BSc Marine Biology
University of Essex
Key Information
Campus location
Colchester, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
Request info
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
BSc Marine Biology
On our BSc Marine Biology course you dive into a fascinatingly complex world of whales, coral reefs, fish, deep sea trenches, coastal lagoons, sea ice, and tropical seagrass beds. The vast majority of life on earth is found under the sea; but exactly how much remains unknown, since there is so much still to be explored.
At Essex, we take you on a journey of discovery from the poles to the tropical reef systems of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We work on ecosystems from estuaries and coastal environments to oceanic systems, and on conservation and resource management.
You gain an expert knowledge of marine biology through study of essential core modules and the flexibility to specialise in the areas that interest you most, including:
- The major types of marine communities, including aquatic mammals and fish
- Direct and indirect human impact on the marine environment
- Coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove systems
- Marine and freshwater taxonomy and biodiversity
- Diving and snorkel-based practices
Your independent research project allows you to develop your own interests. Previous topics have included shellfisheries and water quality, turtle ecology in Greece and coral reef conservation strategies in the Caribbean and Indonesia.
There are numerous opportunities to go on field trips as part of this course, although please note that these may be subject to additional costs. These are provided against the relevant modules under the structure tab on this page.
During the field trip to Wakatobi Marine National Park in Indonesia, our students are able to participate in underwater lectures.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Quantitative methods for Life Sciences
- Marine Biology Field Skills
- Genetics and Evolution
- Plant Biology and Ecosystems
- Microbiology
- Animal Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
- Marine Ecology
- Transferable Skills in Life Sciences
Year 2
- Marine Biodiversity
- Marine Vertebrates
- Professional skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists
- Plant Molecular Physiology and Genetics
- Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Field Module (Assessed in Following Year)
- Applied Wildlife Sciences
- Coral Reef Biology
- Tropical Marine Field Research Skills
- Biodiversity: From Genes to Ecosystems
Final Year
- Estuarine and Coastal Ecology Field Module
- Fisheries Ecology
- Research Project in Life Sciences
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
As the world's environmental problems increase, the demand for qualified marine biologists and ecologists continues to grow.
Following your degree in marine biology you can opt for further study, or pursue careers as varied as conservation, writing and editing for scientific publications, research or consultancy for coastal-based organisations.
Our students have taken up a wide range of careers in research laboratories, consultancies, business and industry, conservation practice and environmental assessment. Others have gone on to work in sales, publishing and management, while others still have chosen to enhance their career opportunities by studying for MSc or PhD degrees.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high profile organisations:
- New Earth Solutions
- Engine Group
- Cromwell Council
- DEFRA
- Postgraduate marine and environmental biology
We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Program delivery
BSc Marine Biology: 3 years
BSc Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad): 4 years
BSc Marine Biology (Including Placement Year): 4 years
- Learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and coursework
- Gain experience collating and interpreting data, and reporting findings clearly and concisely
- Benefit from teaching at our local marine biology field centre