About This Course
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.
Course Content
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.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
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.
EXPLORE MORE IN OCEAN SCIENCES
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.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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