Course Summary

Are you fascinated by the oceans and the rich diversity of organisms that inhabit their depths? Marine Biology involves studying these specialised plants and animals, and how they solve the unique problems imposed by the sea’s physical and chemical environment. This course is truly multi-disciplinary. It draws on other biology disciplines, such as ecology and the physical and environmental sciences, to answer questions such as: What determines the distribution of individual organisms and populations? Why are some ocean provinces more productive than others? What impact does human activity have on the health of the oceans? Why are some fisheries sustainable and others not? Marine Systematics and Taxonomy provides you with an advanced understanding of the main systematic groups of marine flora and fauna. You will discover the key physical structures that determine functional groups, how genetic variability determines speciation and the formation of a distinct species of plant or animal, and how these factors relate to habitat and niche preferences, growth and development, and feeding behaviours. Marine Mammal and Turtle Biology gives the opportunity to learn field skills used to study the behaviour, distribution and abundance of large marine vertebrates and provides an overview of the taxonomy, physiology, behaviour, and current research on seals, whales, dolphins and turtles. Issues in Marine Biology examines marine habitats from an ecological perspective, evaluating how they function, assessing species diversity, and importantly, how natural and man-made impacts are affecting this. We will also explore the impact marine organisms have on human society through developments in biotechnology and other uses. Major risks likely to affect these species and habitats are also studied. At the end of the course you will be able to appreciate and understand the diversity of marine species and ecosystems that exist and the major man-made risks affecting them. As a major Scottish industry and employer of marine biology graduates is the aquaculture sector, a module covering aquaculture is integral to the course. Additionally, the Science of Diving module covers diving physiology, practice and safety for scientific investigation, as well as knowledge of alternate methods of underwater environmental assessment. Field courses: you will take part in two field courses in which you will study seashore and inshore marine organisms and marine mammal and turtle biology. An independent research project is a major component of the final year and is often carried out in association with external bodies.(Some of the cost for travel, accommodation and subsistence for the residential field course is borne by the student.)

Course Details - Modules

Modules are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: C160

Institution code: S75

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Year 2 entry – Three-year honours SQA Advanced Highers ABB GCE A-levels ABB IB Diploma 35 points Essential subjects To include Biology and one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

To include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

AAAB over 2 sittings. To include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

To include Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Higher Level grade 5.

Science related

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 Obtain IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill or equivalent.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements there are English language courses which can help you prepare for your degree: https://www.stir.ac.uk/international/international-students/pre-sessional-english-language-courses/

English language requirements

https://www.stir.ac.uk/international/international-students/english-language-requirements/

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 0%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 0%

Go onto work and study: 0%

Fees and funding

Additional Fee Information

Fee rates have still to be confirmed for the 2022/3 Academic Session. To view the fee rates for last session, please review on our website: https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/?filter__level=&filter__method=&filter__faculty=&filter__startdate=

Provider information

Address1 are not listed for this Course.
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Stirling
FK9 4LA

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