BSc in Marine Biology

Thinking about studying marine biology at university?

Here is a little insight as to what to expect...

It is fair to say I absolutely loved and hated completing this degree simultaneously at the same time. Why? Well let me tell you this... A LOT OF HOURS in a library could have killed me. But, it is within this time I realised just how much I loved learning about our oceans. In addition I grew a passion for not only research but writing too. As a result of working my absolute socks of during this 3 year course, I gained myself a first class honours degree in marine biology.

During my time a Portsmouth University a diverse amount of units were offered...

Units uncluded: Microbiology, Marine ecophysiology, Applied Marine Biology, Global Climate Change in Marine Systems, Coastal ecosystems, Animal Science, Community ecology, Oceanography, Marine Research Skills, Marine organisms and ecosystems.

One of my most proudest achievements would definitely be my dissertation project.

Project title: The HMHS Britannic shipwreck as an artificial reef for hard bottom communities in the extreme oligotrophic environment of the Eastern Mediterranean.

During the summer of my second year, I had the opportunity to take part in Erasmus (very much recommend!) in order to develop my dissertation project. During this research phase i used ROV video footage analysis to identify hard and soft bottom communities as well as identifying bryozoans with scanning electron microscopy. This lead me to demonstrated high research productivity in the form of my dissertation project on the colonisation of hard bottom species on the HMHS Britannic shipwreck.

University definitely provided me with a lot of valuable experiences in the open ocean, mangroves, inter tidal rocky shores, harbours and estuaries. From collecting and processing benthic macrofaunal samples to identified them, learning DNA and RNA extractions and using PCR to analyse gene expressions, to designing and leading field surveys for the collection and identification of fish and coral with photographic identification.

Although University provided so much in the way of developing my education, my experiences would not be as rich without all the extra curriculum activities i have thrown myself into over the years. With a developed understanding in conservation management, project development and developed interest in educating the next generation, here are some volunteer opportunities for you to think about doing...

Koh Tao - New heaven marine conservation

Nusa Penida - Indo Ocean Project

Brighton - Brighton Dolphin Project

Cornwall - Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Erasmus