Devon Field Class

Our field class in year two is spent working in and around Devon with our partners from the Marine Biological Association (MBA). The MBA is our learned society, for all marine biologists including students, professionals and enthusiasts. We have a long history of close collaboration with the MBA and have a joint staff appointment.

Each student has three boat-days as we use the MBA’s Research Vessel Sepia to experience the full range of boat-based aquatic sampling techniques. We also work in the MBA laboratory and undertake a rapid biodiversity assessment of a highly diverse rocky shore.

The field course is assessed via a test of specimen identification on the course and a presentation on a key coastal marine group such as crustaceans, demersal fish or echinoderms. After the field course, students will make a family-friendly guide to a UK marine species.