Marine and Freshwater Biology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Aquatic environments cover about 71% of the Earth's surface. They play vital roles in regulating global ecosystems and providing food and resources. Marine and Freshwater Biology is the study of these aquatic ecosystems. It also looks at how aquatic organisms solve the challenges they face.

The global ocean economy market is projected to grow to £2,869.41 billion ($3,782.96 billion) by 2034 (Polaris Market Research 2025). The UK aquaculture market is also experiencing significant growth.  Graduates with marine and freshwater expertise are sought after in aquaculture, fisheries management, conservation, environmental consultancy, research and policy.

### Develop marine and freshwater biology skills employers need

On this multidisciplinary marine and freshwater biology degree you’ll:

* gain expert knowledge in topics such as aquatic ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, biodiversity and conservation,

* develop specialist skills in laboratory techniques,

* learn how to manage, conserve and use resources sustainably. Our course aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 Zero Hunger. Also Goal 14 Life Below Water.

* build in-demand computational skills such as programming, statistics with R, and bioinformatics,

* design and perform a range of aquatic survey techniques to assess the quality of marine habitats,

* gain a practical and theoretical understanding of marine organism taxonomy,

* learn essential research skills to design and carry out a research-based project.

Stirling’s [Institute of Aquaculture](https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/aquaculture/) coordinates this course. It’s a world-leading centre shaping global aquaculture policy, research and practice.

### Get hands-on experience in our first-rate marine and freshwater biology facilities

Our first-rate facilities combine tropical, freshwater and marine aquaculture capabilities. They are used by researchers working at the forefront of sustainable food production and aquatic ecosystem management.

The Institute of Aquaculture hosts the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH). As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to visit our NATIH marine research facility, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland. You’ll also visit the NATIH freshwater facilities on campus and in Buckieburn near the Carron Valley.

### Work with industry

There are opportunities to work with industry at home and abroad. You can undertake an optional summer placement. You’ll also carry out an independent research project in your final year. Both can be with external organisations. We encourage overseas projects.

You’ll develop advanced research, problem-solving and professional skills valued by employers across aquaculture, conservation and marine science sectors. Example of projects include:

* Habituation, shape recognition, and matching training of a research naïve Indo-Pacific bottlenose Dolphin.

* Qualitative assessment of the long-term impacts of the Care Golda project on freshwater prawn farming methods and communities in Bagerhat district of Bangladesh.

* Investigating metacercarial infections of commercial edible Thai crabs.

### Study abroad

You can also study abroad in year 3. International study opportunities allow you to explore marine biology in contrasting ecosystems and build a global professional network.

### Exciting fieldwork opportunities

Our marine and freshwater biology course gives you lots of practical fieldwork experience such as:

* A compulsory field trip to study seashore and inshore marine organisms.

* An optional residential marine mammal field course in Millport, Scotland. You learn about the biology, behaviour, physiology and environment surrounding the mammals.

* Day trips or study visits to external sites and facilities, where you’ll get practical experience in marine biology.