Course Code: ES1HE08 UCAS Code: C160 Marine Biology - Foundation Degree Duration2 Years Day/s of weekMonday and Tuesday Time09:45 - 15:45 Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration / Fees 11 Sep 2023 University Centre 2 Years / £9,000 per year Apply now 09 Sep 2024 University Centre 2 Years / £9,000 per year Apply now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? How will I be assessed? Key information Where could this course take me? Course SummaryStart the journey towards a fulfilling career in marine biology with our Marine Biology foundation degree. You will study a varied programme, integrating field trips and practical laboratory work with highly transferable data processing skills, to equip you for endless career choices across a broad range of scientific disciplines. You will also be ideally located to explore the Lancashire Coast’s rich and varied coastal environment – with its rocky shores, mud flats, salt marshes and sand dunes – and enjoy a first-rate learning experience that’s genuinely hard to beat! Afterwards, many students choose to ‘top up’ their studies to a full honours degree with our one-year BSc Marine Biology programme. Our graduates find rewarding employment all over the world as well as locally, with leading companies such as Natural England, North West Fisheries and Merlin Entertainments Sea Life. See what our students say Fantastic course that allowed me to specialise in my own particular interest. Top notch lecturers that will drive and push you and won't let you slack. Graduated and got employed almost instantly in the marine trade. - Facebook review Prev Next Entry Requirements You will need a minimum of 80 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in relevant discipline or subject area: BB from at least one of the following A levels - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography or Environmental Science MMP from Extended Diploma or DM from Diploma in appropriate discipline such as Applied Science, Animal Management Mathematic and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level We will also consider applicants who can demonstrate relevant work/voluntary experience on an individual basis. Course Detail The programme aims to: - Raise your awareness of the complexity of the organisation of life forms, from molecules to ecosystems. - Help you understand the impact of human activity on the marine environment. - Provide you with a research-informed science education, which builds subject knowledge alongside developing your practical and field work skills. - Ensure you understand the relevant safety and ethical issues which can accompany work in the field. - Develop your understanding of the variation in natural systems and their evolution, alongside the appropriate use of hypothesis testing and statistical analysis, required to ensure valid conclusions are made from yours and others' investigations. - Encourage a creative and academic approach to study, including an appreciation of the value of current hypotheses, coupled to an appreciation of the uncertainty inherent in science. - Foster transferable skills such as team working, leadership and communication skills through providing appropriate developmental opportunities within and around the curriculum Qualification ObtainedFdSc Marine Biology Industry Placement and Field TripsDuring the second year of the course, the Work-Based and Placement Learning module provides an opportunity to undertake a work placement (totalling at least 96 hours) in an appropriate area. This allows you to apply your studies to a professional work environment and make sense of the course content in relation to your future career. Various field trips are included in the course and may include surveys of local and national coastal habitats Learning and Teaching Methods Scheduled Learning Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits. Independent Study Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision. Placement Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically. Expert Tutors All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. What will I learn? Modules at level 4 Module TitleCodeCreditsOptional? Core Science ES4MD024 20 No Evolution and Biodiversity ES4MD025 20 No Introduction to Academic Study Comp Sci Eng ES4MD033 20 No Coastal Ecology ES4MD034 20 No Coastal Geomorphology ES4MD035 20 No The Marine Environment ES4MD036 20 No Modules at level 5 Module TitleCodeCreditsOptional? Marine Invertebrates ES5MD024 20 No Marine Microbiology ES5MD025 20 No Marine and Coastal Management ES5MD032 20 No Fish Biology ES5MD033 20 No Work Based Learning ES5MD034 20 No Marine Ecosystem Ecology ES5MD037 20 No How will I be assessed? Assessment MethodLevel 4Level 5Level 6 Coursework 77% 57% 0% Exam 6% 16% 0% Practical 17% 27% 0% Learning Methods Learning MethodLevel 4Level 5Level 6 Scheduled 468 453 0 Independent 732 717 0 Placement 0 30 0 Total 1200 1200 0 Programme Specification Programme Spec MBI-2018.pdf Adobe PDF, 264.83 KB Career Options and Progression Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree you can progress onto the BSc Honours top-up year. Our graduates have ultimately progressed onto level 7 courses, including Masters Degrees at Bangor, Lancaster, Herriot-Watt (Edinburgh) and Edge Hill Universities and also onto PGCE programmes here at B&FC and at Bangor University. Others have progressed to employment with a variety of organisations such as North West Fisheries, APEM Ltd Environmental Consultants, Natural England and Merlin Entertainment (Sealife Centre). Meet our alumni - MANDY KNOTT