Marine & Freshwater Biology BSc
AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Biology or Chemistry; graduates earn a median £24,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB – BBB
A-level Biology or Chemistry · 85% of entrants came with A levels · 85% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Biology or Chemistry
Who actually got in: 85% with A levels, 5% with the IB, 5% via Access courses, 5% with other higher education. 55% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 40 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAAminimum from S5: ABBB | Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). |
| IB | 34 (6,5,5) | HL Biology or Chemistry. |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
4compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 66% · mathematics & statistics 24% · transversal skills 6% · green & sustainability 4%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 4 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Biology 1A
What you learn (8)
- distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
- describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
- describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
- describe the structure and function of the nervous and immune systems
- explain fundamental concepts underlying ecological relationships
- interpret scientific data sets to draw valid conclusions
- critically appraise scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques safely and accurately
- Biology 1B
What you learn (12)
- describe the structure and function of major biological molecules
- describe the biochemical process of photosynthesis in plants
- describe the stages of cellular respiration
- explain patterns of genetic inheritance
- describe causes and mechanisms of genetic disease
- discuss competing theories explaining evolutionary change
- discuss recent advances in plant biotechnology
- discuss the role of biotechnology in addressing food security
- interpret scientific data presented in graphs and tables
- evaluate findings reported in scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques used in biological research
- record and report experimental results accurately
- Chemistry 1
What you learn (4)
- describe fundamental facts and experimental foundations of modern chemistry
- solve basic numerical problems in chemistry contexts
- solve basic logical problems in chemistry contexts
- perform standard chemical laboratory techniques
- Science Fundamentals-1X
What you learn (6)
- explain the role of si units and appropriate approximation in calculations
- perform arithmetic and proportion calculations without a calculator
- solve linear and simultaneous equations and derive line equations
- draw molecular structures and identify types of isomerism
- explain the role of lone pairs in molecular shape and reactivity
- identify functional groups and relate them to compound names
Year 2 · 6 core · 180 credits ≈ 1,800 hours
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
What you learn (6)
- apply core biological theories and concepts to relevant scenarios
- describe biological processes ranging from molecular to ecosystem level
- illustrate biological concepts using examples such as ageing, genomics and immunity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data including laboratory-derived results
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (9)
- describe the cellular and tissue organisation of selected body systems
- relate structural features of tissues to their physiological function
- explain the concept of homeostasis in human physiology
- explain how neural and endocrine systems coordinate physiological responses
- interpret biological data relating to human health and disease
- apply biological data to explain system responses in health and disease scenarios
- explain how practical techniques are applied in research and clinical practice
- communicate human biology concepts using terminology suited to the audience
- reflect on personal graduate attributes within a scientific context
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key topics in evolutionary biology, physiology, zoology and ecology
- describe principles of terrestrial and aquatic conservation
- evaluate patterns of biological diversity across species
- evaluate ecological and evolutionary processes shaping diversity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data collected in laboratory settings
- analyse scientific data collected in field environments
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key mechanisms in biochemistry
- describe fundamental concepts in genetics
- describe core principles of molecular and cellular biology
- evaluate experimental approaches for addressing scientific questions
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific datasets including laboratory-generated data
- solve quantitative problems relevant to biological sciences
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to others
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (6)
- explain features of human structure and function in applied scenarios
- apply numerical and statistical methods to analyse data
- interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions
- communicate human biology concepts using suitable terminology for the audience
- evaluate ethical and sustainable practice in biological investigation
- reflect on personal graduate skills relevant to employability
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
What you learn (6)
- describe fundamental concepts underlying microbial biology
- explain how immune components interact to prevent infection
- explain how immune system dysfunction contributes to disease
- extract relevant findings from scientific literature
- analyse laboratory-generated scientific data
