Marine BiologyBSc Honours

UCAS code C1613 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/C161Printed from the web page above on 08/05/2018

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Marine BiologyBSc HonoursUCAS code C1613 Years

Our Marine Biology BSc Honours degreeprovides you with a holistic understanding ofhuman interaction with the marineenvironment.

You will learn about invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marinemammals, as well as plants, algae and cyanobacteria. You'llalso explore the chemical and physical properties of theoceans and their impact on marine life.

We place particular emphasis on sustainable managementof this precious ecosystem, and you'll explore challengingissues such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

You will enjoy high levels of practical experience – using ourcoastal laboratory and research vessel – and develop skillsfor a range of careers in the marine sector.

Our location near the coast provides fantastic fieldworkopportunities.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and ranking• top 200 – Earth and Marine Sciences category – QS

World University Rankings by Subject 2018

Professional accreditation*This degree is accredited by the Institute of MarineEngineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf ofthe Science Council for the purposes of fully meeting theacademic requirement for registration as a charteredscientist and chartered marine scientist.

*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly bytheir professional body.

Boost your employability with a work placementApply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional workplacement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply tospend your placement year with any organisation and willreceive University support to do so.

You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector,putting your learning into practice and developing yourprofessional expertise.

It will extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability.

Find out more about Work Placements.

FieldworkThe degree is very hands-on and you gain practicalexperience through laboratory classes and fieldwork.

You will enjoy high levels of seagoing experience on ourbrand new research vessel, with a series of North Seaoffshore practicals. These train you in essential skillsrequired by marine biologists and zoologists including:

• plankton sampling• fish and benthic trawls• analysing the physical and chemical properties of

seawater• undertaking seabed surveys• experimenting with the latest oceanographic technology

You will also take part in a number of field trips throughoutthe course, including an overseas residential field course inStage 3.

Opportunities abroadYou undertake an overseas residential field courseduring your final year – we offer a choice between aEuropean and non-European location each year. Recentlocations have included:

• the Bahamas• Bermuda• Portugal

You may also undertake your final-year dissertationoverseas at a location of your choice and we willsupport you in setting up this project. This is an opportunityto explore your personal interests, and past projects haveincluded scuba-diving-based research and observingdolphins and whales.

These are exciting opportunities to experience new cultures,to network with scientists in other marine institutions, and tosee the diversity of marine science on a global platform.

They will also broaden your appreciation of the spectrum ofmarine careers available to you around the world.

Industry linksStudying marine sciences at Newcastle equips you withskills for a profession in a growing sector, and we arehighly respected in this area.

You will see marine management in action through theUniversity's collaboration with a wide range of organisationsthat monitor, assess and devise policies on some of the keyissues affecting the marine environment.

This includes the Marine Management Organisation inNewcastle, whose role is to regulate and manage the seasaround England and Wales.

We also have staff representation on the regional fisheriescommittees, on the regional biodiversity committee, and onother prominent national organisations.

Facilities and supportYou will be part of the School of Natural and EnvironmentalSciences. This is one of the largest marine schools inEurope, attracting more than 300 students each year.

FacilitiesThe Dove Marine Laboratory is equipped with researchaquaria to study live organisms and is located just 20minutes from campus on the beach at Cullercoats.

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You will benefit from our on-campus controlled-environmentaquaria, which provide a contrasting research environmentto our beach-based field station, and marinebiology research laboratories.

You'll also have access to our twin-hulled research vessel,The Princess Royal, giving you the chance to develop yourseagoing skills.

SupportYou will have an academic member of staff as a personaltutor throughout your degree. They can help with academicand personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellowstudents who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

In addition, the University organises an annual careers fairso that you can meet potential employers and get an insightinto the range of marine-related careers.

Social activitiesThe student-run society, WetSOC, organises social eventsthroughout the year.

Newcastle's iconic bridges at night.

Course Details

Modules for 2017 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2017 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2018 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2018).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesMST1101  Marine BiologyMST1102  Diversity and Behaviour of Marine AnimalsMST1103  The Marine EnvironmentMST1104  Marine Study Skills

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesMST2101  Marine EcologyMST2104  Marine Research and Employability SkillsMST2105  Marine Practical SkillsOptional modulesYou take one of the following modules:MST2102  Form, Function and Adaptation of MarineAnimalsMST2103  Marine Processes and CyclesOther optional modules may also be available.Work Placement (optional)You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optionalwork placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can applyto spend your placement year with any organisation andwill receive University support to do so. It will extend yourdegree by a year and is subject to availability. Find outmore about Work Placements.

