School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Learn through experience
School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Gannet feeding. Image courtesy of Getty images. 

About us

Welcome to the School of Biological and Marine Sciences. As a student studying with us, you will learn from academics who are world-leading experts in their respective research fields, who have a shared commitment to deliver high quality teaching and support. 

During your time with us, you will be fortunate enough to benefit from our unique facilities and resources; such as our purpose built £5 million Marine Station - situated on the water’s edge; as well as the University’s LABplus – our open access laboratory.

Courses within the School cover three main subject areas: biological sciences; marine biology; and marine sciences. Our talented and highly motivated students share our drive and our passion in these areas and we look forward to sharing this ethos with you.

If you want to know more about what it is like to study in our School, or want to hear more from our current students or staff, follow us on Twitter. 

Head of School

Our subjects

Lianne Ottewell – BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare graduate

Find something you love and pursue it. This is what I did. This is my story of how my passion for animals as a child grew into a fulfilling career that allows me to help rescued bears across the world.

Discover how Lianne Ottewell's dream came true after a placement to China inspired her to join the mission to save moon bears held in captivity

Find out more about Lianne's moon bear rescue tale

Our research impact

Research Groups

Research Centres

Enabling integration and collaboration between research groups and form a platform for the Research Excellent Framework exercise

Research Institutes

School research is a major contributor to three University Research Institutes

Marine Station: a unique resource

Boasting lecture facilities overlooking the sea at Coxside, a wet laboratory for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, and field equipment storage and changing facilities.

The Marine Station is a landmark £5 million development; a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility on the shores of Plymouth Sound.

Discover more about the Marine Station

LABplus

LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses.

The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.

Find out more about the resource

Academic staff