The course specialisation aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the biology of marine organisms, their relationships with the physico-chemical marine environment, and their potential responses to changes. It also provides students with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in marine biodiversity, ecology, genetics, conservation, fisheries and related areas. It also aims to to develop a range of transferable skills for research, analysis and communication skills including the capability to:

Understand and apply scientific principles in a marine biology context
Retrieve and present scientific information about marine biology, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
Critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to marine biology and solve problems
Appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of marine sciences and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their discipline area
Work effectively and productively within teams
Work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
Appreciate the ethical and societal contexts of marine sciences.

In addition, the Honours year provides students with advanced skills that are required for planning, funding and carrying out research projects in a specific area. It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

Understand and apply relevant scientific principles
Retrieve and present information, including communicate effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken forms
Critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
Analyse and evaluate data, appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the science disciplines and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their own discipline area
Use information technology, work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
Appreciate the role of science in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises

This course specialisation provides the broad-based foundation that will support ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in marine sciences or for a career in marine biology or related area where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.