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.
What You'll Study
Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the institution. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.
In year 1 there is substantial marine content. Other optional courses covering a wide range of complementary subjects can be selected as enhanced study.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Five themes, critical to understanding biology and life, will be explored – Developmental Biology, Microbiology and Disease, Evolution and Behaviour, Immune Systems and Environmental Physiology. Each theme is structured to provide you with core knowledge, insight into how science is practiced, an introduction to current research topics and skills that are useful for investigating, recording and analysing information.
A walk through the evolutionary tree of life, examining the amazing diversity of major groups of organisms from plants through fungi to early invertebrates. Learn about how each group of organisms arose, their characteristics, and how they achieved success. Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the diversity of plants and invertebrates.
This course begins with study of the physical workings of the Earth and the interactions between living organisms and their environments. We then look at the effects humans are having on the planet, potential solutions to global problems and how these are affected by politics, and thoughts on the future.Teaching is by staff with different subject specialisms who give both variety and immediacy to course material.Exposure to the problems we are facing both now and in the future will help you make informed choices in your everyday life.A range of ‘wet’ and computer-based practicals enhance the classroom teaching and develop generic scientific skills.
A walk through the evolutionary tree of life, examining the amazing diversity of advanced invertebrates and vertebrates.
Learn about how each group of organisms arose, their characteristics, and how they achieved success. For example what are the key evolutionary steps enabling life away from the water? How do birds fly?
Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the features of invertebrates, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals.
• Cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science.• This course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies.• All practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology.• Employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive enterprise session and our online mini course.
In year 2 courses include Ocean Biology, Genes and Evolution, Ecology and Principles of Animal Physiology. You will also participate in a marine field course.
The course will help you develop or consolidate skills in experimental design, sampling, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data.
Each week, there are one 1-2 recorded introductory lectures to help you prepare for the computer practicals. In two 2-hour sessions per week you will work through a series of computer-based data tasks, using relevant and realistic biological and environmental themes. The course will introduce you to different types of software which can be used to analyse data, including Excel, Minitab, and R studio.Teaching is informal and friendly. During sessions, staff will chat to you about your progress and provide help where necessary.
This course builds on themes from introductory ecology courses: effects of biodiversity, disturbance in natural communities, nutrient and energy cycles. herbivory, predation, competition, population dynamics, parasitism, mutualisms and foodwebs. You will develop your abilities to interpret data by applying theory discussed in classes to real-life data sets using short problem-solving exercises linked to each topic. Feedback will help you improve writing and interpretation skills. Extended problem-solving exercises will improve your communication skills, scientific writing and introduce you to valuable approaches to summarising complex datasets in Excel. You will also consider issues around experimental design.
This course introduces the biology of the open oceans, shelf seas, coastal waters, estuaries and shores. The focus is mainly on the diversity of lifeforms in different marine environments and the adaptations of these organisms to their living conditions, taking account of the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment. The course also aims to develop skills in marine biological research methods, data analysis, reading scientific articles, critical thinking, and scientific writing. The knowledge and skills developed through these activities provide a strong foundation for further study of the functioning of marine ecosystems and the impacts of humans on them.
Genetics and evolution are inextricably linked and provide the foundation for all other biological concepts. In this course we introduce the subject of genetics from an evolutionary perspective that is informed by genome analysis.A series of lectures and computer workshops will introduce you to the fundamental principles of evolution, genetics and molecular biology. In practical classes you will have opportunity to practise modern molecular techniques.You will also explore ethical dilemmas that arise as a consequence of our potential ability to manipulate genomes.
Have you ever wondered how your body functions? Imagine it as a complex machine, where each part plays a critical role. Physiology is the science that explores how these parts work and interact to ensure the organism functions optimally.This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of animal physiology, focusing on the similarities and differences in various animals across the tree of life. Through engaging lectures, you will gain a theoretical understanding of the processes that underpin cellular, tissue, and organ functions and their communication.Hands-on practicals are designed to help you apply these concepts and develop laboratory skills. By studying examples from different animal phyla, you will appreciate the universal processes fundamental to all animals and recognise the unique adaptations within different groups.Assessments are structured to consolidate and apply your knowledge, allowing you to delve deeper into a topic of interest through a group poster project and develop transferrable skills essential for your future career.
