phd marine biology denmark

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Department of Ecoscience

Marine mammal research.

We focus on the biology and prevalence of marine mammals and other marine vertebrates as well as the factors that affect the animals’ survival and population development. We study this by means of aerial surveys, telemetry data and data on the animals' health status, which enable us to quantify the effects of anthropogenic disturbances at both the individual and population level.

We are responsible for the national monitoring of marine mammals and underwater noise and contribute to the development of new management initiatives, both nationally and internationally. In addition, we conduct research to understand how the factors that affect the behaviour and health of individual animals interact and influence the distribution and dynamics of different populations. This becomes increasingly important as the marine environment becomes more affected by human activities such as fishing, noise from construction activities and ships, emissions of chemicals and climate change.

Research topics in brief

Ecotoxicology, climate and health, disturbance and underwater noise, monitoring populations, collecting of dead marine mammals, modelling population effects, telemetry and tagging, bioenergetics.

Jacob   Nabe-Nielsen

Signe   Sveegaard

Through international projects, we uncover the relationship between climate change and the up-concentration of environmental contaminants including their impact on the health of fish, birds, mammals and humans. We particularly focus on predatory animals and birds in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea, where, among other things, we study diseases that can be transmitted from wild animals to humans (zoonoses). In addition, we specifically focus on understanding ecosystem dynamics, and in this context, we study food chains and climate change and how they affect the composition and exposure of environmental contaminants and diseases. Some of our core activities are to incorporate temporal and geographical trends into risk assessments in the circumpolar AMAP and BONUS programs.

• Read more at Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)
• Rune Dietz , Professor
• Christian Sonne , Professor

Ever since diesel engines became common in ships about 100 years ago, there has been an increase in the human contribution to ambient noise in marine waters. However, ships are not the only source of the problem. Offshore activities, such as construction of offshore wind farms, oil and gas exploration and military activities, such as disposing of old ammunition and antisubmarine sonars also contribute to the noise. For these reasons, we monitor underwater noise in Danish marine areas for the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark and conduct research to quantify the effects of underwater noise on marine mammals and fish. As underwater noise knows no borders, we also participate in international research projects and expert groups that coordinate monitoring and regulation of underwater noise in the Baltic and the North Seas (within the framework of the regional seas conventions HELCOM and OSPAR, respectively).

• Jakob Tougaard , Professor

The section for Marine Mammal Research is responsible for coordinating and conducting the national monitoring of the Danish marine mammals. We have many years of experience in tracking the population dynamics and prevalence of our three most common species: The harbour seal, the grey seal and the harbour porpoise. Seals are monitored throughout Denmark by plane at their haul-outs on land. Harbour porpoises are monitored by plane, from ship and by passive acoustic listening stations that detect their echolocation clicks under water. The surveillance of marine mammals is part of the  NOVANA program  (the national surveillance program of the aquatic environment and nature).

• Anders Galatius , Senior Researcher
• Signe Sveegaard , Senior Advisor

Read more about marine mammals

We collect dead, stranded marine mammals, regulated seals and bycaught porpoises and seals in order to measure their blubber thickness in connection with a project for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. The f blubber layer is a measure of the animal's health and nutritional state: When the animal is healthy and receives the quality and quantity of food it needs, energy is stored in a subcutaneous layer around the animal. The thickness of the blubber layer varies over the year to regulate heat loss from the animal to the water. In addition, blubber thickness varies with gender, age and reproductive status, as well as there are differences between populations. Therefore, a large number of animals must be collected to describe the blubber thickness of Danish marine mammals quantitatively.

If you find a dead marine mammal

Take a picture of the animal and note the position/address. Please send information to:

Marine mammals are influenced by anthropogenic disturbances, but it is usually not possible to observe these effects directly – both because the animals are difficult to observe and because we wish to understand the effects of the potential impacts before they actually happen. For this reason, we use different types of models to examine population effects. Among other things, we use spatial models to predict animal abundances in different areas at different times of the year and agent-based models that simulate the behavioral reaction of individual animals to disturbances. The population dynamics emerge through the interaction between the individual animals in the model.

DEPONS is an example of an agent-based model for harbour porpoises: https://depons.eu/

• Jacob Nabe-Nielsen , Professor

*MAXENT-modelling

From Sveegaard, S., Nabe-Nielsen, J., & Teilmann, J. (2018). The prevalence and status of porpoises in marine habitats in Danish waters.

The study of animal movement patterns enables us to monitor survival rates and reproduction of species and populations and to gain a solid understanding of the distribution and interactions among individuals, populations and species. By looking into these patterns and interactions, we can learn more about the animals' ecology, including foraging, reactions to disturbances, mating, distribution and migration. A broader and deeper understanding of movement patterns, behaviour and disturbances plays a key role in our research and has fundamental value for our work with managing and protecting each species.

