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.

On this course you will be given an in-depth understanding of the important processes in the oceans, shelf seas and estuaries. We combine the detailed study of life in the sea, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals, with a specialised understanding of their physical and chemical environments: the currents, tides and waves, and the biogeochemical interactions within the atmosphere, ocean and sea floor.

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.

This course typically involves up to 30 hours per week of lectures, practicals laboratory and fieldwork, private study, tutorials and project work. Many modules include day field trips. In year 2 there is a day trip and a field course based on the research ship and in year 3 you will undertake fieldwork in coastal sedimentary environments. Your practical work is continually assessed and examination of each module is by multiple choice questions, laboratory tests and written examinations. The dissertation is assessed by a presentation and a report.

This degree is ideal preparation for careers in research, marine resource management, including off-shore renewable energy and aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, water supply and offshore industries, coastal authorities, government advisory bodies, the scientific media, ecotourism and other leisure industries and pressure groups.

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.