This is a residential field course that uses the University of Aberdeen Lighthouse Field Station up in Cromarty to introduce a range of terrestrial, coastal and marine habitats, and the techniques that are being used to study and manage the diverse species in these ecosystems.
The field course provides an insight into how scientific research and long-term monitoring underpins our understanding and management of biodiversity, and the different organisations responsible for stewardship and conservation across the UK. The course explores how natural and anthropogenic environmental change can influence different coastal ecosystems, and the challenges of managing those ecosystems where there are a range of practitioners, stake-holders and end-users with different and potential conflicting priorities.
Importantly, the course provides “real world” experience of ecological fieldwork, with a focus on how to design, plan and safely execute monitoring programmes for a range of different species and habitats.
During day trips from Aberdeen, you will learn and practice a variety of techniques for sampling and identifying organisms in the field.
We will take opportunities to interact with scientists from NGOs and research institutes, who will give instruction on techniques and provide overviews on the remits and opportunities within their organisations.
Group based project work provides skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
You will develop skills in biological recording by maintaining a detailed record of the field activities in a field notebook.
By visiting and working in a variety of environments you will become familiar with common species, the ecological characteristics of local habitats and have opportunities to apply your classroom learning to the field.
Dates for 2024/2025 are 19th May 2025 to 24th May 2025
This is a marine biological field course to the Millport Field Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. The course introduces you to littoral and nearshore marine life in its natural environment and provides training in methods for sampling, surveying and species identification. You are encouraged to understand the taxonomy and adaptations of marine organisms in an ecological context.
The course typically includes surveying one or more rocky shores and a scientifically renowned sandy shore, sampling plankton and seabed organisms from a small research vessel, and carrying out a group project over two days. Through the various field and laboratory activities and close interaction with course staff, you will deepen your knowledge of marine organisms and their environments, acquire field skills and enhance your abilities in species identification, data collection, analysis, presentation and teamwork.
Dates for 2024–25
16–23 May 2025 (Friday to Friday)
Please note that you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your return journey to the ferry terminal in Largs, North Ayrshire, where the class will assemble prior to taking the ferry onto the Isle of Cumbrae. There are good transport links to Largs by road and rail. Detailed guidance on travel options will be provided in advance of the course.
This is a residential field course designed to provide you with training in field identification skills, ecological sampling techniques and an understanding of behaviour sampling and measurement. The course is held at the Kelvinside Academy John Duff Lodge, Corgarff, Strathdon, Scotland. Group based project work encourages development of skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
Dates for 2024-2025 are Friday 16th to Thursday 22nd May 2025.
Compulsory courses in year 3 include Marine Ecology and Ecosystems, Applied Marine Biology and Animal Population Ecology. You will also choose from a range of elective courses on many other specialist topics.
You will utilise a robust approach to statistical analysis, a skill highly valued by employers and researchers.Lectures provide context, background and step-by step guidance on how to conduct and interpret a selection of statistical analyses.Through a series of exercises, you learn to explore data, to specify appropriate linear models for your research question and to interpret their results.Online tests structured around the exercises and lecture content allow you to demonstrate your achievement of course learning outcomes.Working with biological and environmental datasets in a structured and supportive environment, you will gain confidence and proficiency with data analysis.
This course explores how marine organisms interact with each other and their environment to form functioning ecosystems.
Consideration of biological production in the sea will show how marine ecosystems are fuelled.
The structure and function of marine food webs will be explored to give an appreciation of important differences from terrestrial food webs and how they respond to natural and anthropogenic influences.
Practical sessions will develop your skills in collecting, analysing and interpreting marine ecological data.
An introduction to the ‘ecosystem-based approach’ will show how understanding of marine ecosystem functioning can be applied to managing human activities in the sea.
This non-credit bearing course will facilitate your preparation for your Honours project.
Lectures will clarify expectations for project work and provide training in risk assessment, consideration of ethical issues, environmental impacts and project planning.
Resources to help you define and plan your project will be made available through MyAberdeen, helping you to be confident that your project planning is sufficiently advanced by the end of your Programme Year 3.
