BSc (Hons)
Marine Biology
This is an ideal location to study the marine environment
Course Overview
Why take this course?
From the deepest oceans to the shallowest shores, 95 per cent of the organisms contained within the biosphere live within the earth’s oceans, estuaries, wetlands and rivers.
This course develops your knowledge and understanding of marine systems and our close proximity to many types of temperate marine habitats and internationally protected conservation areas, means we offer the perfect location for investigation.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- examine marine organisms from a number of perspectives using our range of microscopes
- carry out inshore or offshore practical work on our research raft or vessels
- take your research project overseas and perform fieldwork in another country via our links with many study abroad schemes
What opportunities might it lead to?
The Institute of Marine Sciences has an established international reputation, and receives funding from many sources including industry giants, research councils, and government agencies.
These links produce various research opportunities for our staff and students, and could be a great route to future opportunities upon graduating.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- environmental agency work
- marine consultancy
- conservation
- ecology
- academic or industrial research
The great thing is that we have access to the marine environment so easily – we have a boat just outside the labs and we can pump the harbour's seawater so we don’t have to use artificial seawater.
Robert Mansergh, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- C160
- Duration
- 3 years
- Entry
300 points to include 2 A levels or equivalent, with A level biology at grade C.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Biological Sciences
Course:
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
Find out more about what it's like to study marine biology here at Portsmouth.
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
Start your studies with a broad foundation in biology. This is a common first year that gives you the chance to transfer to another course in a biological discipline should you wish to change the direction of your studies.
Core units in this year include:
- Cell Biology and Biological Chemistry
- Biodiversity and Evolution
- Marine and Terrestrial Ecology
- Microbes and Molecular Biology
- Graduate Skills I
- Experimental Biology
Year two
In the second year you will begin to specialise in marine biology topics, with an emphasis on coastal ecology.
Core units in this year include:
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
- Ecology and Marine Residential Field Trip
- Oceanography
- Marine Animal Science
- Basic and Scientific Diving
- Graduate Skills II
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Plant Science
- Foreign Language
Year three
In this year you will gain a more advanced understanding of marine systems and organisms including the physiology of marine organisms, impacts of aquaculture and fisheries and management of coastal ecosystems. Then apply your skills and knowledge as you undertake an individual research project focusing on your own research interests.
Core units in this year include:
- Coastal Ecosystems
- Applied Marine Biology
- Marine Ecophysiology
- Aquatic Microbiology
- Applied Ecology and Conservation
Teaching and Assessment
We place great emphasis on developing your practical skills whether it be through laboratory-based work or in the field. Alongside the theory learned in lectures, seminars and tutorials, there are fieldtrips embedded within each year of the course to underpin your learning.
How are you assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a variety of ways, with assessment usually taking place at the end of each year. Here’s how:
- written exams
- coursework
- practical or project work
- posters and oral presentations
- individual research project in the final year
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
The Marine Station
Home to the internationally-renowned Institute of Marine Sciences
Petersfield Field Centre for Environmental Technology
Undertake some microbiological testing or investigations at the Petersfield Sewage Works
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Marine Station
This is the home of the internationally-renowned Institute of Marine Sciences – the ideal environment to study marine biology. You will have access to the highest quality resources and facilities, including a new Home Office-licensed aquarium facility, quarantine and animal holding rooms, and research laboratories.
Petersfield Field Centre for Environmental Technology
Undertake some microbiological testing or investigations at the Petersfield Sewage Works. There’s a variety of research and test facilities. A chemistry lab for water analysis, a greenhouse and hydroponic experimental beds for plant trials, and there is even a supply of sewage and effluent from pipelines at 3 stages of the treatment works (raw, primary settled and final effluent).
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
The University facilities are brilliant, especially the labs. Some of the instruments we get to use are amazing.
Jonathan Smith, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology student
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
A course with a scientific discipline is increasingly accepted as an appropriate background to graduate employment in management, accountancy, marketing and IT.
Depending on your interests, this course can also lead to careers in marine protection, coastal zone management, environmental toxicology, water pollution control, conservation and aquaculture.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- marine biologist
- environmental technician
- marine consultant
- conservation policy advisor
- marine biology research assistant
Work experience
Working in the field is a strong theme throughout this course. To complement laboratory-based practicals, most units feature field trips which enable you to develop essential field techniques. We feel it is important for you to experience a variety of marine and aquatic habitats and gain experience in marine organism identification and develop specialised skills in sampling various environments. This practical ability will stand you in good stead for future research assignments and opportunities.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
I plan to do a PGCE after graduating to become a teacher. Purple Door Careers has really helped me prepare for this.
Gabriella Brown, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology student 2013
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more