We focus on tagging porpoises and seals in Danish waters. Among other things, we use the research results for consultancy tasks with public as well as private sector clients.

• Jonas Teilmann , Professor

Marine mammals need energy for growth, survival and reproduction. The energy required to support this comes from the prey they consume. When marine mammals are disturbed by human activities (e.g. noise), it may lead to an increase in energetic costs and/or a decrease in energy gains. In the long term, repeated disturbances may lead to a reduction in body fat reserves (body condition), which marine mammals need to survive and reproduce. We study the relationship between marine mammals' behaviour and bioenergetics, as well as the relationship between body condition and individual survival and reproduction, in order to better understand the consequences of human disturbance on marine mammal populations. We carry out and collaborate on a wide range of bioenergetic projects around the world, from the polar regions to the tropics, where we use new drone photogrammetry methods to measure the size and body condition of whales.

• Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher

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Graduate School of Natural Sciences

The Department of Biology is one of the largest at the Faculty of Natural Sciences housing 207 staff members and more than 450 enrolled students including 40-60 PhD students.

The department conducts both basic and applied research across a range of biological disciplines. Currently, research at the department is organized in 5 sections and PhD programs are anchored at one of these sections but may include significant aspects at other groups within the University. Details of the research activities currently underway at these sections are available following this link:  https://bio.au.dk/en/research/

• Aquatic Biology
• Microbiology
• Genetics, Ecology and Evolution
• Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity
• Zoophysiology

Research facilities available

• The Department has excellent research facilities - see  https://bio.au.dk/en/collaboration/access-to-research-facilities/    

Geographic location

• The staff at the Department is situated at Aarhus University, Denmark
• The Department has excellent research facilities  - see https://bio.au.dk/en/collaboration/access-to-research-facilities/  

Approx. number of PhD students:

If you have a talent for research, it is possible to continue your studies and achieve a PhD degree. The Department of Biology offers an active and inspiring environment for young researchers and has approx. 60 PhD students; about half of them are from abroad.

Most of the Department's scientists have large international networks and therefore good opportunities for working together with foreign scientists and establish contacts which can form the basis for postdoc studies abroad.

Here you can read about the research groups at the Department of Biology, and what topics they are working with: https://bio.au.dk/en/research/research-areas/

Head of Programme

Mark   Bayley

Local programme secretary.

Line Dalum   Krogh

Gsns phd partner.

Johanne Wendelboe   Sejersen

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Research Centre Centre for Maritime and Marine Research

Centre for Maritime and Marine Research is an interdisciplinary research center focusing on research and solutions for the maritime and marine area. The centre not only focusses on research in the area but also on outreach creating a link between students and researchers and the maritime and marine area.

The vision of the Centre for Maritime and Marine Research is to ensure a green, sustainable and innovative maritime and marine environment in the future. The center for maritime and marine research is to offer interdisciplinary research in line with RUCs strategic aims. The centre will be working across a broad spectrum of highly relevant research areas and education aspects ensuring collaboration with different external stakeholders in the maritime and marine sector including private companies and organizations, public institutions and NGOs.

The purpose of Centre for Maritime and Marine Research is to strengthen:

• Collaboration with external parties in the maritime and marine area.
• Student project activities within in the maritime and marine area through collaboration with external partners.
• Research with in the area of maritime and marine area
• RUCs position within the maritime and marine sector
• Interdisciplinary research and externally funded projects within the maritime and marine area.

Centre for Maritime and Marine Research focusses on ensuring a sustainable, green and innovative maritime and marine area with focus on the following UN sustainable development goals:

• SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth
• SDG 9 Industry innovation and infrastructure
• SDG 13 Climate action
• SDG 14 Life below water

The aim is to ensure a healthy marine environment and industry ensuring a sustainable business with newest knowledge to ensure a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions by the maritime industry, which is the ambitious target, set by the International Maritime Organization.

Contact and Researchers

Line Reinhardt , Research Centre Leader // Associate Professor // [email protected]

Members of Centre for Maritime and Marine Research from Roskilde University  

Research Projects

The Centre for Maritime and Marine Research participates in a number of research projects. Among them are:

The ROROGreen project will help to reduce the CO2 emissions within RORO shipping by developing digital tools to make loading and unloading of RoRo ships more efficient (it has been shown that this can result in a CO2 reduction of between 5% and 20%). The total grant is 9 million, of which RUC's share is 2.2 million. The grant comes from the Innovation Fund Denmark's Grand Solutions 2020 -2024. Collaborating partners are DFDS, Kockumation (loading software for vessels), Lorenz technologies (Drones for harbors), SDU and DTU.