Submission of an agreed (with your supervisor) project outline, completed checklists and preliminary risk assessment will allow you to demonstrate engagement with your project.
This course explores how the science of marine biology is applied to understanding and managing human interactions with marine life. Humans affect and are affected by marine organisms in diverse ways through a wide range of activities in estuaries, seas and oceans. Understanding the processes leading to these effects and the consequences for both nature and humans is necessary to manage them well. This is the field of applied marine biology, which typically requires a multidisciplinary approach.
This course continues the focus on comparative animal physiology, following from Comparative Physiology 1, and goes into the more complex systems. These include energy balance & thermogenesis, reproduction, respiration, defence & immunology, and osmoregulation.. The course aims to consolidate your integrated understanding of physiology ranging from cells to tissues to organs across the Animal Kingdom.Extended laboratory practicals provide an opportunity to apply your understanding of physiological mechanisms to design and carry out experiments. You will also develop advanced skills by troubleshooting and interpreting data.Assignments are structured to build confidence and competence in explaining complex ideas and presenting information to different types of audiences (e.g., scientists or the general public). Emphasis is placed on understanding and utilizing physiological concepts rather than factual recall.
This course emphasises how evolution has shaped the spatial and temporal patterns of animal biodiversity, and how we can use molecular genetic tools to gain a better understanding of what biodiversity means and how we can measure it.
In lectures you are guided through the theory of evolution and how this influences patterns of genetic diversity and affects biodiversity.
In practical sessions, you gain insight into the microevolutionary processes that can shape genetic variation in natural populations and some tools used to study the evolution of biodiversity.
Through a poster presentation you gain specialised knowledge and experience communicating complex ideas and synthesizing information about the latest developments in evolutionary biology.
Through written assignments you will consider how evolutionary processes shape biodiversity in Scotland and how we can maintain this biodiversity through effective stewardship, conservation and management.
This course aims to primarily introduce the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those populations which are managed for conservation or sustainable exploitation.
Ecological Genomics is a young and dynamic field where ecology intersects with high-throughput sequencing technologies. This technological revolution has opened exciting potential to address long-standing problems in ecology and evolution from a genome-wide perspective. This course will explore the origins and the meaning of this field of research, and will showcase the applications of different approaches to analyse sequence data, outlining how experimental work in this discipline is designed and executed. You will fully appreciate the great power of “omics” approaches in the context of a continuously evolving technological landscape.
In year 4, the Honours year, you will carry out a research project as well as writing an extended essay and completing advanced courses of your choosing.
In this course you will take your scientific skills to the next level, by carrying out an independent research project within the research group of an academic supervisor. In the span of an entire semester, you will execute the full life cycle of a research project, from initial planning to data collection, analysis and write-up as a manuscript. The course will also focus on developing generic professional skills through workshops and tutorials, providing you with a diverse toolkit for the next stages of your career in biological science or related professional fields.
Course highlights:
A wide variety of projects, involving fieldwork, labwork and/or computational work
Developing academic scholarship in a topic of your interest
Time-management of data collection, data analysis and write-up
Presenting research outputs in the form of a written thesis in the style of a research paper
Workshops to help you plan for the next steps in your academic or professional career
Plus 45 to 60 credit points from courses of choice, to give a total of 120 credit points, at least 90 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e. BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) at level 4.
A graduating curriculum for the Honours programme must include 90 credit points from Level 4 courses.
Students explore science, policy and management issues relevant to the sustainable management of marine resources through individual- and group-based research.The course uses a problem-based learning approach which increases enthusiasm, promotes deeper learning and improves abilities in team working.Students enhance critical thinking skills by analysing quantitative data relevant to managing the impacts of human activities on marine resources.Guest lectures provide opportunities to network with professionals working with marine resources.Assessment is based on a policy briefing note and a 3 minute-thesis, both of which help students to develop communication skills relevant to the workplace.
Lectures by research staff working in aquaculture provide you with specialised knowledge in a range of current issues, including growth, nutrition, health and disease resistance, genetics, and environmental interactions.
Preparation for seminars and course work allow you to direct your own learning and explore methods and current advances in your chosen topic.
Participation in the seminars helps you to develop your communication skills and provides you with feedback on your understanding of the issues.
