Biodiversity
Marine Biology
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Full-time
With placement
Part-time
Three year
Four year
Six year
September 2021
In a nutshell
This course will enable you to gain a systematic understanding of key aspects of the marine environment, including the animals, as well as a detailed insight into the industry that relies on it. The curriculum is contemporary, managing to strike a fine balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skill learning.
Practical training is particularly relevant and will be delivered during two residential field trips. The first one, in the second year of study, will be carried out in Scotland, at the renowned FSC Millport Field Station. The second trip will be organised at the beginning on the third year, in Kavala, Greece, in collaboration with the national Fisheries Research Institute.
The programme aims to prepare future leaders, figures whom, thanks to skills acquired at the University of Salford, will be actively involved in managing and preserving the oceans.
You will:
- Develop the skills necessary to manage and preserve our oceans
- Have the opportunity to get real-world experience through field trips and placements
- Combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills
options available
students accepted
This is for you if...
You are interested in the study of the marine environment and processes
You want to learn more about biodiversity, challenges faced and management of the oceans
You want a career in marine biology to help preserve the oceans
All about the course
In year one you will study a range of topics across several modules covering both theory and practice across the biological and environmental sciences.
The highlight of year two is the opportunity to go on an excellent residential field trip at FSC Millport, Scotland in May for the Ocean Challenges module, which includes studies of the zonation and ecology of animals and plants on various rocky sea shores.
In the final year, modules will have a special focus on the most applied and up-to-date topics relating to the marine system, like fisheries science and marine management.
This module focuses on the origins and diversity of living organisms (including humans), the environmental processes and their role in the generation of biodiversity.
Molecules to Microbes
This module focuses on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms and their structure, function and importance.
Study Skills for Marine Biology
A combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory or field based workshops relevant to the wider field of Marine Biology, with associated explanatory feedback. Tutorials will involve in-class assessment and more detailed assignments. Use of blackboard to provide learning support material and formative self-assessment tests.
Genes to Ecosystems
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of basic genetics, evolution and population genetics and how these disciplines are relevant to wildlife studies. You will also look at how wildlife species interact with the ecosystems in which they live.
Global Distribution of Wildlife
The module provides you an overview of the world’s major biomes. You learn about the importance of biogeography and the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and how wildlife adapts to these factors.
Biological Skills
This module will help you develop practical laboratory skills relevant to cell, organismal, micro and molecular biology which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.
Introduction to Marine Biology
This module will equip you with knowledge of marine ecosystems and marine organisms. A comprehensive series of lecture sessions, delivered by marine biologists and an invited seminar speaker, will present an overview of the biodiversity of marine organisms, their evolution, behaviours, intra- and inter-specific interactions and adaptations to their environments. The module provides the you with the opportunity to work under lab conditions to recognise morphological adaptations to different environments.
Marine Biology Research Skills
The module will involve a combination of lectures, small group tutorials and computer lab/workshop sessions focused on different aspects of undertaking scientific research. Students will compile a scientific report involving a literature review on a topic relevant to marine biological research, experimental design and data analysis. Formative assessment will comprise short exercises in information retrieval/utilisation, scientific writing and statistical analyses. A seminar presentation will accompany the scientific report.
Ocean Challenges
In this module you will learn about the challenges faced by the marine ecosystems and marine organisms. The module provides the you with the opportunity to engage in actual data collection and data analysis during a residential course (compulsory to the module). You will also look at contemporary environmental issues in marine biology. The module encourages you to adopt an investigative approach to ecological studies.
Choose two options for trimester 1 from the following
Ecology in Action
You will study the fundamental principles of population and community ecology, including the impact that factors such as competition, predation and parasitism may have on population size and community structure. This module also has a residential field course where students put theory into practice and conduct their own ecological studies.
Conservation Biology
This module will introduce you to the modern concepts of conservation biology at the level of species and populations, the existing tensions between theory and practice in species conservation planning, and an overview of the interdisciplinary toolbox used by conservation biologists (for example IT packages and DNA fingerprints). You will also be given the chance to design an appropriate conservation programme for a species or population, including the projection of future survival under varying scenarios.
Animal Evolution
This module provides a structured approach to evolution and covers the evolution of animal body plans with a focus on vertebrates as well as covering the mechanisms that drive evolution.
Plus one option for trimester 2 from the following
Applied Freshwater Biology
This module aims to enable you to gain a knowledge and critical understanding of the biology and ecology of freshwater systems relevant to the water industry and related organisations which regulate and control pollution of the aquatic environment.