MarinePlastic - The Danish center for research in marine plastic pollution

MarinePlastic works with plastic pollution from several angles. Among other things, the researchers will gather knowledge about the types, causes, extent, spread, decomposition and environmental consequences of the plastic pollution. It spans from abandoned fishing nets and waste to microplastics and nanoplastics in the marine environment. Collaborators are AAU, DTU, AU and the National Museum. The center is supported by the Velux Foundation.

Find the research projects at the Roskilde University Research Portal .

Publications

Alle taler om cirkulær økonomi, men hvordan kan det løbe rundt.

Research output : Other contribution › Net publication - Internet publication › Communication

Ecological risk assessment framework for microplastics in agricultural soils amended with biosolids

Research output : Contribution to journal › Review › peer-review

Editorial- VSI: Micro(nano)plastics in the environment

Research output : Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review

Reducing shippings impact on Biodiversity

Thomas Theis Nielsen (Participant)

Activity : Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course

Ships as Platforms for Unmanned Systems

Kick the tyre/rock the boat, press-media, ny test modsiger advarsel mod drikkedunke – “fuldstændig misvisende”, siger dbu-direktør.

Kristian Syberg

1 item of Media coverage

Press/Media : Press / Media

Populære drikkedunke til børn afgiver problematiske stoffer ved maskinvask, viser ny undersøgelse

Opgør med masseturisme.

Camilla Jensen

Base at Roskilde University

The project based at the Department of People and Technology

Participating research unit: Programming, Logic and Intelligent Systems research group // Environmental Dynamics research group // International Development Research Group

PhD Programme: Doctoral School of People and Tecnology

Relevant degree programmes: Computer Science // Environmental Science // International Bachelor in Social Sciences

Research from Roskilde University

Research - overview

More information

Find additional information about the Centre for Maritime and Marine Research:

Centre site at Roskilde University Reasearch Portal

Head of Centre

Line Reinhardt Associate profressor Phone: +45 4674 3497 [email protected]

Aarhus University logo

Department of Biology

Marine life around denmark, exploring danish marine biodiversity using environmental dna.

The oceans hold a considerable wealth of biodiversity and resources, but also face increasing threats due to nutrient enrichment, pollution, overfishing and climate change etc. Denmark has 8.750 km of coastline, which represents one of the most unique features of the country, and although some organisms like fish, jellyfish, seaweed etc. are very familiar to most people, the vast majority of marine life is not. This lack of knowledge of our coastal biodiversity is mainly due to a lack of extensive biological surveys and a shortage of taxonomic expertise.

Sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA) obtained directly from water and sediment samples is an approach that can provide information on entire communities down to the species level in many cases. At Department of Biology, we are continuously developing and improving eDNA methodology and expand the range of scientific questions that can be addressed using eDNA.

The COAST_SEQUENCE project use eDNA from seawater and top sediment to map marine biodiversity in Denmark through extensive sampling along the Danish coastline by researchers as well as a large group of engaged citizen scientists. By massively sequencing DNA from all marine organisms – from microbes to mammals – we will obtain unprecedented insights into the life along our coasts, and coupling this with oceanographic and environmental data, we will try to determine important drivers for the distribution of marine biodiversity in Denmark. The project builds on a partnership between international universities and NGOs. It is funded by the Velux Foundation.

Philip Francis   Thomsen

Other projects in biodiversity.

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Master (2 years) of Science in Biology, 120 ECTS

Description 

Career opportunities  .

• pharmaceutical companies
• government ministries
• municipalities
• universities
• upper secondary schools
• intellectual property consultancies
• environmental organisations
• biotech start-ups

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Further information, non eu/eea citizens, application date, eu/eea/swiss citizens, university of copenhagen (ucph), north campus, description.

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MSc in Biology

• Programme Structure

Programme Structure 

The MSc Programme in Biology gives you the freedom to choose one of the programme's five specialisations. You can also study Biology with a minor subject. You can read about each specialisation at the bottom of the page.

No matter which specialisation you choose, you’ll meet three types of courses:

• Compulsory courses – these are mandatory and cover the basic elements of the specialisation during your first year of study.
• Restricted elective courses – you choose these from a selection of courses.
• Elective courses that you are free to choose. These comprise 15 ECTS.

All courses, written assignments and exams are in English.

Do a Project in Practice or Study Abroad

During the programme you may choose to do a Project in Practice in collaboration with a company or an organization. You can also study abroad .

Master's Thesis

Your MSc programme concludes with a thesis project. The thesis is 45 or 60 ECTS in all 5 specialisations. Examples of thesis subjects include inquiries into:

• Genes and mechanisms of programmed cell death
• The effect of water pollution upon water fleas
• Spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
• Effects of global warming on ecosystems

Specialisations

Molecular biology and genetics.

This specialisation teaches you about the genetic and epigenetic basis for cell functioning, regulation, and differentiation, including immune systems and genetically modified organisms. You learn about genomic structure, organisation, and function, as well as causes, diagnosis, and inheritance of human genetic diseases.

