Biology - Marine Biology Conversion Programme

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) is a six month part-time programme running from September to March for graduates from non-biological or environmental disciplines unable to meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto the MSc in Marine Biology programme. Students successfully passing all modules will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology. Those wishing to progress onto the MSc in Marine Biology must obtain an aggregate of at least 60% to be eligible to transfer onto the Master’s programme in the following academic year and will hold exemptions in passed modules taken in the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology if she/he applies for the Master's in Marine Biology within 5 years from the date of successful completion of the Certificate Examinations.

Students take four taught modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:

BL6012 Marine Megafauna (10 credits)

BL6016 Marine Ecology and Conservation (10 Credits)

BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

BL6026 Introductory Quantitative Skills for Biologists using R

Candidates must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline.

Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.

6 months part-time.

Start Date: 9th September 2024.

Skills and Careers Information

As well as a number of professionally certified courses that will be provided throughout the course, students will also gain a variety of technical skills associated with research and computer skills (GIS in particular). Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research and time management.