Tell me about it
Marine biologists research the sea, its life forms and surrounding coastal areas. They analyse the oceans and their interaction with the land, atmosphere and sea floors, and their areas of study could include anything from microscopic bacteria to the largest whales.

Marine biologists might concentrate on a specific group of marine organisms or look more broadly at marine ecology and the interaction between groups of organisms. The work might include such things as monitoring fish stocks and developing sustainable methods of harvesting food from the sea, tagging sharks as part of a research project, or measuring the effects of dumping waste in the oceans.

Entry level
You would need at least a first degree, and you will find that there are about 25 universities offering degrees in marine biology, mostly organising their courses on a modular basis. This structure should give you experience of a range of biological disciplines, such as genetics, ecology, zoology, biochemistry, botany and microbiology. Other modules would be designed to give you a necessary background in marine chemistry, physics and geology and an understanding of how these disciplines interact to explain what is found in the ocean and why.

To gain admission to a degree course in marine biology, you would normally need three A level/Advanced Higher/four or five Higher or equivalent qualifications, together with at least five GCSE/S Grade passes A-C/1-3 or equivalent, including English and maths. Some universities specify A level/Advanced Higher, Higher or equivalent in biology and another science subject.

You could also undertake more specialised postgraduate study in marine biology and you may find this essential before you enter the labour market.

You would find that most courses have a large fieldwork component, giving you plenty of opportunity to go to sea in a research vessel or to collect samples on the shoreline. You may also be able to gain a diving qualification, which could prove highly useful.

Making the grade
A key part of working as a marine biologist would be to participate in ongoing training in relevant research. Specialist organisations, such as the Marine Biological Association, offer advanced courses in specific areas of the subject.

On a practical note, the nature of research trips to sea requires good hands-on practical, analytical and decision-making skills. Training provided by employers can therefore include such things as boat handling, sea survival, first aid, emergency procedures and related maritime law, geographical information systems, health and safety on land and sea, and leadership and management skills.
Actual training opportunities vary from one employer to another, and you should try to establish the nature of training provision before joining an organisation.

Personal qualities
As a marine biologist, you must care passionately about marine animal and plant life, as well as having a keen interest in science generally. It helps if you can offer, in addition to your academic achievements, such things as scuba diving experience, first aid qualifications, and boat handling and engine maintenance experience.

Research work would involve careful attention to accuracy and detail and you would need good written and verbal communication skills in order to communicate your results to others, some of whom may not have the same scientific background as you.

You would almost certainly make extensive use of computers for obtaining, processing and storing data and would therefore need excellent IT skills. Your work would involve you in being out of doors in all weathers, sometimes at sea, so you would need to be quite fit and hardy.

Looking ahead
This is a popular field and competition for posts can be exceptionally fierce. Making relevant contacts and getting your name and specialist interests known are advantageous in gaining entry to your preferred organisation or field, because there are many more marine biology graduates than there are relevant vacancies. There is only a limited amount of research being undertaken and this is often commissioned on short-term contracts.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include biochemist, biologist, conservationist, geologist, hydrographic surveyor or oceanographer.

Take-home pay
Levels of pay are relatively low compared with other fields, with self-employment in environmental research providing the highest salary levels. As a recent graduate, you may gain research-based work, funded by organisations such as the Natural Environment Research Council, for a salary of £13,000 to £14,000 a year. High-level research fellowships generally pay between £19,000 and £25,000. With a few years' experience, salaries for roles in specialist areas can vary from around £25,000 to £30,000 with salaries increasing at senior level to between £35,000 and £50,000.
Some marine biologists become specialists in a particular area, boosting their income with consultancy or lecturing fees.

Effects
In a land-based, laboratory environment you are likely to work normal office hours. However, you would almost certainly go to sea, at least from time to time, which would involve working longer hours, in harder conditions and could take you away from home for several weeks. Wherever you work as a marine biologist, you will sometimes get wet.

It can be difficult to plan your career progression if you are restricted to a succession of short-term contracts.

Sources of information
Marine Biological Association: www.mba.ac.uk
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science: www.cefas.co.uk
Scottish Association for Marine Science: www.sams.ac.uk
Marine Conservation Society: www.mcsuk.org
Natural Environment Research Council: www.nerc.ac.uk
Challenger Society for Marine Science: www.soc.soton.ac.uk/OTHERS/CSMS

CRCI: TD