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 and study abroad is encouraged for students in their 2nd year. We invite employers and volunteering organisations to come and meet our students at our career evenings and there are opportunities for students to work with our partner institutions within and outside of Aberdeen.
Learning Methods
Field Work
Group Projects
Lab Work
Lectures
Research
Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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.
You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work and a compulsory final year research project.
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
I could not be happier with my choice of university. The staff are amazing and so helpful. I'd also encourage all new students to join societies. I'm a part of the Zoology and Biological Sciences societies.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee information
Fee category
Cost
RUK
£9,535
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
EU / International students
£24,800
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.
We are committed to the career progression of our students and we collaborate with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure that you have numerous opportunities to explore career options, develop your employability and connect with employers.
The expertise and support of a dedicated careers professional who is a specialist in the types of careers and further study undertaken by Biological Science students.
A mentoring scheme run by the Careers and Employability Service linking current students with professional mentors.
An annual volunteering fair to connect students with appropriate organisations in conservation and the environment.
The exploration of possible careers and the development of employability from week 1, via the mandatory “Frontiers of Science” and PD1002 careers course.
One to one appointments to discuss students’ options, provide practical support around internships, placements and part time work and provide support for effective applications and interviews.
Regular opportunities through the “speed careering” programme for current students to meet and learn from Biological Sciences graduates.
Employer input to the design of the curriculum and in talks to students about career opportunities.
A university-wide co-curriculum programme aimed at developing key employability skills sought by employers.
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 and environmental education. Some 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.
Industry Links
We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions. You will benefit in several ways:
Exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and experts.
Our curriculum is informed by an employer advisory board that provides insight into changing requirements of employers.
You can take advantage of our collaborators' facilities and expertise for your research projects or placement.
Accreditation
Graduates from Accredited programmes will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in their final year of their degree. This will open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs. The Royal Society of Biology is the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom. The Society represents over 18,000 biologists from all areas of the life sciences, as well as over 100 organisations which make up the diverse landscape of biology in the UK and overseas. The Royal Society of Biology offers members unique opportunities to engage with the life sciences and share their passion for biology. Whichever area of biology you wish to gain a career in, membership will help you:
Stay up to date with what is happening across the life sciences
Gain additional recognition for your skills and experience
Develop your professional network
Demonstrate your support for the future of biology
Current and former students tell us why they choose to study biological and environmental sciences at Aberdeen
What our Alumni Say
Rachael Plunkett
Rachael Plunkett
Job Details
Marine Mammal Environmental Consultant
Graduated 2010
The degree gave me a solid grounding in marine biology with a broad range of skills, which I was able to build upon, specialising in marine mammal biology. The University of Aberdeen is well placed as it provides access to excellent research staff.
Emily Reeves
Emily Reeves
Job Details
Offshore Wind Division, Carbon Trust
Graduated 2013
Choosing to go to Aberdeen University was one of the best decisions I have made. The experience and skills I achieved from doing my degree was key to showing me that there were so many different opportunities and directions I could take.
Héctor A. Lizárraga-Cubedo
Héctor A. Lizárraga-Cubedo
Job Details
Director, Akumal Ecological Centre, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Graduated 2013
Since I left Aberdeen I have worked on behavioural aspects of marine mammals, as well as tiger and bull sharks. I worked for the Mexican Government as Director of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas but now work for a NGO.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Fantastic facilities support our teaching and research, both on and off campus.
Lighthouse Field Station
Lighthouse Field Station
We have our own research and teaching facility, The Lighthouse Field Station which is situated on the Cromarty Firth. In 2020 the station celebrated 30 years of teaching and research on the ecology of seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Research facilities
Research facilities
Our research facilities on campus include animal holding facilities, greenhouses, fresh and salt-water aquaria, an insectarium, molecular and analytical laboratories, and a state of the art genomics lab.
Science Teaching Hub
Science Teaching Hub
Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
94%of students were satisfied overall with their course.
Data for courses in Marine Biology at University of Aberdeen
94%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
Data for Marine Biology (Full time) at University of Aberdeen
85%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
Data for Marine Biology (Full time) at University of Aberdeen, over two years
For more official course information visit Discover Uni
