Marine Biology and Oceanography, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Around 70% of our planet is ocean with an average depth of 3000m. To understand the biology of this vast area, we must also understand the oceans themselves. Marine biology and oceanography covers topics such as how animals can thrive in extreme environments such as the deep sea, how currents influence animal migrations, and how climate impacts marine life. Teaching uses both small and large research vessels, providing you with an unrivalled experience of open ocean marine biology.

• Ranked top 15 in the UK and top 100 globally for Earth and Marine Sciences in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

• Explore the marine life of the open ocean and deep-sea and how physical and chemical processes drive the biology and ecology of marine species.

• Study marine life in the wild with access to the University’s research vessels based in the Plymouth Sound Special Area for Conservation and our Marine Station.

• Benefit from our reputation as an international centre for marine research. Our expert teaching staff are active researchers and enthusiastic specialists in their fields.

• Study marine life in the wild with access to the beautiful and varied Devon and Cornwall coastline. A recent World Wildlife Fund report highlighted the South Devon coast – which can be reached on foot from campus – as the area of highest marine biodiversity in the UK.

• Deepen your experience through practical field and laboratory work, linked to lecturers – something regularly praised by our external examiners. Our specialist facilities include advanced molecular and behavioural laboratories, a seawater aquarium, environmentally controlled labs and a bespoke marine station.

• Increase your knowledge and apply your skills in an international setting, with two residential field courses (currently in France and Sweden), and experience research on a large ocean-going research vessel.

• Gain invaluable experience on a six or 12-month international placement during your third year, or working in a local host organisation alongside your studies.

• Develop a wide range of skills that will prepare you for your chosen career and make you attractive to employers – learn how to ask and answer research questions, and how to apply this skill to conservation challenges in the real world. There is also the opportunity to gain the HSE PRO SCUBA qualification, for those with a suitable background in diving.

• Immerse yourself in Plymouth’s marine research culture. Alongside the University the city is home to several other world-leading establishments, one of the largest concentrations of marine science study in Europe. Take opportunities to gain extra experience working in one of the marine organisations located in Plymouth, alongside your studies.

• Take the opportunity to contribute to the latest research and advances in the field – many of our students have their research projects published in leading international peer-reviewed journals.

• Choose from a wide range of subjects that most interest you and are best suited to your intended career path, building your own specialisms and skills.

• LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with key biological and oceanographic themes, with topics ranging from biodiversity and ecosystems to evolution and microbiology. Through a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory and fieldwork, you’ll begin to acquire skills that will boost your employability and help your career development. You’ll also benefit from intensive field courses, introducing you to the processes of scientific investigation, data collection and analysis. In your second year, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the biology and ecology of marine organisms and chemical and biological oceanography. You will receive hands-on, practical training in marine survey, underwater sampling, and species identification, skills that will be honed during the field course, currently in Sweden, where you will undertake field research in deep water from an ocean-going research vessel. During your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to do a work placement, for six or 12 months. Alternatively you’ll be able to choose a work-based learning module, alongside your studies. Your final year of study provides the opportunity for you to focus on your chosen areas of interest. You’ll conduct an extensive personal research project, applying the skills and methods you've learnt. You’ll also choose from a range of modules driven by the research interests of our staff, again giving you the opportunity to specialise and tailor your work towards your career goals, while studying at the cutting edge of marine biology. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.