When you graduate, you’ll have the competencies to:

• integrate genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms with a general understanding of cellular functions.
• apply molecular and genetic knowledge to understand human diseases. 

Furthermore, you’ll have the skills to:

• Set up, perform, and evaluate genetic and genomic screens.
• Design and construct genetically modified cells for biotechnological and biopharmaceutical purposes.
• Apply bioinformatical methods and databases to analyse DNA, RNA, and protein sequences.

See the full description of the knowledge, competencies and skills you obtain with this specialization in the curriculum for Biology.

The specialisation can be structured in four different ways, depending on whether you write a thesis worth 45 or 60 ECTS and whether you start in September or February:

Programme Overview, Study Start September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 45 ECTS Elective courses: 15 ECTS Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

One block equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS.

Programme Overview, Study Start September, Thesis 60 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 15 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 30 ECTS Elective courses: 15 ECTS Master's thesis: 60 ECTS

Programme Overview, Study Start February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Study start in february is only for students with a reserved access to the programme. read about reserved access here >>.

Programme Overview, Study Start February, Thesis 60 ECTS

Restricted Elective Courses

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description.

• Cell Cycle Control and Cancer
• RNA Biology
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation *
• Epigenetics and Cell Differentiation
• Dynamical Models in Molecular Biology
• Molecular Neurobiology
• Host-Microbiota Multi-Omics
• Human Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Medical Bacteriology
• Evolutionary Medicine
• Statistics for Molecular Biomedicine
• Business Development and Innovation *
• CRISPR Tsunami: Design and Hands on Gene Editing
• Integrative Structural Biology
• Experimental Cell Biology
• Data Science for Genomics
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Metabolomics
• Protein Structure and Function in Biomedicine and Sustainable Biotechnology
• Project in Practice (15 ECTS)
• Project outside the course scope
• Thesis preparation project

*Only one of the courses can be included in the programme

Cell Biology and Physiology

You specialise in biology at the cellular level and integrate this understanding with research of physiological responses in humans and other fauna. You’ll get a deep understanding of the structure, organisation, and function of cells – including the subcellular level where you learn about organelles, membrane systems, and cytoskeletons. Furthermore, you’ll get an understanding of the signal transduction systems used to regulate cell development, differentiation, motility, and death.

As a graduate you are able to summarise the function of eukaryotic cells and cellular homeostasis, and you can relate the overall construction of the cell and the organ to a holistic understanding of multi-cellular animals, including humans.

You are also able to conduct and analyze data from experimental studies within cell biology and physiology, and you can apply the relevant methods specific to physiological evaluation.

Programme Overview, Study Start in September, Thesis 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 22.5 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 37.5 ECTS Elective courses: 15 ECTS Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

Programme Overview, Study Start in September, Thesis 60 ECTS

Programme Overview, Study Start in February, Thesis 45 ECTS

Programme Overview, Study Start in February, Thesis 60 ECTS

• The Human Microbiome
• Cellular Signaling in Health and Disease
• Developmental Biology
• Sensory Biology
• Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease
• The Human Microbiome – Experiments

*Only one of the courses can be included in the programme.

Microbiology

In this specialisation you will focus on bacteria and fungi, molecular biology, and environmental adaptability, and you learn how bacteria and micro fungi can be biotechnologically exploited. You get an understanding of their symbiosis with animals and humans, as well as their pathogenicity.

Among other things this enables you to work with bacterial resistance to antibiotics and microorganisms as a source of new industrial enzymes and other bioactive substances.

Furthermore, you can cultivate and isolate microorganisms and use state-of-the-art molecular techniques e.g., to study their occurrences, physiology, and interactions.

• Basic Parasitology
• Biological Sequence Analysis
• Advanced Microbial Biotechnology
• Principal Subject in Molecular Microbiology
• Soil Biology
• Applied Microbiology
• Protists – Eucaryotic Microbiology
• Human Parasitology
• Marine Microbiology and Virology
• Experimental Design and Statistical Methods in Biology
• Gut Microbiome in Nutrition and Health
• Experimental Medical Microbiology: From Gene to Function in Pathogenic Bacteria

If you choose this specialisation, you work with ecological and evolutionary processes and their importance for organisms, effects of climate change, interactions between living organisms, conservation, and animal behaviour. 

This provides you with a deep understanding of complex ecosystems that enables you to explain and discuss the distribution and density of species at local and global scales, and on both an ecological and evolutionary timescale.

You will be able to give advice on nature management issues, environmental protection, biodiversity, and animal welfare. You can also collect, identify, and isolate selected groups of organisms and use genetic methods in species identification and typing.

See the full description of the knowledge, competencies and skills you obtain with this specialisation in the curriculum for Biology.

