Why study Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University?

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Marine & Freshwater Biology (C164). Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your degree grade.
• Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid, (If you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to its sister course BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology C164).
• During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee of which the information can be found here.
• You are taught by enthusiastic teaching experts, who you may have already seen on TV documentaries or heard on your favourite radio show.
• We have two research vessels that give you hands-on experience of the range of skills used by professional marine and freshwater biologists.
• The department has a modern aquarium facilities aquarium systems for experimental studies of marine and freshwater organisms.
• You will be able to participate in two residential field courses, each focused on either marine or freshwater biology.
• We have a wonderful museum and herbarium full of historic specimens collected from around the globe by generations of famous Aberystwyth University scientists.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

What professions do our students go into?

Marine and Freshwater Biology graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers including ecological consultancy, environmental management and conservation, teaching and scientific journalism. This scheme also frequently leads to postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.

What do I gain from studying Marine and Freshwater Biology?

Our degree at Aberystwyth University teaches you a broad range of skills such as observation, research, analysis, critical evaluation and reflection.

You will also be studying in a department that has invested over ￡55 million in infrastructure of student facilities.

The Institute has close links with many learned societies such as the Society of Biology which is great way of networking with those in your field. 

Your year in industry:

In the 2016 Highflyers report, 32% of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or/ a internship.  Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

 Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

 In your first year you will explore:

• Evolution & the diversity of life
• Comparative animal physiology
• Ecology
• Plant biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Microbial diversity
• Field and laboratory skills

In your second year you will discover:

• Marine biology
• Freshwater biology
• Applied aquatic conservation
• Aquatic botany
• Research design, planning and analysis
• Optional modules include: vertebrate anatomy, animal behaviour and microbial ecology and environmental monitoring

In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that has relevance to Marine and Freshwater Biology. If you are unable to obtain work experience, then you can simply transfer to its three year sister course C164.

In your final year you will study:

• Marine and Freshwater Biology Field Course – currently run in Portugal and Scotland
• Dissertation which provides students with the opportunity to perform an in-depth research project under the guidance of a supervisor
• Optional modules include: Fish, fisheries and aquaculture, wildlife conservation, behavioural physiology and population and community ecology

How will I be taught?

Our course is delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and practicals and residential field courses. You will receive thorough training in the scientific method and concepts relating to the evolution and ecology of natural systems with an emphasise on marine and freshwater environments.

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, dossiers, posters, portfolios, wikis, reflective diaries, literature reviews, magazine articles field notebooks and exams.