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MARINE BIOLOGY BSc [Hons] / MMBiol COURSE FACTS UCAS course codes: C160 BSc/MB; C161 MMBiol Location: Most lectures are held in Bangor. Some 3rd year lectures and all practicals are held at the Menai Bridge site. The MMBiol 4th year is almost entirely held in Menai Bridge. Length: 3 years (BSc) or 4 years (MMBiol) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: • 112-136 tariff points including an accepted level 3 qualification* in Biology and usually one other science subject (Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science), plus Grade C in GCSE Maths, Double Award Science and English • We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements – see Information for International Students section in the introductory pages of this prospectus). *Level 3 qualifications include A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the new UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com. Due to the academic requirements for this programme, BTECs and Access courses are considered on a case by case basis. 4 Year Master of Marine Biology • Assessed for transition onto Masters at the end of Year 2.
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? 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°C) to hydrothermal vents (greater than 100°C). 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). 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. WHY CHOOSE BANGOR? • 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. WHAT WILL I STUDY? Year 1
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Admissions Administrator School of Ocean Sciences Tel: 01248 382851 E-mail: sos-ug-admissions@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/oceansciences
Compulsory modules: • Ecology and Evolution • Introducing the Oceans • Introductory Research Skills • Marine Biology Practical 1 • Organismal Diversity • Tutorial 1 Year 2 Some modules are worth 20 credits and others 10. You will study all of the compulsory modules and choose one optional.
Compulsory modules: • Evolution and Genetics 1 • Marine Ecology • Marine Biology Practical 2 • Marine Physiology and Behaviour • Prince Madog Cruise • Communicating Science Optional modules: • Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes • Tides, Waves and Sampling Year 3 Some modules are worth 20 credits and others 10. You will study all of the compulsory modules and choose one optional. Compulsory modules: • Dissertation • Extreme Marine Habitats • Intertidal Field Project • Marine Processes and Systems Optional modules: • Larval Ecology • Marine Conservation and Exploitation • Overseas Field Course VIMS • Air-breathing Marine Vertebrates • Sharks, Skates and Rays • Fish Biology and Ecology Year 4 Undertaking the 4 year extended undergraduate Masters degree allows you the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of scientific research as part of active research group. Linked with your research project you will also take modules that equip you with all the skills necessary to review literature, plan experiments and fieldwork, understand important ethical and H&S regulations, report scientific work in written, poster and oral form and to review seminars on a range on interdisciplinary subjects. You will carry out a research dissertation in which you do an independent study on topics related to any aspect of Marine Biology.
HOW WILL I LEARN? The course typically involves up to 30 hours per week of lectures, practicals (laboratory and fieldwork), private study, tutorials and project work. 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. The dissertation is assessed by a presentation and a report. CAREER PROSPECTS The course is ideal preparation for careers in research, conservation, marine resource management, fisheries and aquaculture, government advisory bodies, the scientific media, ecotourism and other leisure industries and pressure groups, and many unrelated areas that require analytical skills.
JOINT HONOURS DEGREE You can study Marine Biology and Zoology for a Joint Honours Degree (see page 97 for course details).
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