It also provides you with the necessary skills and techniques to undertake biological and chemical evaluation of water quality ecology, fish population and condition to apply these in novel situations to generate data for interpretation. In particular, you will be provided with the necessary laboratory skills to test water quality to the standards of the Water Framework Directive UK.
Wildlife Behavioural Ecology
This module focuses on the principles of wildlife ecology and animal behaviour with particular reference to mammal and bird species. It also introduces scientific methods in the study of ecology and behaviour.
University Wide Language
Courses are available in: Arabic, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
Marine Management
This module will engage you in some of the most challenging marine management problems currently faced as well as highlighting the complexity and controversy around the way we use the sea. You will grapple the uncomfortable realities of the trade-off faced by marine managers and policy developers, moving beyond that traditional ecological issues to consider socio-economics, governance and representation, power, equality, and ethics. The module will encourage you to consider multiple perspectives, whilst reflecting on your own views.
Fisheries Science
This module will give you a broad understanding of the world’s fisheries, their usefulness, their drivers, their controversies; and the ability to assess the conflicts of interests among stakeholders.
Marine Biotechnology
This module will equip you with knowledge and skills of cutting-edge biotechnologies applied to the marine ecosystem. This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in bioinformatic data analysis during computer-based sessions.
Choose one option from
Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent, investigative and analytical research skills while conducting research on topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. It further allows you to learn about science communication and the variety of ways in which science can be disseminated and communicated.
Final Year Project & Professional Skills
This dissertation module allows you to develop independent, experimental, investigative and analytical research skills as you conduct a substantial research project based around a specific aspect/topic in your relevant bioscience discipline area.
Plus one option for trimester 1 from
Environmental Geographical Information Systems
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the factors controlling the design and implementation of GIS solutions to map, monitor and model terrestrial environments. You will also examine the major issues and impacts of GIS evolution and diffusion on society.
Diving for Marine Conservation
The aims of this module are to provide students with the opportunity to gain a critical understanding and experience of underwater surveying techniques in a field setting. In addition students will receive a structured series of lectures to provide an appreciation of the different diving techniques and how to critically analyse marine underwater data.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a rapidly changing world, our multi-disciplinary courses will shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and conservationists. Shaped by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to become unstoppable in your career.
facilities
You will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As a marine biology student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Lab. The Bodmer Lab is a specialist, purpose-built facility and ensures our students benefit from the latest technologies to support their learning and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery.
What about after uni?
Marine Biology graduates can enter a wide range of career paths. These include careers related to the wider sciences training such as science communication and publishing, science administration, to marine life conservation and management. Other graduates may go on to work in the environmental consultancy industry, marine biotechnology as well as research institutes and government agencies.
Career Links
INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS
Between years two and three of this course we encourage students to complete a placement year, which is arranged with our support. The position is often salaried, with a major link to a wildlife trust, or a research organisation. Popular placements organisations/institutions are Operation Wallacea (various destinations worldwide) and Archipelagos (Greece), working with charismatic animals like sea turtles and marine mammals. The students gain invaluable practical expertise, learns (and applies) new skills, and create a link with industry.
In our experience, final degree results and employability are enhanced for students who undertake a placement year. The placement also counts towards the final degree classification as part of the year two mark.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
You should be interested in the study of the marine environment and processes, its biodiversity, challenges faced and management.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
Please note: The entry criteria below are related to entry onto this course in the 2021/22 academic year.
GCSE
English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
104 - 112 UCAS points including a grade C at A2 Biology. A Pass in the Practical Element of Science A levels must be achieved.
A level
104 - 112 UCAS points including a grade C at A2 Biology. A Pass in the Practical Element of Science A levels must be achieved.
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Possible entry to year 3
Foundation Degree
Possible entry to year 3
Scottish Highers
104 - 112 UCAS points including Higher Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
104 - 112 UCAS points including Higher Biology
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject
International Baccalaureate
29 points with at least 1 science subject from Group 4
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2020/21 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2020/21 | £15,240per year |
Part-time | 2020/21 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying. |
Full-time home | 2021/22 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2021/22 | £15600per year |
Part-time | 2021/22 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying. |
Additional costs
All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money.
International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
We have a range of scholarships available for students applying for courses in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Our Global Gold Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,500 and our Global Silver Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,000 - both are available for students studying in our 2021/22 intakes.
We also offer the Salford International Excellence Scholarship which offers up to £5,000 discount on tuition fees. As this is a prestigious award we have a limited number of these scholarships available.
See the full range of our International Scholarships.
Interested in starting university in September 2021? Book your place on our next Open Day.