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Stage 3

Compulsory modulesMST3101  Advanced Marine BiologyOptional modulesYou take one of the following modules:MST3104  Research Project: Marine BiologyMST3107  Research Project: OverseasYou take one of the following modules:MST3102  Advanced Marine ZoologyMST3103  Advanced OceanographyOther optional modules may also be available.

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeResearch-informed teaching plays an important role atNewcastle. It shapes the content of our undergraduatedegrees and makes sure that you have chance to cover themost up-to-date theories and discoveries in your subject.

Our research covers two main areas: marine organismsand ecosystem research and coastal processes andmanagement.

Teaching methodsThe course is taught through:

• lectures and seminars to introduce you to newknowledge

• laboratory sessions in our modern labs that help youdevelop essential investigative and analytical techniques

• visits to offshore sites on the University’s research vesselto give you practical skills and experience

Assessment methodsAssessment involves written examinations at the end ofeach semester, as well as course work associated withpracticals submitted during the year. You will also carry outyour own research project in Stage 3 in the UK or abroad.

Find out moreVisit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsAAB-ABB including Biology or Human Biology and anotherscience subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics,Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Psychology,IT, PE and Design & Technology. General Studies andCritical Thinking are excluded. Chemistry preferred at A/ASlevel but not essential. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics Alevels, we require a pass in the practicalelement. Mathematics required at GCSE (minimum grade Bor 6).

Scottish QualificationsAAABB-AABBB at Higher Grade including Biology andanother science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science,Psychology, IT, PE and Design & Technology. AdvancedHigher Biology is preferred. Chemistry desirable at HigherGrade but not essential. Mathematics required at National 5,minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade orIntermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International Baccalaureate34-35 points preferably including Biology at Higher LevelGrade 6. Chemistry preferred at Higher Level but notessential. Mathematics or Mathematical Studies andChemistry required at Standard Level grade 5 if not offeredat Higher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H1H2H3-H1H1H2H2H3 at Higher Level includingBiology or Human Biology at grade H2. Chemistry isdesirable.

Access QualificationsAt least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3credits at Merit, to include 15 level 3 credits in biologicalsciences. Credits in chemistry and maths are desirable.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaThis is not an accepted entry qualification for this course.

Cambridge Pre-UD3,D3,M2-D3,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects including Biologyand another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science,Psychology, IT, PE and Design & Technology. Chemistrypreferred but not essential. Mathematics required at GCSE(minimum grade B or 6).

Extended Project QualificationIf you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification in atopic relevant to the degree programme, we will vary ouroffer to recognise this.

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PARTNERS - A LevelsBBB-BBC including Biology or Human Biology andpreferably another science subject from: Chemistry,Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Geology, EnvironmentalScience, Psychology, IT, PE and Design & Technology.General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded.Chemistry preferred at A/AS level but not essential. ForBiology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a passin the practical element. Mathematics required at GCSE(minimum grade B or 6) if not offered at A/AS level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaThis is not an accepted entry qualification for this course.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a pre-sessionalcourse at INTO Newcastle University, which will help toprepare you for study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses including theInternational Foundation in Biological and BiomedicalSciences.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Marine Biology careersThe seas are key to the UK's economy and quality of life.Through its contribution to primary energy supplies,ship-borne trade, fisheries, marine aggregates, tourism andrecreation, the UK's marine environment plays a large partin our nature conservation heritage.

Concern for the environment means that employers areincreasingly seeking graduates with Marine Science training.Graduates from our degrees have gone into careers asaquarists and marine biologists, in marine research, wildlifemanagement and conservation work. Others havecontinued their studies in areas such as clean technologyand renewable energy.

Studying Marine Science equips you with some very specificskills according to your particular course or specialism butalso encourages the development of a broader set oftransferable skills. These specific and the generic skillsprepare you for a variety of jobs both highly related andtotally unrelated to the marine environment. Careers inteaching and law, are also very popular with our graduates.

Further study at university offers training for careers inresearch. Research skills and the ability to solve problemsare useful in both environmental andnon-environmental-related jobs. It is possible for MarineScientists to progress to Senior Research Scientist andmanagement level positions.

Qualities such as self-motivation, teamwork ability andleadership may also be gained through non-academicactivities and work experience and prepare you for a rangeof careers.

Find out more about the career options for graduates fromProspects: The UK's Official Careers Website.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

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Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than threequarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerialposition.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250 in 2018-19

Tuition Fees (EU students)

For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£21,000 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University Scholarships

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Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

Government financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.