About Marine Biology, Bsc in University of Aberdeen

In Marine Biology you learn about the diversity of sea life, from the smallest plankton to the largest marine mammals, and investigate their evolution, physiology, ecology and management. You study a range of marine habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, mudflats and estuaries, open ocean and the deep sea, in field- and lab-based practical work.

This programme provides you with a strong foundation in biological sciences, principles and methodologies, while providing you with expertise in marine science. The interdisciplinary nature of marine biology means that you will graduate with a holistic understanding of the sea. Your courses include topics in ocean biology, oceanography, marine ecology, population ecology, international laws and policy related to fisheries management, marine-based renewable energy and aquaculture.

How You'll Study

Combine practice and theory

Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits. Most students take at least one residential field trip during their degree; these trips bring the subjects to life and provide the opportunity to make great friendships and get to know staff members.

Research experience

You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree. In Year 4, you conduct independent research which can be pivotal to your career choice whether it be in dolphins, water voles, rare plants, tropical forest ecology, climate change in the Arctic, or any one of a diverse range of other exciting topics!

Engaging and inspiring teaching

Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn. For example, we use problem-based learning approaches, creative presentations, peer and self-assessment, presenting posters in public meetings, writing and editing wikis, writing grant proposals, science writing for publication, and the creation of portfolios using multi-media.

Opportunities for Study Abroad and work-related learning

You can take advantage of an optional year-out on a work placement in any of our degree programmes. Study Abroad is encouraged for students in their second year; we have established partnerships with institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, China and numerous countries in Europe.

Why Study Marine Biology?

• We are recognized internationally for our marine research on the deep sea, harbour seals and dolphins, seabird ecology, fisheries management, fish and shark biology, and marine protected areas. Our breadth of expertise results in training that is both broad and current. Also, in your final year project you benefit from access to our specialist facilities, field stations and research vessels.
• Our coastal location means you have easy access to marine habitats for taught classes as well as leisure pursuits.
• Our programme is rich in hands-on practical sessions, where you work directly with organisms, analyse samples, and develop both technical and generic skills useful for a career in biology.
• Teaching on the programme is integrated with our other programmes, meaning that you benefit from structured training in transferable skills and have access to a range of elective courses.
• Our links with professional and industrial partners, such as Marine Scotland in Aberdeen, The Scottish Association for Marine Sciences in Oban and The North Atlantic Fisheries College Marine Centre in Shetland, mean that you benefit from exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and many students take advantage of our collaborators’ facilities and expertise for their research projects or placements.
• Our marine scientists hold the record for discovery of the world’s deepest fish and the longest study of a sea bird population.

Careers

One of the great advantages of having a biology degree from the University of Aberdeen is that it provides you with a very broad range of skills to offer employers. Not only do we train students in scientific methodology in the laboratory and in the field, we incorporate what we call 'graduate attributes' into the whole curriculum. Employers now expect an impressive list of skills, knowledge and experience in their graduate recruits and we aim to help you acquire these.

Many career possibilities are open to graduate Marine Biologists. Employers include fisheries’ laboratories, governmental and non- governmental conservation organisations, local government, environmental protection agencies and research bodies. There is a growing demand for marine specialists and a variety of companies have arisen as marine legislation and regulations increasingly require rigorous environmental audit and monitoring. There are also opportunities in environmental education.

A considerable number of graduates continue their education by undertaking higher degrees (e.g. MSc or PhD) or by taking a postgraduate Diploma to enter biology or general science teaching. Recent graduates have also been taken on as interns with non-governmental organisations.

Academic qualification equivalents

• At Standard XII a minimum percentage of 75% overall. Additionally, a minimum percentage of 80% in English at Standard XII or our normal English language requirements.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS    : Overall - 6.0,   with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL  : Overall - 78,     with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE       : Overall - 54,    with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54

University of Aberdeen Highlights

University of Aberdeen Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Aberdeen manages to provide a fixed fee structure throughout the program for international students so that they can project the amount in advance.

• The undergraduate arts fee starts from £17,200 and for sciences, it’s around £19,700.
• The postgraduate fee is variable and depends upon the degree chosen and discount of around 20% can be availed by Alumni of college
• For Undergraduate arts degree annual fee is of £ 17,200 which adds up for £68,800 and for engineering it is £19,700 and a total of £78,800.
• As per the calculation done by college the minimum cost of living in the U.K which covers all the basic expenses is around £1,000.

Aberdeen University Cost of Attendance

Aberdeen manages to provide a fixed fee structure throughout the program for international students so that they can project the amount in advance. Details for 2021-2022 academic session are tabulated below: