Course summary

The Marine Biology element of this course covers animals, seaweeds, plants and microbial life in the seas and their interactions. The Zoology part covers all animals whether on land or in water. The degree therefore gives a wide overview of the diversity of animal life and ecosystems on this planet, ranging from the mountains to the deep sea trenches. The course shows how interactions between animals and their environments apply equally to marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of biology, ecology, and evolution of marine organisms and all animal groups. In addition, more applied aspects such as aquaculture and fisheries, parasitology and immunology are covered. The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with an organization relevant to your degree subject. Previous and current students have worked with a wide variety of placement providers, ranging from private companies to educational organizations, charities, government authorities and non-governmental organizations. Our students who have undertaken a placement year have highlighted how the experience has helped them to develop invaluable networks, confidence and life experience as well as subject knowledge and skills that have boosted their employability. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of their second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.

Course details