- present scientific ideas clearly to an audience
Year 3 · 2 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Marine & Freshwater Biology 3A
What you learn (8)
- describe key facts and experimental foundations of marine and freshwater biology
- solve logical problems using marine and freshwater biology concepts
- apply fundamental laboratory and field techniques in biology
- analyse and interpret data obtained from biological techniques
- deliver a structured oral presentation on a scientific topic
- produce a well-structured written scientific report
- evaluate original scientific literature critically
- apply critical thinking when communicating scientific information
- Marine & Freshwater Biology 3B
What you learn (14)
- describe key facts underpinning marine and freshwater biology
- explain the experimental basis of current research in aquatic biology
- solve numerical problems relating to aquatic biology concepts
- resolve logical problems relating to aquatic biology concepts
- apply fundamental laboratory and field techniques in aquatic biology
- analyse data generated from aquatic biology techniques
- interpret results obtained from aquatic biology experiments
- deliver a structured oral presentation on a scientific topic
- produce a well-organised written report on a scientific topic
- evaluate original scientific literature for validity and relevance
- apply critical thinking when discussing scientific information
- formulate a research question within marine or freshwater biology
- design a small-scale research project in aquatic biology
- conduct a small-scale research project in aquatic biology
Year 4 · 14 core · 360 credits ≈ 3,600 hours
- Applying Ecology (Conservation and Management of Populations) 4A option
What you learn (7)
- discuss current topics relevant to practical conservation challenges
- evaluate threats affecting a specific wild population
- explain core processes driving changes in population size
- discuss techniques for estimating the size of a population
- reflect on personal progress in understanding a chosen case study
- appraise population management tools such as viability analysis
- appraise modelling and experimental approaches to conservation problems
- Behavioural Ecology 4B option
What you learn (10)
- evaluate methods used to investigate the adaptive significance of behaviour
- analyse how an individual based approach is applied in behavioural ecology
- describe the concept of optimality models in behavioural analysis
- explain how cost-benefit analysis is used to study behaviour
- discuss factors shaping foraging strategies in animals
- discuss factors influencing mating systems and social organisation
- discuss evolutionary explanations for apparently altruistic behaviour
- discuss trade-offs between life history traits
- describe approaches used to study life history trade-offs
- assess research methods used to examine mechanisms behind life history trade-offs
- Freshwater Ecology & Evolution (with Field Course) 4D option
What you learn (8)
- compare ecological principles governing lake and river systems worldwide
- judge the effectiveness of ecological methods used in freshwater conservation
- assess approaches used to manage fisheries in freshwater systems
- evaluate techniques used to monitor pollution in freshwater environments
- appraise the quality of data presented in freshwater research publications
- interpret findings reported in scientific literature on freshwater management
- critique contemporary issues in freshwater ecosystem management
- evaluate the ecological roles of major plant and animal groups in freshwater habitats
- Tropical Marine Biology (with Field Course) 4Y option
What you learn (9)
- describe the formation and structure of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds
- identify characteristic species associated with tropical marine habitats
- evaluate threats facing tropical marine ecosystems and their resources
- critique methods for assessing biodiversity and population density
- critique methods for studying animal behaviour in marine environments
- discuss approaches to sustainably managing natural ecosystems
- apply survey and experimental design skills in field research
- collaborate effectively within a team to complete fieldwork tasks
- manage time and plan activities to achieve project objectives
- Species Diversification and Conservation 4A option
What you learn (7)
- evaluate ecological factors driving adaptation and divergence in aquatic vertebrates
- discuss conditions leading to speciation in fish populations
- explain genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying diversification
- critique ecological drivers of diversification in studied organisms
- analyse conservation biology issues linked to microevolutionary processes
- assess methods for studying phenotypic and genetic variation in wild populations
- relate microevolution and speciation processes to broader evolutionary theory
- Disease Ecology 4C option
What you learn (8)
- explain how population dynamics influence disease spread in wildlife
- describe how immune responses shape patterns of disease occurrence
- critique the fundamental concepts underlying models of disease spread
- evaluate methods used to study wildlife diseases in ecosystems
- evaluate strategies for preventing and controlling diseases in natural populations
- assess the environmental consequences of infectious disease outbreaks in wildlife
- assess the social, economic and political effects of wildlife disease outbreaks
- critically appraise approaches to managing disease case studies in real-world contexts
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
What you learn (11)
- design a structured plan for a research investigation
- carry out a research project following the planned approach
- critically appraise existing scientific literature
