BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

Overview

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology will provide you with the knowledge and subject-specific skills relevant to working with marine organisms and marine habitats, the practical applications of marine biology and its relationship to the broader biological sciences disciplines.   

You’ll learn the principles of all biological components of marine science and related environmental sciences including:  

• Marine fauna and flora
• Marine environments and habitat ecology 
• Oceanography 
• Marine and coastal environmental management and conservation 
• Marine resource development 
• Marine biotechnology  

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.  

Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.   

As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills.  

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors. You’ll specifically understand the role of marine biologists in professional fields including research and development, quality assurance and public health and especially in organisations connected with environmental management and conservation. 

Our Expertise 

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active biologists and academics from the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). 

EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and experts are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.  

The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences is well known for its strong research focus in various areas of biological sciences. Research activities encompass both fundamental and applied research, addressing critical issues in the field and making significant contributions to scientific knowledge. This degree is aligned with our research objectives to advance our understanding of the natural world, address global challenges, and contribute to scientific advancements that benefit society.  

Your learning environment  

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology is taught though a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and field work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You will be assessed by coursework and examinations and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.  

During your studies, you’ll have access to our high-specification laboratories, the latest technologies and industry-standard equipment.   

Some examples of our facilities and equipment include:  

• Our John Muir Aquarium is a flexible, multi-room space that allows for simulation of natural marine conditions.  
• The Research Vessel Serpula is a custom-built vessel equipped for scientific and diving work and is in Oban.  
• Biology teaching lab, including an audio-visual system to see demonstrations on plasma screens around the room.  
• Plant growth rooms for the study of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering of cereal plants.  
• Our research laboratories have equipment to support a range of project activities linked to the cellular, molecular and microbiological sciences, including facilities for cell culture, genome editing, bioimaging and bioinformatics work.  
• We have access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies in the form of nanopore sequencers, allowing whole genome sequencing of different organisms and species identification from environmental and other DNA samples. This enhances research into a range of microbial and plant microbiomes.  

Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union and there are lots of ways to do so including participating in student groups, becoming a student representative or a school officer, and joining societies.   

You may be particularly interested in joining the Marine Biology Society, which is student led and offers anyone with an interest in marine biology the opportunity to meet friends and be supported in your future career aspirations.  

Societies provide a great opportunity to meet likeminded people, get involved in regular social and networking events, and gain insights into career prospects.   

Customise your learning 

You’ll take eight mandatory courses in year one where you will be introduced to principles and practical skills in biology, and principles of mathematics and chemistry. You’ll also take a course designed to inspire awareness of the contribution of your discipline to tackling global challenges and its connection to other disciplines. You’ll work in teams, learn to cope with complexity, gain core study skills, and thrive on ambiguity.  

In year two, you’ll take six mandatory courses which will enhance your research sills, and be introduced to metabolism in human nutrition, the biosphere, plant, cell and molecular, and animal biology. You can customise your learning by choosing two courses one of which can be a management course.  

You can transfer between our biology degrees until the end of year two, allowing you time at university to make final decisions on your area of specialism and degree of choice. 

You’ll take three compulsory marine biology courses in year three along with a course that will enhance your research skills. You can customise your learning in year three by choosing four courses from a wide range of general biology and marine biology courses.  

You’ll conduct your research project in year four and take six mandatory courses which will consolidate your knowledge in marine science.  

Industry  

We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.