You'll learn how marine plants and animals interact with their environment and respond to change. The course will give you knowledge about the biology of the marine environment, and how it relates to physical and chemical oceanography. Theory, field trips and lab work will prepare you for a career in research, wildlife management or government agencies.

This degree examines the biology of marine organisms within their environments, from intertidal coasts to deep sea and hydrothermal vent systems.

You'll become part of one of the largest marine science communities in Europe through the world-leading research institution, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). Our research vessels are only a 10-minute walk from the lecture theatres. Boat-based fieldwork is an important part of the programme.

With this course, you can:

• gain detailed knowledge of marine biota and the physics, chemistry and sedimentology that influence them
• cover a broad variety of topics, from hydrothermal vents to coastal lagoons
• take part in a full fieldwork programme including residential trips
• complete an independent research project working alongside active research staff
• get practical experience of doing experiments, learning to adapt to sea state and weather conditions, collect samples, and use ocean instrumentation
• select optional modules depending on your area of interest – for example, you can study palaeobiology and explore how fossils are used to study ecology
• choose from a variety of semester abroad study opportunities

Roles our marine biology graduates have gone into include:

• marine scientist
• oceanographer
• conservation officer
• geologist
• fisheries officer
• oil spill consultant
• marine science officer

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).