Bachelor's Programme in Marine Biology

Oceans cover 3/4 of the Earth's surface and encompass everything from coral reefs to the deep ocean, and our own Baltic Sea and west coast of Sweden. Oceans contain the greatest diversity of organisms, and their significance as the Earth's larder for the people of the Earth is increasing, while at the same time these resources are under threat from pollution over-fishing and environmental pollution. The bachelor programme will provide you with excellent knowledge of the marine ecosystem along the complete coast of Sweden, from the brackish conditions in the Baltic to our most marine-like conditions on the west coast. You will also obtain a good overview of the environmental problems that affect Sweden and the Earth, and how attempts to solve them are under way. The two first years of the programme teach the biological foundation, while the third year consists of specialised studies in marine issues. The courses "Research Traineeship in Marine Biology" and Marine Biology are compulsory during the third year. The programme includes two extended field courses, one at the Askö laboratory, the other at the Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory. Some courses are held during the summer, which means that it might be possible to take the program within two years. You are then free to select a further 15 hp from marine courses, such as Aquatic Ecology, Fish and Fisheries Biology, Environmental Toxicology, The Management of Aquatic Resources in the Tropics, or a course that does not have a marine specialisation. The programme ends with an degree thesis in marine biology. Marine biologists find careers within such employers as municipalities, county administrative boards, nature conservations authorities, or consultancies. The education can also lead to a career as, for example, environmental information specialist, scientific journalist, or teacher. You may also continue to take the Master's Programme in Marine Biology, and then go on to do research in marine biology, either in Sweden or abroad.