Dr Dimitrios Kaloudis graduated from BSc (Hons) Marine Biology in 2010. He is currently employed by the University of Plymouth as an Environmental Microbiologist (KTP Associate).
“I chose Plymouth because of the diving centre and the potential of gaining a professional diving qualification. However, by the end of my second year, I had developed a passion for microbiology and decided to follow this as a career.
The marine biology degree was built to develop scientists. I came out very well prepared to form and test ideas, to present my thoughts and findings as well as with a great sense of integrity, a duty to society and to building a better future. The field trips also prepared us all for how extremely hard, stressful, frustrating and tiring doing science can be which I didn’t enjoy back then but was one of the most useful experiences in the course.
If you have an interest in marine science and sustainability, the University is a great starting point with tradition, links and opportunities. There’s so much natural beauty in the vicinity. Living in a city with 30,000 students all living in the city centre has an awesome feel to it!
Everyone was so inclusive and friendly. I feel that I had a course (and work environment) with many great people and if I could start again I would spend more time with them.
I was grateful for lecturers considering that I did not attend the British school system and taking a little extra time as needed to explain what was expected of me. Since I come from a poor background, I was also very happy to be able to easily find employment with hours that suited my study.
I left Plymouth with many great memories. Everything about the diving course, the two field trips in France and Portugal, being able to do my final year project at the Marine Biological Association, a great research organisation, many highly inspirational lectures, being repeatedly stunned by the sunsets over Plymouth sound, meeting so many friendly, open-minded people!
I came to Plymouth with a passion for the sea but not much direction. I left with a passion for microbiology, biotechnology and finding sustainable solutions to the problems facing our planet.”
“I completed a four-year PhD at the University of Bath, then helped set-up a biotech start-up company for 18 months, followed by a Research Associate position at the University of Bath (another 18 months). My PhD and all subsequent positions were focused on the utilisation of microalgae for wastewater treatment and biofuel or fish-feed production.
Currently I am back in Plymouth working on a KTP collaboration to use bacteria to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from landfill wastewater. I am very fortunate to say that since graduating I have not spent a single day unemployed.
The most exciting thing I have done, was to design, build and operate one of the largest, most realistic and longest running algal wastewater treatment trials in Europe. It was exhilarating and very challenging at the same time!”
In this hands-on degree, one of the best in the UK and with an international reputation, you’ll explore the diversity of marine life from coastal margins to the deep sea and gain an in-depth understanding of the biology of marine organisms. Teaching takes advantage of the South Devon coast as well as some of Europe’s best marine facilities – so you’ll have the opportunity to not just experience marine biology but to practice it at the highest levels in both the laboratory and out in the field.
You'll gain an understanding of marine life at the level of the biology of organisms – ranging from microbes found on coral reefs, the physiology and behaviour of marine vertebrates, to the biology of the marine algae that underpin the vast majority of other marine life.