Programme Overview, Study Start in September, 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 52.5 ECTS Elective courses: 15 ECTS Master's thesis: 45 ECTS

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 37.5 ECTS Elective courses: 15 ECTS Master's thesis: 60 ECTS

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Danish Natural Habitats, Ecology and Characterisation
• Field Mycology and Identification of Fungi
• Biodiversity in Urban Nature
• Macro Ecology and Community Ecology
• Methodology and Sampling in Environmental Management
• Climate Change and Biogeochemical Cycles
• Protists – Eukaryotic Microbiology
• Conservation Biology
• Social Behaviour and Communication
• Ornithology
• Applied Ecosystem Ecology
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• International Nature Conservation
• Terrestrial Ecosystem Processes and Global Change
• Animal Diversity and Evolution
• Invasion Biology
• Arctic Biology
• Freshwater Ecology
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Climate Change and Biodiversity
• Environmental Impact Assessment in a Pratical Danish Context (Danish course)
• Arctic Biology Field Course
• Advanced Plant Identification (Danish course)
• Marine Animal Diversity, Monitoring, and Habitats
• Forensic Biology

Marine Biology

In this specialisation you’ll get expert knowledge of the structure and function of marine ecosystems, as well as the ecology of marine organisms, and their physiology, interactions, and adaptation to the marine environment.

You’ll get the competences to explain the fluxes of energy, as well as organic and inorganic matter in marine systems. Furthermore, you learn about marine microorganisms, animal groups, and habitat types – and you’ll get an overview of the complexity of ecosystems and biodiversity.

You learn to collect, identify, and categorise marine organisms into overall groups. You are also able to use genetic methods in species identification and typing.

See the full description of the knowledge, competencies, and skills you obtain with this specialization in the curriculum for Biology.

• The Biology of Fish
• Environmental Impact Assessment in a Practical Danish Context (course language: Danish)
• Thesis Preparation Project

Biology With a Minor Subject

You can study biology with a minor subject if you want to acquire the competences to teach or disseminate both subjects. This enables you to teach in Danish upper secondary schools or university colleges. You will also get the competences to work in e.g., biotech-, phamaceutical and related industries, NGOs, private consultancies, public administration, or the publishing industry.

See the full description of the knowledge, competences, and skills you obtain in the curriculum for Biology with a Minor Subject.

The programme can be structured in different ways depending on whether your minor subject is within or outside the field of science, and whether you start in September or February. The tables below show the recommended academic progression in all cases:

Programme Overview, Study Start in September, Minor Subject Within the Field of Science

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 37.5 ECTS Minor subject: 45 ECTS Master's thesis: 30 ECTS

One block each year equals nine weeks of study and 15 ECTS.

Programme Overview, Study Start in September, Minor Subject Outside the Field of Science

Compulsory courses: 7.5 ECTS Restricted elective courses: 37.5 ECTS Minor subject: 75 ECTS Master's thesis: 30 ECTS

Programme Overview, Study Start in February, Minor Subject Within the Field of Science

Programme Overview, Study Start in February, Minor Subject Outside the Field of Science

Choose your restricted elective courses from the list below. Click on each course for a detailed description.  P

• Advanced Cell Biology
• Advanced Bacteriology 1
• Marine Biology 
• Experimental Marine Biology
• Danish Natural Habitats, Ecology and Characterisation (Danish course)
• Experimental Molecular Genetics
• Advanced Ecology
• Theoretical Molecular Genetics
• Cellular Signalling in Health and Disease
• Macroecology and Community Ecology
• Advanced Bacteriology 2
• Experimental Higher Model Organisms
• Science and Technology Communication
• Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Are you already a student at Biology?

Find the programme structure that fits your year of admission on your Study Information.

Curriculum for MSc in Biology .

Curriculum for MSc in Biology with a minor subject .

Shared section of the curriculum  for all programmes at the Faculty of SCIENCE.

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One page PhD research proposal in marine biology - Denmark

I am applying for a marine biology orientated PhD in Denmark and they ask for the following:

A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)

The project already has a defined topic although it is quite vague. I am unsure what is expected in terms on content and format for the research proposal.

Has anyone successfully applied for a DK PhD and has submitted this type of documents? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

• research-process
• application
• research-proposal

3 Answers 3

In general (I have no knowledge of DK procedures), when assessing such proposals it is normal to look for:

A title that captures the main theme.

A description of the main theme and its wider context (existing knowledge, why the theme matters).

How your proposal will fill gaps in knowledge.

The methods you hope to use or develop.

The difficulties and risks you foresee, and how you think you might overcome them or change your work to avoid them.

Evidence that the work timetable is suitable for the time needed for a PhD.

Your present expertise and qualification, and the sort of collaboration and help you need from supervisors.

It is possible to do this in one page if you discipline yourself to be concise and not to get carried away with descriptive prose.

• Thank you! So helpful! –  Karl Commented Jan 5, 2022 at 20:28
• @Karl Thanks. I add a personal opinion based on my own experience as an employer of marine scientists of all sorts. Too many marine biologists lack numerical skills, for various reasons, If you have any competence with numbers or mathematics, be sure in application or interview to let people know you are able to tackle some numerical/quantitative/statistical/mathematical work, no matter how small. It will put you at an advantage in research and in jobs. –  Anton Commented Jan 5, 2022 at 22:22

It is clear to me that whatever you will write, it will be part of your application evaluation.

Follow guidelines to write scientific proposals, and compress whatever you write in one page, then you are done.

Please avoid survivorship bias: let's say that this proposal compose 20 points over 100 of the applicants rating system. A succesful applicant, who obtained only 1 point of the 20 available may provide you their proposal, and you may find yourself getting 1 point by "getting inspired" by their proposal, rather than 5 points for "finding your inner creativity" for the proposal...

yes, I have been through this process myself and recently finished a PhD at a Danish university. The already defined topic is purposefully vague -- a PhD is not about following someone else's ideas, but learning how to cultivate and carry through your own ideas. The requested short research proposal is meant to give the evaluation committee an idea of what direction you would like to take, research-wise, but more importantly, it is for them to get a glimpse of your critical thinking skills and baseline knowledge of the topic area. Perhaps specify methods you think are suitable, or highlight gaps in knowledge that could be filled by your research during the time frame of your PhD? Good luck.

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7 marine-biology positions in Denmark

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• Research Job 3
• Scholarship 2
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Tenure Track position in marine food webs and cumulative effects

. Your profile Applicants should hold a PhD in marine biology , marine ecology, environmental sciences, engineering, or similar. Broad knowledge of marine physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes

3-year postdoc on passive acoustic monitoring of cetaceans

Section for Marine Mammal Research in Aarhus, which is integrated with the Marine Bioacoustics group, Department of Biology . You will thus be part of a large, diverse, and dynamic group of people working

Postdoctoral Researcher – Marine nature restoration in Coastal Areas: Stone and biogenic reefs - DTU Aqua

a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in the field of e.g. environmental science, ecology or related fields of marine biology or geography. We offer DTU is a leading

PhD scholarship in ecosystem services provided by nature restoration - DTU Aqua

: Curiosity and high motivation for marine research and nature restoration. Professionalism in laboratory and field work. Strong foundation of basic marine biology and ecology theory and practice. Experience in

Tenure-track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Aquatic Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology , Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark

any aspect of freshwater and/or marine biology and ecology. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, aquatic ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemical cycling, biodiversity, trophic interactions, and

Postdoc in Fish and Shellfish Behavior using Acoustic Tracking - DTU Aqua

dynamics. You will join the Section for Marine Living Resources at DTU in Lyngby. The section includes about 50 scientific employees and students and focuses on interdisciplinary research improving our

PhD Scholarship in natural product chemistry - DTU Bioengineering

photocatalyzed reactions with bio-derived substrates for forming carbon-carbon bonds. PhD Scholarships in computational biology and single-cell analysis - DTU Bioengineering Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Posted on 05/31

Searches related to marine biology

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• marine biology phd

We have 19 Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Studying a PhD in Marine Biology would give you the chance to study ocean life through an extended research project. You could be investigating the effects pollution is having on sea life, attempting to improve how we promote ocean sustainability or developing better methods for tracking organisms.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Marine Biology?

As a Marine Biology PhD student, you’ll develop skills in a range of areas, from field work to in the laboratory. Depending on your exact project, you’ll spend more or less time in the field, but almost every project includes the opportunity to gain at least some field work experience.

Some typical research topics in Marine Biology include:

• Studying microplastics in the ocean
• Developing methods of promoting ocean sustainability
• Improving current methods of tracking sea life
• Studying an organism from the ocean in detail
• Investigating the effects of pollution on sea life
• Studying how organisms adapt to environmental change

Almost all Marine Biology PhD programmes are advertised projects with attached funding. The additional cost of fieldwork or bench fees makes it challenging to self-fund either an advertised project or one you have proposed. This cost, as well as the difficulty finding an institution and supervisor with the expertise and equipment suitable for your research, makes proposing your own research uncommon in Marine Biology.

A general field day will consist of either sampling, measuring, or observing organisms or their environment. This may include tagging individuals from a certain species or counting their population. Other days will involve analysing previously collected data, either in the laboratory or using techniques from data science and statistics.

Upon completion of your final year, you’ll write a thesis of roughly 60,000 words that will contribute to the knowledge of your field. During your viva exam you’ll then defend your work and if successful, be awarded your PhD.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for most Marine Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, at Merit or Distinction level. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency .

PhD in Marine Biology funding options

The research council responsible for funding Marine Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.

It’s uncommon for Marine Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.

Predicting the roles of anadromy and freshwater carry-over effects in the sustainability of threatened brown trout Salmo trutta populations

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

FULLY FUNDED - Understanding small and large scale factors of seaweed biofouling using eDNA

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

The role of the microbiome on coral heat tolerance

Funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Nature Positive Cornwall, Ecology & Conservation – Masters by Research (Funded) Ref: 5197

Exchange of water between the red sea and gulf of aden recorded at dsdp site 229, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD scholarship in Integrating Ecological and Genomic Diversity for Climate Resilient Marine Spatial Planning – DTU Aqua

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Discovery of novel pharmaceuticals from marine and desert microorganisms

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Minimising inter-observer variability in cover estimates of sessile organisms (SAS0204)

Defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health (phd project) - domestic only, 10 phd positions in the msca doctoral network phabb, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

France PhD Programme

A French PhD usually takes 3-4 years and often involves additional training and courses alongside research towards an original thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a public examination and eventually awarded with one of three grades. Some programmes are delivered in English.

Self-funded PhD - Fish, predator and collective behaviour

Self-funded msc r- fish, predator and collective behaviour, ocean diagnostics: development of a detection system for ocean biology monitoring using integrated silicon nitride fluorescence spectroscopy, investigating the impact of galectin-ligand interaction on cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment, investigating the genetic basis of immunological overlap between inflammatory diseases.

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Marine Biology (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a P h .D. in marine biology at UNH?

Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you a dvance your career a s you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. F aculty in our program use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism and neurobiology, and study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on basic research or work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries . Our graduates now lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, and work in research.

Program highlights

Our location, faculty and laboratories makes UNH one of the best institutions from which to obtain a graduate degree in marine biology. Our faculty have expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology and fisheries, and their research programs often span disciplines and use a variety of methods and technologies to address marine-related questions and issues. The main UNH campus in Durham is located about five miles from the Great Bay Estuary, home of the UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, and 30 miles from the coastline and the UNH Coastal Marine Laboratory. Each of these laboratories supports a number of research vessels used by faculty, staff and students. Students can become certified research divers through our strong dive program. Finally, there are several state-of-the-art research resources on campus, including a DNA sequencing facility, an aquaculture laboratory, and various microscope and instrumentation centers.

Potential career areas

• Aquaculture
• Aquarium industry
• Environmental consulting
• Environmental protection and resource management
• Fisheries management and research
• Habitat restoration
• Marine/environmental outreach
• Marine policy
• Nonprofit organizations
• Research diving

Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on­-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .

Requirements for the Program

Ph.d. degree requirements.

Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.

Number of Credits Required

There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.

Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:

1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.

2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.

3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.

4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.

5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.

6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.

Additional Information/Requirements

All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
• Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
• Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community. 

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : January 15 (priority*); August 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
• Spring : N/A
• Summer : N/A
• Special : N/A

Application fee: $65; Underrepresented U.S. minority applicants to this program may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact Dr. Dovev Levine ( [email protected] ) for more details

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : No

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early if they wish to be considered for financial and priority consideration.

GRE Not Required:

The GRE (general or topical) is NOT REQUIRED for admission by any of the programs in the Department of Biological Sciences.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Inquire with the Department about Research Interests

As part of your application process, we recommend touching base with the academic department or specific faculty about your research interests, fit with the department, and available space. You can  Submit an Extended Inquiry   and we will inform your desired academic program about your interest. By submitting an inquiry form, you are not guaranteed to hear back from specific faculty. This can be a helpful step before going through the full application process.

Explore Program Details

Faculty directory.

Applying Guide

If you are interested in a MS or PhD program within UNH’s Department of Biological Sciences (options of Integrative and Organismal Biology or Marine Biology), it is important to contact potential thesis mentors (professors) before applying to our program . You can find a directory of relevant mentors in the “FACULTY DIRECTORY.” It is never too early to contact potential thesis mentors, but we suggest contacting them between August and October of the year before you expect to start your degree (for example, contact a mentor in September 2020 if interested in applying by January 2021 for full consideration to begin as a graduate student in Fall 2021). However, you should never be afraid to reach out to a prospective mentor as graduate opportunities can open throughout the year.

How do you contact potential advisors? After identifying professors whose interest align with yours, send them an email to introduce yourself and your interests. This email should contain the following:

• A brief introduction of who you are and your current status
• Your interests broadly
• Why you are interested in this professor’s work and how it aligns with your own interests
• Attachments of CV or resume, and unofficial transcripts

Still intimidated? Use the text below labeled “Email Template” to help you contact a professor.

Can I contact more than one professor in the Department of Biological Sciences or at UNH? Absolutely! Graduate positions are very competitive, and often a professor can only take on one or two students each year (if any). Thus, it’s important to contact as many professors as possible, provided that their research aligns with your interests. You can let professors know who else you are contacting within the department or university when you contact them (see template below).

