This interdisciplinary degree provides an in-depth study of the biological, chemical and physical processes of the oceans, seas and estuaries. You will embark on a detailed study of life in the sea, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals. This knowledge will be underpinned  by a specialised understanding how the different marine habitats are affected by key physical (currents, tides, waves and ocean mixing) and biogeochemical (carbon cycle, nutrient recycling by the microbial loop) processes that mediate interactions between the atmosphere, ocean and sea floor.

This is a 4-year course. During the first 3 years, you will follow the same degree course structure as Marine Biology and Oceanography BSc. In Year 4 you carry out a substantial piece of research which forms your fourth year dissertation.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?    

• Our expertise covers all aspects of the marine sciences. Our research interests range from tropical coral reefs to the polar oceans.
• You will benefit from studying with leading scientists in the fields of marine biology, fisheries, marine chemistry, geosciences and physical oceanography.
• Our unique location in an area of outstanding natural beauty is ideal to study local populations of dolphins, seals and sea birds. We are only a few metres away from the Menai Strait and the Irish Sea
• Facilities: research ship, supercomputers and state-of-the art survey equipment. Oceanographic moorings for data collection.

The first three years of this degree involves attending lectures, practical classes and fieldwork on the shore. In year 3 there are 2 field courses, each a weeklong, and during Years 1, 2 and 3 time is spent aboard RV Prince Madog. Your practical work will be continually assessed and there are written examinations for each module. In Year 4 the Research Skills dissertation, seminar and poster modules are assessed. At the end of Year 2, providing a satisfactory mark has been obtained, you continue with Year 3 of the BSc course and proceed to a 4th year specialised course.

The 4 year course is ideal preparation for a career in research. The 4th project year will allow you to gain experience of working in a research environment and prepare you for a PhD and research career.

Ocean Science at Bangor is unique in encompassing the study of all aspects of the global marine environment, from estuaries and coasts to the deep ocean. We are one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in Britain and one of the biggest in Europe.