Overview

The MSc in Marine Biology is a full-time multidisciplinary degree running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

This programme will consist of Part I and Part II. Part I will consist of eight taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving lectures, practicals, seminars and fieldwork. Part II will be a substantial Research Dissertation (BL6017) to the value of 30 credits for those meeting progression requirements of Part I of the programme. Each of the prescribed taught modules will be examined by a written paper and/or continuous assessment. Each candidate progressing to Part II of the programme must submit the Research Dissertation (BL6017) in an area of Marine Biology by a date in August of the registration year as prescribed by the School of BEES.

Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Biology

Students who achieve 40% in each individual taught module in Part I but fail to achieve the requisite grade of 50% across the taught modules, or students who pass Part I and do not wish to complete the Research Dissertation (Part II) may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Biology.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Part I
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
BL6012	Marine Megafauna	10
BL6013	Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture	10
BL6014	Marine Fieldwork and Survey Techniques	10
BL6015	Practical Marine Workplace Skills	5
BL6016	Marine Ecology and Conservation	10
BL6019	Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems	5
BL6020	Genetics and the Marine Environment	5
BL6026	Introductory Quantitative Skills for Biologists using R	5
Part II
Dissertation
Students take 30 credits as follows:
Core Modules
BL6017	Dissertation in Marine Biology	30
Total Credits		90

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Marine Biology) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Recall marine flora and fauna, the marine environment and its biological and physical properties and processes;
  
• Assess the sustainability of exploitation (fisheries and aquaculture) and assess the impact of other anthropogenic factors on the marine environment;
  
• Define the roles of management and conservation across the marine environment;
  
• Demonstrate a wide range of research skills (field and laboratory) including safety related and professional qualifications;
  
• Undertake independent research in the field of Marine Biology;
  
• Apply the skills acquired in this course in the working environment enabling the development of policy.