Anglia Ruskin University

Course overview

Both marine and terrestrial environments raise important global concerns in relation to human impacts on the biosphere, the loss and degradation of wilderness and the increased vulnerability of species. This is reflected in our course, which is specifically designed to equip you to work as a professional in some area of UK or international marine biology/ecology/conservation. You will study global and regional biodiversity and the practical aspects of conservation and environmental management.

This course of study is designed to introduce you to various aspects of marine conservation ecology and biodiversity central to marine biology. The 'Biodiversity' elements provide the theoretical background to the understanding of species, communities, habitats and ecosystems while the 'Conservation' applies that knowledge to maintain habitats, populations and biodiversity. The course is specifically designed to equip students to work in areas of both UK and international ecology and conservation. It includes specialist teaching on the conservation of marine habitats, species, natural resources and a specialist final-year (self-funded) residential 'Practical Marine Biology' module at a UK marine biology station.

This course will provide you not just with an understanding of marine biology and ecology and conservation, but also with a range of skills that will help to make you attractive to a range of potential employers.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, review of scientific papers and evaluation of laboratory skills.

Special features

Field Trips - The Department organises a wide range of one-day and residential field trips to a variety of exciting locations both in the UK and abroad. Residential field trips currently include deer watching on Rum, Scotland: marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecology and animal behaviour in Devon: seabirds and seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland; marine biology in western Scotland; zoo design and management in the Netherlands; tropical wildlife and ecology in Kenya, and diving and marine biology in the Red Sea. Note that residential field trips require a significant financial contribution from the student.

Study abroad

Our Department of Life Sciences has exchange agreements with the University of New Brunswick, Canada and Marshall University, West Virginia, USA. Students taking Marine Biology with Biodiversity and Conservation may be able to take advantage of the exchange programme, subject to the availability of suitable courses at the host university.

Facilities

As well as good teaching facilities, our department is fortunate to be located in Cambridge. The city provides a wealth of opportunities for attending lectures and visiting museums and libraries. Cambridge is increasingly becoming a world centre for the theory and practice of wildlife conservation, with prestigious organisations like Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre being based in the city. The Cambridge Natural History Society (established 1857) holds its meeting at Anglia Ruskin. We are corporate members of The Cambridge Conservation Forum and the Tropical Biology Association. If you are interested in captive animal behaviour, you can benefit from the animal facilities available at College of West Anglia at Milton in Cambridge.

Associated careers

The practical skills you will acquire through this degree will be useful in a variety of professional fields. Potential employers include government and environmental agencies and educational and research establishments.

Work placements

Work placements do not normally form part of the Zoology BSc course at Anglia Ruskin, although many of our students undertake relevant voluntary work such as supporting their local wildlife trust.

UCAS Tariff points:	240
Additional Requirements:	Required subject(s): GCE A-level Biology Excluded subject(s): All BTEC Diplomas GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English and Maths

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements