Help & enquiries
- Admission enquiries
- admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
- +44 1752 585858
- PlymUniApply
BIOL131
Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
20 credits
The cell is the basic building block of life. This module introduces you to the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the cell biology that allow different cells to do different things including some highly specialised cells of multicellular organisms. The module will then focus on the molecular basis that underlies cell function introducing you to the metabolic pathways and molecules that allow cells to work.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MBIO120
Introduction to Marine Biology
20 credits
This module will introduce students to marine biology covering aspects such as marine ecosystems, organisms and oceanography. This will also start to develop a range of core skills and confidence in effective written communication, information technology (including use of peer-reviewed literature), and data handling skills. It will also start to develop field and id skills and taxonomy skills and safe fieldwork practices.
100% Coursework
MBIO123
Marine Biology Field Course
20 credits
This module develops core skills in effective oral and written communication and provides a toolbox of essential material on numeracy and statistics to address quantitative questions in Marine Biology. During an intensive field course, you will immerse yourself in practical aspects of marine biology, asking questions based on observations and then formulating appropriate hypotheses that can then be tested.
75% Coursework
25% Tests
MBIO161
Evolution and Behaviour
20 credits
Covers the principles underpinning evolution with a special focus on animal behaviour as adaptive traits. Module covers concepts of the genetic basis of inheritance, population genetics, selection, adaptation, function, fitness and speciation. We will use key examples and practical classes to illustrate key ideas and consider the development of some of the ideas in a historical context.
50% Examinations
50% Tests
MBIO162
Biodiversity
20 credits
This module introduces the scientific study of biodiversity. Starting with the question what is biodiversity? students go on to explore where it is, how it is distributed across the Earth, and how we value it. This leads to a discussion of how biodiversity is threatened and how we conserve it. Embedded in this big picture is an introduction to the biology of some key taxa that characterise biodiversity.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
OS102
Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the worlds oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL214
Ecology
20 credits
An understanding of basic concepts is needed to solve ecological problems. This module explores key concepts in ecology at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. The concepts are supported with examples taken from terrestrial and aquatic systems, and provide a useful insight into the search for general theories in ecology.
50% Examinations
30% Coursework
20% Tests
MBIO213
Coastal Biodiversity and Ecology Field Course
20 credits
100% Coursework
MBIO217
Ecology of Shallow Water Marine Habitats
20 credits
Shallow water marine habitats represent some of the most diverse and productive habitats on earth. This module provides an overview of the key factors influencing their ecology and will also consider the biology of the organisms therein, the scientific study of shallow water habitats and the analysis, evaluation and communication of marine ecological data.
60% Examinations
40% Coursework
MBIO229
Methods in Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology and Oceanography
20 credits
Provides the core skills and techniques to equip students to perform field studies in Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology and Oceanography. Introduces appropriate methodologies for the collection, handling and analysis of data; the scientific principles underlying experimental design and the effective communication of scientific information.
100% Coursework
BIOL204
Principles of Conservation Biology
20 credits
Successful conservation is dependent on a thorough grasp of fundamental biological principles. The conceptual aspects of population, molecular, & evolutionary ecology which are central to understanding the dynamics of, and future threats to, extant populations of organisms are reviewed.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MBIO220
Applied Aquatic Biology
20 credits
This module introduces the main effects that humans have on key freshwater and marine ecosystems throughout the globe, as well as strategies for the monitoring, conservation and sustainable use of these systems.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MBIO222
Ecophysiology of Marine Animals
20 credits
This module will develop a detailed understanding of how marine organisms work within an ecological and evolutionary context.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MBIO228
Biology of Marine Organisms
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to fundamental aspects of the biology of marine organisms. Particular attention is paid to the diversity of form and function within key groups of marine chloroxygenic organisms and animals and how this allows them to inhabit different marine environments.
60% Examinations
40% Coursework
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
This module allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques. These will then be applied in a multi-disciplinary context to the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of a field-based sampling activity.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
BPIE336
Marine Biology related Placement
0 credits
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
MBIO327
Marine Ecology
20 credits
This module considers the processes and mechanisms that affect the development and structure of marine communities through a discussion of the current evidence base, recent concepts and theories relating to multiple life histories stages of marine species from around the globe and experimental testing of behavioural processes. This will be followed by an investigation of the nature and significance of key processes in structuring marine communities.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
BIOL308
Applied Conservation Biology
20 credits
Focuses on application of biological theory to successfully managing populations in wild and captive environments. The emphasis is on how theory feeds into and informs working practice. Along with advancing their theoretical knowledge, students develop knowledge of the major approaches, analytical tools, techniques and software that individuals working in the public and private conservation sectors apply in practice.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BIOL310
Global Change Biology
20 credits
This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MBIO317
Behavioural Ecology
20 credits
This module examines the theory underpinning key conceptual models in behavioural ecology (e.g. optimal foraging, ideal free distribution, game theory). These models will be critically discussed in relation to empirical studies.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MBIO324
Speciation and Diversity
20 credits
This module deals with the nature, generation and significance of biological diversity through a discussion of recent species concepts and mechanisms of speciation in a range of organisms, with emphasis on the evolutionary processes at work. This is followed by an investigation of the nature and significance of biological diversity; how it is assessed, and how it is distributed.
70% Examinations
30% Coursework
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
Marine vertebrates are vulnerable to depletion through over fishing, industrial development, pollution and habitat degradation. This module will examine the ecology of these animals in their natural environments and explore methods for surveying, monitoring and managing populations and species. There is a strong emphasis on current research and hot topics with numerous case studies used throughout the module.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
MBIO363
Fish and Fisheries
20 credits
This module explores the biology of fishes and its application to the science of fisheries management. There is a focus on seminal works and recent advances in the primary literature.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MBIO364
Conservation Physiology
20 credits
This module introduces learners to this emerging field of conservation through a lecture-discussion based format. This module explores fundamental physiology principles and approaches that have been used to inform the conservation of marine species and ecosystems challenged by natural and anthropogenic stressors.
60% Examinations
40% Coursework
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
BIOL311
Ecotoxicology
20 credits
This module provides a detailed analysis of the concepts and principles of ecotoxicology, with an emphasis on evaluation of ecotoxicological techniques and methods for assessment of impacts of pollutants on the aquatic environment.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
UCAS tariff
120
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
International progression routes
Plymouth: the place to be for marine biology.
Field work is central to our three marine biology courses. We are proud to offer an extensive range of field work activities, both locally, making the most of our privileged location, and internationally, with residential field courses currently based in South Africa, Sweden and Portugal.
Do you want to be an ecologist or marine biologist? Or are you dedicated to carving out a career in marine conservation? As a marine biology and coastal ecology student, your career options are as expansive as the oceans you study.
"Our lecturers really push us to get as much experience as possible on the side of our degree. I think the support and help they give us to go out of our comfort zone, is key to how successful we will be in our career."
"As a leading university for marine research, Plymouth caught my eye with a large option of marine-related courses to explore. I chose to study Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology because it opened up a range of opportunities"
"The University sponsored me to attend One Young World as a delegate in 2021, a summit that brings young leaders together with the likes of Jane Goodall, Bob Geldof, Sylvia Earle and global leaders. I am now an ongoing ambassador for One Young World."
"Plymouth is real, it’s hands-on, it’s alternative, it’s innovative, it’s gritty, and it’s a mariner’s paradise."
"Plymouth gave me a great introduction to the life of a scientist. I gained a lot of knowledge but also got a lot of practical experiences such as lab work, scientific writing, presentation skills and critical thinking."
The University of Plymouth is joining forces with the Ocean Giants Trust to create a series of exciting new opportunities for its marine students.
To complement your formal learning we offer regular sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment