With increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining and preserving our marine environments, career opportunities exist with national wildlife trusts, the Environment Agency, enforcement work with government agencies and marine research. Successful students can progress to the BSc top-up in Marine Biology. // Marine ecology and conservation considers the factors that impact on ecosystems. Factors include coastal developments, over-fishing, the impact of non-native species and the increasing threat of worldwide climate change. It encompasses many branches of biological science, examining the physiology, evolution and adaptation of the organisms that inhabit the seas. The ecology units explore community structure, examining a wide range of habitats that include rocky shores, coral reefs and hydrothermal vents. // Units will be taught with an emphasis on conservation of the ecosystems and habitats which make up the seas and management strategies will be introduced. During the course, the students will spend at least 12 weeks on industrial placements working in marine aquaculture, coastal fisheries, marine aquaria and research establishments both at home and overseas.