Question: When did you guys specify what area of marine sciences you wanted to do? I am currently a year 13 applying to uni mostly for marine biology courses, but I know it is a large field, how did you find your exact passion?

Duncan Smallman answered on 18 Dec 2025:

When I was applying I really wanted to study sharks, and at the time Bangor offered a module on elasmobranchs. However they stopped running the module by the time I got to uni. I did marine biology and zoology, I was pretty keen on animals but keeping it broad is fine. I was totally hooked by parasites, chemical ecology, behaviour, evolution and aquaculture and that’s what shaped the direction I went with my PhD. However I now work with seaweed (mainly cultivation) so just being flexible and following whatever interests you is fine. I’d recommend reading some popular science books like Into the Deep and one I’m currently reading, The Brilliant Abyss. But really just keep an open mind, stay curious and follow what really interests you. There’s no rush, your degree just gives you the skills to then explore further during masters, PhD or whatever.