Marine Biology BSc

  • UCAS Code C160
  • Duration Up to 4 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 30

Overview

The Course

Levels 1 and 2 provide a foundation in modern biology, including: Ecology; Environmental Toxicology; and Pollution Biology. Level 3 gives a thorough grounding in many aspects of Marine Biology and Level 4 explores the applications of Marine Biology to Marine Resource Development and Marine Environmental Protection. Fieldwork plays an important part in the programme. The programme aims to produce good Marine Biologists with a training in applied aspects of marine resource exploitation and protection. Breadth in the curriculum is provided by options from Molecular Biology to Ecology.

Career Prospects

The programme is designed to allow graduates to find employment in many areas of modern biology. Specialist destinations include environmental consultancies, the water industry, conservation bodies, aquaculture companies and government research organisations.

Overview

The Course

Levels 1 and 2 provide a foundation in modern biology, including: Ecology; Environmental Toxicology; and Pollution Biology. Level 3 gives a thorough grounding in many aspects of Marine Biology and Level 4 explores the applications of Marine Biology to Marine Resource Development and Marine Environmental Protection. Fieldwork plays an important part in the programme. The programme aims to produce good Marine Biologists with a training in applied aspects of marine resource exploitation and protection. Breadth in the curriculum is provided by options from Molecular Biology to Ecology.

Career Prospects

The programme is designed to allow graduates to find employment in many areas of modern biology. Specialist destinations include environmental consultancies, the water industry, conservation bodies, aquaculture companies and government research organisations.

Programme content

Level 1

Introduces Biology largely as Human Biology with accompanying courses in Applied and Environmental Biology. Additional subjects include Mathematics for Scientists and Chemistry, as required for an understanding of future courses in Biochemistry and Physiology.

Level 2

Concentrates on broad topics in Biology, especially Whole Organism Biology of Animals; Plants and Microorganisms; Cell Structure and Biochemistry; and Nutrition and Health.

Level 3

Core courses in Marine Biology focus on Marine Biodiversity; Marine Environmental Biology and Practical Marine Biology.

Level 4

Advanced topics in Marine Biology including: Estuarine and Coastal Management; Fish Physiology and Nutrition; Marine Environmental Monitoring; Marine Chemical Ecology; Marine Biotechnology; and Shellfish and Crustacean Culture. A selection of optional courses is also offered. A research project provides the practical component of the final year of study.

Emma Wells

School Downham Market, Norfolk
Degree BSc (Hons) in Applied Marine Biology
Present Job Marine Scientist, Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland)
Emma Wells

"I love the sea and I am a keen amateur diver. I liked the applied nature of the programme and wanted
a career in environmental management, probably in the water industry. After completing my BSc, I helped to organise a major diving expedition to South America, which won a national award presented by the Duke of Edinburgh.

"I returned to Heriot-Watt to research the use of seaweeds in environmental assessment for my PhD. This research combined with the applied first degree helped me get a job involved with the implementation of EU water policy in Northern Ireland."

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers BBBBC
  • GCE A Level BBB
  • SQA Higher National Cert B in a relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 27 points to include 5 in Higher Level Biology
  • Scottish Baccalaureate Pass including a science subject
  • Additional information One science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at Higher B/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE/Standard Grade or equivalent.

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB and BBBBC at Higher.
  • SQA Higher National Cert A in a relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
  • SQA Higher National Dip BBB in a relevant HND - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 32 points to include 6 in Higher Level Biology
  • Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction with Advanced Higher Biology B
  • Additional information To include Biology or Human Biology at Advanced Higher/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE/Standard Grade.

Level 3 entry

  • SQA Higher National Dip AAB in a relevant HND - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £14,340

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries