Course trains students to be practicing marine biologists; at least 40 per cent of students' time is spent in the lab and the field, gaining practical experience in marine topics; 1 of the final-year field trips involves spending a lot of time in the water where students get really close to a variety of marine plants and animals; programme also includes training for students wishing to learning to dive; students who qualify to rescue-diver standard have the opportunity to train as professional dive-masters.