Are you fascinated by the oceans and the rich diversity of organisms that inhabit their depths? Marine Biology involves studying these specialised plants and animals, and how they solve the unique problems imposed by the sea’s physical and chemical environment. This course is truly multi-disciplinary. It draws on other biology disciplines, such as ecology and the physical and environmental sciences, to answer questions such as: What determines the distribution of individual organisms and populations? Why are some ocean provinces more productive than others? What impact does human activity have on the health of the oceans? Why are some fisheries sustainable and others not? Marine Systematics and Taxonomy provides you with an advanced understanding of the main systematic groups of marine flora and fauna. You will discover the key physical structures that determine functional groups, how genetic variability determines speciation and the formation of a distinct species of plant or animal, and how these factors relate to habitat and niche preferences, growth and development, and feeding behaviours. Marine Mammal and Turtle Biology gives the opportunity to learn field skills used to study the behaviour, distribution and abundance of large marine vertebrates and provides an overview of the taxonomy, physiology, behaviour, and current research on seals, whales, dolphins and turtles. Issues in Marine Biology examines marine habitats from an ecological perspective, evaluating how they function, assessing species diversity, and importantly, how natural and man-made impacts are affecting this. We will also explore the impact marine organisms have on human society through developments in biotechnology and other uses. Major risks likely to affect these species and habitats are also studied. At the end of the course you will be able to appreciate and understand the diversity of marine species and ecosystems that exist and the major man-made risks affecting them. As a major Scottish industry and employer of marine biology graduates is the aquaculture sector, a module covering aquaculture is integral to the course. Additionally, the Science of Diving module covers diving physiology, practice and safety for scientific investigation, as well as knowledge of alternate methods of underwater environmental assessment. Field courses: you will take part in two field courses in which you will study seashore and inshore marine organisms and marine mammal and turtle biology. An independent research project is a major component of the final year and is often carried out in association with external bodies.(Some of the cost for travel, accommodation and subsistence for the residential field course is borne by the student.)
About University
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students make a difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS World University Rankings 2020).
The University of Stirling is ranked top 30 in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2021), and students rated Stirling top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.
With more than 220 undergraduate course combinations and over 90 postgraduate courses, we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Campus life
The University of Stirling is rated 1st in the UK and 5th in the world for its campus environment (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018), and it’s not hard to see why.
Less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, our beautiful 330-acre campus is home to newly renovated accommodation, catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatreand even an 18th-century castle.We’ve also invested more than £40 million to further enhance our world-class fitness and high-performance sports facilities and create a new campus hub.
Commitment to employability
Ranked 1st in Scotland and top 15 in the world for careers services (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018), our courses offer hands-on experience, career support and opportunities to work with industries across the globe.
A global outlook
The University of Stirling is truly global in every sense of the word. More than 120 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus.
We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching in research partnerships in more than 60 countries in order to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe.
Sporting excellence
The University of Stirling is the UK’s Sports University of the Year (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020) and Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. We’re also home to five national governing bodies and ranked 1st in Scotland and top five in the UK for sports facilities (UK International Student Barometer Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).
Our students also benefit from more than 50 sports clubs, dozens of weekly exercise classes and our non-competitive Get Active programme.
Research with impact
Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact on society. That’s why three-quarters of Stirling’s research was classed as either world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).
Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions.
Are you ready to Be Stirling?
Find your course, learn more about funding opportunities, scholarships and why the University of Stirling, Scotland is where you belong.
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
Share via
Share this Page
others shortlisted this program
others shortlisted this program
Share via
Share this Page
About University
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students make a difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS World University Rankings 2020).
The University of Stirling is ranked top 30 in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2021), and students rated Stirling top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.
With more than 220 undergraduate course combinations and over 90 postgraduate courses, we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Campus life
The University of Stirling is rated 1st in the UK and 5th in the world for its campus environment (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018), and it’s not hard to see why.
Less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, our beautiful 330-acre campus is home to newly renovated accommodation, catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatre and even an 18th-century castle. We’ve also invested more than £40 million to further enhance our world-class fitness and high-performance sports facilities and create a new campus hub.
Commitment to employability
Ranked 1st in Scotland and top 15 in the world for careers services (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018), our courses offer hands-on experience, career support and opportunities to work with industries across the globe.
A global outlook
The University of Stirling is truly global in every sense of the word. More than 120 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus.
We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching in research partnerships in more than 60 countries in order to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe.
Sporting excellence
The University of Stirling is the UK’s Sports University of the Year (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020) and Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. We’re also home to five national governing bodies and ranked 1st in Scotland and top five in the UK for sports facilities (UK International Student Barometer Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).
Our students also benefit from more than 50 sports clubs, dozens of weekly exercise classes and our non-competitive Get Active programme.
Research with impact
Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact on society. That’s why three-quarters of Stirling’s research was classed as either world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).
Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions.
Are you ready to Be Stirling?
Find your course, learn more about funding opportunities, scholarships and why the University of Stirling, Scotland is where you belong.
Similar Programs
Latest Tweets
Latest Posts