respected degree. Study organisms from microbes to vertebrates, understand ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation, and examine human and climate impacts on ocean life.

Learn from the best We’re at the forefront of research into how we can preserve marine ecosystems and conserve marine biodiversity as we confront pressing ecological challenges.

Learn by the sea from day one You'll gain hands-on experience from the very start, exploring marine life from the beach to our research vessels and state-of-the-art labs at the Marine Station.

Facing global challenges Develop skills that will enable you to conserve marine life, find solutions for climate change and habitat loss, and understand the biodiversity in marine habitats.

This course is for you if...

• you're passionate about exploring marine biodiversity and ecosystems

• you want hands-on experience in coastal and marine habitats, in the lab and the field

• you are passionate about understanding and finding solutions to the challenges facing marine ecosystems

• you want to develop the practical, intellectual and scientific skills to become a practicing marine ecologist.

Year 1 In your first year, you’ll explore the core biological, ecological and marine themes that underpin marine biology and coastal ecology, studying topics from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and animal behaviour. Through a blend of lectures, small?group tutorials, laboratory practicals and fieldwork, you’ll begin developing the scientific and analytical skills that will support your employability and future career development.

You’ll also take part in two week?long field courses that introduce you to the spectacular marine environments of South West England. These experiences will help you get to grips with the fundamentals of scientific investigation, including data collection, analysis and interpretation, while giving you first?hand insight into the rich coastal and marine habitats right on your doorstep.

Year 2 In your second year, you’ll continue to refine your practical skills along the spectacular South Devon coastline. You’ll learn a range of techniques for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, while deepening your understanding of ecological theories and how they apply to shallow?water marine habitats. You’ll also explore the major threats facing aquatic environments worldwide, building a broader perspective on the challenges shaping marine ecosystems today.

A highlight of the year is a residential field course, currently held in South Africa, where you’ll investigate the factors that influence marine and coastal biodiversity in an incredible range of real?world settings. This unforgettable experience strengthens your field skills and brings your classroom learning to life in one of the world’s most dynamic marine environments.

Optional placement year Many of our students choose to take an optional placement year between their second and final years, gaining invaluable hands?on experience in real scientific environments. You can choose to complete a minimum six?month work placement anywhere in the world, gaining practical, career?focused experience directly linked to your studies. This is your opportunity to apply your skills in real?world settings, explore potential career paths and build valuable professional networks that can help shape your future in the field.

Final year In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to focus on the areas of marine biology that inspire you most. A major component of the year is your personal research project, where you’ll design and carry out an in?depth investigation, applying the scientific skills, field techniques and analytical methods you’ve developed throughout your degree.

You’ll also choose from a range of specialist modules shaped by the cutting?edge research interests of our academic staff. These options allow you to refine your expertise, tailor your studies to your career ambitions and engage with the latest developments in marine biology, ensuring you graduate confident, skilled and ready for your next step.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.