- summarise key findings from previous studies
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific results in relation to the research question
- relate research findings to existing scientific knowledge
- propose directions for future research based on findings
- compose a coherent scientific report meeting specified guidelines
- deliver a clear oral presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an investigation to address a focused research question
- carry out an investigation using relevant literature sources
- devise a strategic plan for selecting evidence sources within a topic
- apply systematic search techniques to bibliographic databases
- combine data gathered from multiple sources
- critically evaluate data drawn from different sources
- form reasoned conclusions supported by available evidence
- produce a coherent written report in an appropriate scientific format
- design an oral presentation to communicate research findings
- deliver a clear presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an outreach activity to communicate scientific findings
- deliver an outreach activity to a non-specialist audience
- evaluate the effectiveness of an outreach activity
- critically appraise published research papers in the subject field
- summarise key findings from scientific literature
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific data to draw conclusions
- compose a coherent written research report
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- summarise existing research literature on a topic
- evaluate the quality and relevance of prior research
- analyse scientific data to identify patterns and trends
- interpret scientific data to draw valid conclusions
- evaluate the reliability and significance of scientific data
- produce a coherent written report following specified guidelines
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings to peers
- explain the scientific principles and methods applied during the internship
- explain the relevance of the internship project to the workplace
- reflect on how the internship contributed to personal development
- Animal Biology Core Skills 4X core
What you learn (5)
- write scientific findings clearly for a target audience
- apply statistical methods to analyse research data
- interpret statistical results across varied research contexts
- evaluate the reasoning behind experimental designs in published studies
- critique conclusions drawn in published research for logical validity
- Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Conservation 4C option
What you learn (7)
- evaluate trade-offs between competing uses of marine environments
- evaluate strategies for conserving marine biodiversity
- evaluate approaches to managing wild fish stocks
- describe national and international legal frameworks governing marine resources
- design a spatial management plan balancing competing marine uses
- explain sustainability concepts applied to fisheries and aquaculture
- explain the role of ecosystem services in marine resource management
- Animal Ecophysiology 4Y option
What you learn (7)
- explain physiological mechanisms animals use to respond to environmental variation
- differentiate physiological adaptation, plasticity and canalisation across timescales
- analyse links between physiological systems and animal behaviours such as foraging
- synthesise current research findings in ecophysiology
- critique major theories underpinning ecophysiological research
- evaluate methods for collecting and analysing physiological data
- assess experimental designs used to study plasticity and evolution
- Movement and Landscape Ecology 4B option
What you learn (9)
- evaluate current theories on organism movement and landscape structure
- classify different types of organism movement processes
- analyse spatial patterns within landscapes
- assess how human activities alter landscape structure
- assess how human activities affect organism movement
- perform quantitative analysis of ecological data
- communicate research findings clearly to an audience
- explain how movement and landscape ecology connects with other disciplines
- discuss the societal implications of ecological principles
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£24,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£20k
Median£25k
Upper quarter£29k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 185 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 12, 14, 13, 22
Half of graduates earned between £19,500 and £29,000. Five years on, the median is £29,500. 65% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 50% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 115% left | 85% | 30 |
| In work or study, 15 months on30% studying | 65% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 50% | 70 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £26,000 | 35 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £24,500 | 185 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £29,500 | 205 |
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
94%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 77% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 1; lowest: 76% on question 19.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 100% |
| Question 2 | 94% |
| Question 3 | 100% |
| Question 4 | 94% |
| Question 5 | 94% |
| Question 6 | 94% |
| Question 7 | 82% |
| Question 8 | 100% |
| Question 9 | 82% |
| Question 10 | 88% |
| Question 11 | 94% |
| Question 12 | 82% |
| Question 13 | 100% |
| Question 14 | 94% |
| Question 15 | 94% |
| Question 16 | 100% |
| Question 17 | 94% |
| Question 18 | 88% |
| Question 19 | 76% |
| Question 20 | 94% |
| Question 21 | 94% |
| Question 22 | 100% |
| Question 23 | 100% |
| Question 24 | 88% |
| Question 25 | 88% |
| Question 26 | 94% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.