Scotland field course

Explore marine ecosystems and study organisms in their natural environment on the Scottish shores.

Some of the most exciting and diverse ecosystems can be found right here in the UK.

Each June, we take first-year students to the Marine Biological Station Millport located on the eastern shore of the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. Days are divided between lectures, boat trips, fieldwork and lab work.

“Millport is such a great setting for the marine field course, with plenty of marine life just off its doorstep to learn about. It is a totally unique experience cycling round the island, on open roads with barely any traffic, to reach the different shore environments. The field course is also a great opportunity to socialise and get to know your course mates better.”

Heather Graham / Zoology student

For the first half of the nine-day course, you will work in groups on land and sea studying a variety of marine animals and plants, including planktonic organisms and shallow benthic organisms.

You will learn to recognise intertidal organisms at species, phylum and class level, and understand their distribution in both rocky and sandy environments.

During the second half, you will form small groups to work together on a research project. Past projects have been extremely diverse, covering aspects of marine physiology, behaviour, reproduction, morphology and biomechanics.

This field course allows you to learn critical transferable skills, including teamwork, project planning, risk assessment and quality control, while exploring the diverse Scottish marine environment.

Importantly, this field course also provides the opportunity to study organisms in their natural environment, encouraging enthusiasm and concern for our marine ecosystem.