We are increasingly aware of the value of marine organisms for food, medicine and other products as well as for their role in influencing the climate. Marine Biology is the study of organisms that occupy 95% of the biosphere of our planet, living in conditions ranging from the polar seas (below -2℃) to hydrothermal vents (greater than 100℃). The majority of phyla are found in the oceans; the sizes of organisms range from the smallest micro-organism on the planet to the largest invertebrates (giant squid) and mammals (blue whales).
The BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year programme combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level. The with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the Marine Biology programme.
As a Bangor University student, you will be taught by committed and enthusiastic staff and will have access to the University’s extensive student support network and facilities.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Our School is one of the largest university centres teaching Marine Sciences in Britain and is among the biggest in Europe.
- We are situated within a few metres of the sea, ideal for developing your skills in collecting data in estuaries, on the sea shore and at sea.
- We have a £3.5m ocean-going research ship which you will use during your studies.
COURSE CONTENT
Throughout your degree you will study a range of modules and engage in a wide variety of different learning activities, which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practicals. In addition, you will develop your knowledge and skills through undertaking a wide variety of assessments.
Many modules include day field trips. In year 2 there is a day trip and a field course based on the research vessel and in year 3 hypothesis testing exercises are undertaken during the intertidal field project. You also have the option of an overseas field course in Virginia, USA. Your practical work is continually assessed and examination of each module is by multiple choice questions (MCQ), laboratory tests and written examinations.
You will not only enjoy the resources expected of a modern centre of marine biology, with freshwater and marine aquaria, but will also benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of marine habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. We are unusual among British universities in having access to a state of the art research vessel.
What will you study on this course?
This very popular course allows you to study the fundamental aspects of the biology of marine life as well as more specialised aspects such as aquaculture, fisheries and marine biotechnology.
The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project. In addition, you will complete modules on Essential Biology and Essential Chemistry.
Year 1 and 2 of the programme aim to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and widen skills base. The aim of the third year is to further develop your critical understanding of the subject and to further enhance your employability.
Compulsory Modules
Semester 1
- OSX-1000: Science Skills Tutorial (20) or
OSC-1000: Tiwtorial Sgiliau Gwyddoniaeth (20) - ONS-1001: Environmental data & analysis (20) or
ONC-1001: Dadansoddi Data Amgylcheddol (20) - BNS-1002: Organismal Diversity (20)
- OSX-1002: Marine Biology Practical 1 (20)
- OSX-1005: Fundamentals of Oceanography (20)
Semester 2
- OSX-1000: Science Skills Tutorial or
OSC-1000: Tiwtorial Sgiliau Gwyddoniaeth - ONS-1001: Environmental data & analysis or
ONC-1001: Dadansoddi Data Amgylcheddol - OSX-1002: Marine Biology Practical 1
- DNS-1003: Ecology & Evolution (20)
- OSX-1005: Fundamentals of Oceanography
Compulsory Modules
Semester 1
- OSX-2003: Marine Biology Practical II (20)
- OSX-2007: Ship-based field course (20)
- OSX-2009: Marine Ecology (20)
Semester 2
- OSX-2000: Communicating Science (20) or
OSC-2000: Cyfathrebu Gwyddoniaeth (20) - OSX-2002: Marine Physiology & Behaviour (20)
- OSX-2003: Marine Biology Practical II
- OSX-2007: Ship-based field course
Optional Modules
20 credits from:
- OSX-2004: Estuary & Shelf Sea Processes (20) (Semester 1)
- OSX-2006: Tides, Waves and Marine Energy (20) (Semester 1)
Compulsory Modules
Semester 1
Semester 2
Optional Modules
20 credits from:
- OSX-3020: Sharks and their Relatives (20) (Semester 1)
- OSX-3023: Marine Mammal Science (20) (Semester 1)
10 credits from:
- OSX-3014: Larval Ecology (10) (Semester 1)
- OSX-3015: Overseas Field Course VIMS USA (10) (Semester 1)
20 credits from:
- OSX-3001: Marine Conservation & Exploit. (20) (Semester 2)
- OSX-3019: Fish Biology and Ecology (20) (Semester 2)
Employability and the School of Ocean Sciences
The School of Ocean Science's 'hands on' approach to teaching is well known in the marine science community and we have close links with offshore industries which employ many of our graduates.
Employers know that Bangor graduates have practical as well as theoretical skills.
An Ocean Science degree not only provides sound scientific knowledge of the marine environment, but places strong emphasis on the key skills which are highly regarded by employers.
Depending on their degree and specialist module choices, graduates from the School of Ocean Sciences can apply for jobs in:
- Coastal and water resource management
- Environmental impact assessment
- Environmental toxicology
- Pollution monitoring/treatment and waste disposal management
- Coastal and offshore engineering, hydrography
- Remote sensing
- Sea bed exploration and surveying
- Research institutes
- Universities
- Water companies
- Government laboratories (including Environmental Agency and CEFAS)
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Oil and gas industries
- Aquaculture industries
- Marine conservation
- Fisheries
- Ecotourism
- Fish and shellfish culture
- Oceangraphic institutes
- Marine environmental impact studies
- Hydrocarbon companies
- Marine environmental consultancy
- The Environment Agency
- Policy Making (e.g the European Union)
- Regulatory Authorities
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.
The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.
The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.
Internships
Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.
Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.
Student Volunteering
Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.
The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.
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