BSc (Hons) Marine Vertebrate Zoology (with Placement)

The Schools of Ocean Sciences and Biological Sciences jointly teach this specialist single honours course, which is a unique course in the UK. This degree incorporates a wide overview of marine organisms, their habitats and the food web supporting the top predators, including fishes, seabirds, reptiles, seals and whales. During the degree, the general principles of biology, marine biology and marine science will be explored, with the taxonomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology of marine vertebrates highlighted. Opportunities will be presented to consider applied aspects of zoology such as fisheries, aquaculture, conservation biology and ecotourism.The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with an organization relevant to your degree subject. Previous and current students have worked with a wide variety of placement providers, ranging from private companies to educational organizations, charities, government authorities and non-governmental organizations. Our students who have undertaken a placement year have highlighted how the experience has helped them to develop invaluable networks, confidence and life experience as well as subject knowledge and skills that have boosted their employability.The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of their second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.