What if I don’t get a response? Try again! Professors are very busy, and can receive hundreds of emails a day. Sometimes this results in slow reply times, or simply emails getting missed or lost. Wait at least a week, and then try to send again. If after three tries you still do not get a response, this likely means the professor is not taking on any graduate students in the near future.

Other general tips and advice for applying to graduate school: Take time to think about why you want to go to graduate school and conduct research (and communicate this clearly when reaching out to prospective mentors). Before contacting prospective mentors, take some time to learn about their research (either via webpages, their publications, or other resources). Get help from advisors, your university career centers, and others for updating your resume or CV, ensuring that you highlight any research or scientific experiences, important courses taken, skills, and awards received.

Email Template

If you are potentially interested in working with one or more professors towards a MS or PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, you can use this template email to introduce yourself to these potential advisors.

Please note that you should contact each professor individually (it’s okay to contact more than one faculty member in our department!); individualize your responses to each professor, particularly paragraphs #2 and #3). Also know that this is simply a template; prospective students do not need to follow these instructions exactly when reaching out to prospective mentors. We just hope this helps you get started and give you confidence in contacting faculty!

Dear Dr. [insert professor’s full name here]:

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself! State your name, educational status and history (including GPA and major and/or degree. If you have graduated, include when you graduated and your current position.), and what semester and year you are aiming to start your graduate studies.

Paragraph 2: Discuss your relevant qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for our graduate program. This may include specific skills you have, research experiences, internships, publications or presentations, and relevant coursework.

Paragraph 3: Describe your specific interests within the field of Biological Sciences? How do these interests align with this professor’s work? What about this professor’s work excites you? Be specific when possible, demonstrating your own efforts to understand this professor’s research.

Thank you for your time in reading this email and your consideration. I have attached my [resume/CV; make sure to attach!] and unofficial transcripts [attach]. I would enjoy an opportunity to chat with you further about potential opportunities as a graduate student in your research group.

[Insert your full name here]

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Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs explore the economic, social, political, and ecological aspects of our oceans and coasts, aiming to enhance understanding, stewardship, and sustainability of these vital resources. All graduate programs can be combined with a U.S. Coast Guard license through the Texas A&M Maritime Academy to support your career goals.

Masters Programs

Our programs are led by world-class faculty with immersive learning experiences and exceptional research facilities to provide unparalleled access to career building skills and connections.

Master of Maritime Business Administration & Logistics

This program provides an integrated understanding of the critical role ports and interconnected transportation systems play in both U.S. and global commerce. Among the top ten maritime programs in the United States, this highly competitive and rewarding program prepares students for leadership roles in a rapidly growing industry.

Master of Science in Marine Biology

This program provides comprehensive training in marine biological sciences guided by internationally renowned faculty.

Master of Marine Resources Management

This program provides a deep understanding of the complexities of marine resource management for recent graduates and professionals to advance their careers in coastal and ocean resource management.

Master of Maritime Business Administration & Logistics and Juris Doctor Combined Degree Program

This is a combined program that provides a unique blend of legal and business education tailored for the maritime industry.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of philosophy in marine & coastal management & science.

An interdisciplinary program that blends the social and physical sciences to address complex issues at the intersection of natural and built environments, particularly in coastal and near-shore areas.

Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology

This program combines formal coursework with extensive research opportunities, providing a robust foundation in the ecology and evolution of marine organisms and quantitative analysis.

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The Perseids Meteor Shower Is Peaking. Here’s How to Watch.

Warm summer nights and swift colorful streaks make this meteor shower a crowd favorite, but this year, observers may have to compete with light from the moon.

Perseid meteors fell over northern Spain in August 2021. Credit... Pedro Puente Hoyos/EPA, via Shutterstock

Supported by

By Katrina Miller

• Published Aug. 9, 2024 Updated Aug. 11, 2024

Our universe might be chock-full of cosmic wonder, but you can observe only a fraction of astronomical phenomena with your naked eye. Meteor showers, natural fireworks that streak brightly across the night sky, are one of them.

The latest observable meteor shower will be the Perseids, which have been active since mid-July and are forecast to continue until the end of August, at the latest. They reach their peak Aug. 11 to 12, or Sunday night into Monday morning.

To get a hint at when to watch, you can use a meter that relies on data from the Global Meteor Network showing when real-time fireball activity levels increase in the coming days.

A favorite among skywatchers, the Perseids are one of the strongest shows each year, with as many as 100 long, colorful streaks an hour. It reaches its peak as two other showers, the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquarids — which both peaked at the end of July — are petering out.

The Perseids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, just before dawn. This year, viewers may have to compete with light from the moon, which will be nearly half full on the night that the shower peaks. But according to Sky & Telescope , the moon will set before midnight, leaving the early morning hours sufficiently dark for a spectacular show.

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