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OS101
Introduction to Ocean Science
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the breadth and importance of the field of ocean science and aims to develop skills in scientific enquiry and communication.
45% Practicals
45% Tests
10% Coursework
OS102
Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS104
Measuring the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce stage one students to the basic skills required to collect, analyse, visualise and present marine data. The module has a focus on the collection and analysis of a variety of marine data sources.
100% Coursework
OS105
Mapping the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce and help students to develop skills in field survey techniques, collation of data within software and presenting results. A range of primary data will be gathered in the field, both on land & at sea and be uploaded into software for visualisation. The assessment will address techniques, analysis and reporting.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
OS108
Exploration and Geomorphology of the Oceans
20 credits
This module introduces students to the scope of ocean exploration and hydrography with application in a variety of marine disciplines. It covers key concepts of geodesy, optical and acoustic measurement techniques to explore underwater and geomorphological characteristics of the marine environment. Material will be explored by theory lectures, supported by practical exercises and computer laboratory practicals.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS109
Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to biodiversity with particular focus on marine organisms. Students will be taught how we name and classify species using a hierarchical system. Students will learn where different organisms live and how they interact in various ecosystems in our oceans. Students will gain a basic understanding of food webs, primary production and marine ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS201
Global Ocean Processes
20 credits
This module explores the large-scale distribution and characteristics of water masses and biogeochemical properties throughout the global oceans. Physical mechanisms that drive the global circulation in a changing climate will be investigated alongside their role in determining the transport of chemical constituents throughout the open ocean and in shelf seas. The life cycles and distribution of marine organisms and the structuring of marine foodwebs will be explored.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
OS202
Monitoring the Marine Environment
20 credits
Monitoring of the marine environment provides data that underpins research, exploitation, management and policy development. Through this module, students will learn about the practicalities of reliable data collection, be introduced to the full breadth of secondary data sources from across the subject area and develop associated skills in time-series data analysis techniques and interpretation.
100% Coursework
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce how human activities (such as fisheries, energy supply and mineral extraction) can impact the marine environment, including through pollution and biodiversity loss. The concepts of marine management and conservation will be introduced and methods of preventing and managing anthropogenic impacts will be introduced and evaluated and their role in marine conservation discussed.
100% Coursework
OS206
Researching the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will provide fundamental skills in developing research projects and planning and executing field studies with minimal supervision. Students will identify and plan an independent research project. They will be introduced to safety and practical issues before being trained in relevant techniques and instrument programming. They will participate in instrument deployment and recovery and analyse the data acquired.
100% Coursework
OS203
Seafloor Mapping
20 credits
This module introduces techniques for mapping the seafloor with an emphasis on the nature, propagation and application of sound underwater for sonar surveys.
100% Coursework
OS204
Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the characteristics of ocean waves and focuses on how waves and tides interact with the coast and drive the coastal processes that result in shoreline erosion and accretion.
100% Coursework
OS207
Scientific Diving
20 credits
This module allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques. These will then be applied in a multi-disciplinary context to the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of a field-based sampling activity.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
OS208
Meteorology
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to the main physical processes occurring in the atmosphere on a range of spatial and temporal scales, with particular emphasis on meteorology relevant to the UK. Meteorological observations and/or measurements will be used to explore the occurrence of a specific meteorological phenomenon (e.g., frontal weather, cloud development, atmospheric flow, extra-tropical cyclone).
100% Coursework
OS209
Marine Remote Sensing
20 credits
This module introduces the theory underlying remote sensing using introductory lectures and laboratory practicals. An opportunity to apply the theory in the remote sensing context is provided by boat and computing work. Remote sensing imagery is introduced early in the module and students work on image enhancement, analysis and interpretation in the latter part of the course, supported by theory lectures and/or workshops.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
BPIE338
Ocean Science Placement
0 credits
A period of professional training (minimum 26 weeks) spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial or workplace experience, to apply knowledge from the first two stages of study and to prepare for employment after graduation.
OS304
Marine Ecosystem Conservation
20 credits
From tropical mangroves to temperate pelagic waters, marine ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats due to human activities and resource pressure. This module will examine threats to a range of marine and coastal ecosystems and explore methods for management and conservation. We will explore methods for surveying and monitoring marine ecosystems and learn about the ecological consequences of human impacts.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
PROJ302
SoBMS Project
40 credits
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
MBIO341
Biological Oceanography
20 credits
This module provides a study of the key physical, ecological and organismal processes in the marine environment and introduces a range of biological studies in applied marine science.
60% Examinations
40% Practicals
OS305
Coastal Survey
20 credits
This module provides issues relevant to a fuller understanding of variables and actions in the marine environment, including environmental legislation and ethics, data collection techniques, its analysis and assessment in compliance with the sustainable future vision. The module includes elements of fieldwork for data acquisition and archaeology.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
OS306
Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries
20 credits
A study of the different geomorphological archetypes of the coastal zone which builds on the student's knowledge of physical processes to describe how the geographical characteristics of these zones develop. The module explores how the characteristics of these zones influence the associated ecosystems and examines how human utilisation of this space contributes to or conflicts with the natural setting.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
OS309
Marine Pollution and Environmental Change
20 credits
This module will consider the sources, transport, sinks and impacts of a wide range of pollutant types (including nutrients, trace elements, sediments, anthropogenic pollutants and carbon dioxide). Practical field techniques will be introduced and used to assess the environmental condition of estuarine waters. Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluating the links between human activities and marine water quality.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
OS312
Marine Science Field Course (UK)
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS313
Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
OS314
Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to consolidate field skills and marine science knowledge through an intensive field research course. Students will work in groups to plan and conduct fieldwork to explore a chosen marine science theme. Factors including safety, weather, and experimental design will be addressed.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
MBIO339
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Vertebrates
20 credits
You will understand the risks of depletion of marine vertebrates owing to fishing, industrial development, pollution and habitat degradation. You will examine the ecology of these organisms in their natural environments and will explore methods for surveying, monitoring and managing populations and species.
60% Coursework
40% Examinations
UCAS tariff
112 - 128
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
New student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
* UK Government announcement on tuition fees
On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
International progression routes
Being more captivated by the vastness of the oceans and their processes than the anatomical and biological study of marine life, I knew that my academic thirst would be quenched by an ocean science degree. It’s only our second week in Plymouth, and we’re already on the boats; we’re already in the Marine Station; we’re already having a fantastic time using all of the equipment.