Marine biology studies

Man’s use and understanding of the sea

Throughout history man has used and been involved with the sea. In recent years the importance of the sea has become increasingly recognised and, directly or indirectly, it provides a means of living for much of mankind.

The Marine Studies degree programme at the University of Plymouth provides students with the opportunity to study marine subjects in a multidisciplinary environment. the broad subject areas of business, science and technology related to the sea, are provided in a modular format which gives flexibility for choice and focus of interest.

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Maritime Business is concerned with the processes used in the effective management of the international shipping industry which involves the carriage of goods and passengers.

Beyond a knowledge of business functions, skills are developed in shipping economics, ship management, ship operations, maritime law and insurance. The Logistics concept is increasingly being applied to the movement of goods resulting in the closer integration of transport, transfer and storage activities.

The size of the international shipping industry is impressive. Presently more than 3,000 Million tonnes of goods are carried by the world’s commercial fleet of 43,000 ships. Within the next fifteen years forecasts suggest that world seaborne trade will double! Despite the registration of ships abroad, the United Kingdom retains a central role in the management of, and service to the international shipping industry. The use of the seas for the movement and leisure of people is developing. The UK shipping industry operates some of the most advanced ferries and cruise ships in the world. To succeed in the future, the shipping industry will require well educated and competent persons. A degree in Maritime Business will help provide an entry into the most global of industries.

Marine science is a subject area which applies the traditional scientific disciplines of physics, chemistry, geology and biology to the study of the ocean. Although the oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface, they are the last ‘unknown’ to be explored. The past inaccessibility of the oceans has ensured that secrets have been hidden until the most recent of times. The study of marine science is both intellectually exciting and physically demanding.

A student of marine science can study a mix of topics, including life within the oceans, fisheries, circulation of ocean currents, seabed formation, interaction between the oceans and atmosphere and the coastal interface. The marine scientist uses many different instruments to help his observations. Instruments, such as underwater remote cameras, side scan sonar, magnetometers and satellites. The study of hydrographic survey techniques and navigation systems are also a valuable assets to the marine scientist. The results of a scientist’s work may be the application of knowledge to control exploitation of the ocean resources. Many maritime nations own research vessels which are used by scientific institutes, including Universities to carry out experiments in the deep oceans. Certain universities, such as the University of Plymouth have their own research vessel, which operates in local waters and is used to teach the fundamentals of oceanographic research.

The protection of the ocean environment from abuse by contamination, waste disposal and accidental pollution is a high priority of international effort. The use and enforcement of internationally agreed conventions, requires the support of the scientific community.

Marine Technology has been described as ‘engineering for the sea’. Marine technologists study and apply their knowledge to the building of structures and marine vehicles which are used in the transportation, exploration and exploitation of the oceans. Marine Technology includes a wide range of interests, including naval architecture, propeller design, the use of composite materials, control engineering and marine computing. The skills of the marine technologist provide the tools for the scientist and the state of art structures demanded by the business entrepreneur.

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