When I consider what I want to commit my life to, I can think of nothing better than the

conservation, revitalisation and rescue of our shared oceans. But that is the work of
tomorrow. For today I must focus on the first step towards this ambition. I wish to gain a
Masters degree in Marine Biology from a top university with an outstanding marine biology
course.

This is an especially important issue for me as I enjoy travelling and have seen numerous
ecosystems first hand. Visiting the habitat of multiple species of whale off Cape Town was
my favourite, but then again the geothermal areas of Iceland were also interesting. These
experiences have challenged me to understand the double-edged nature of tourism. I went
to SeaWorld and Discovery Cove as a child, but now recognise that they make a profit from
abusing our love for marine mammals. Through gaining this understanding I learned about
the issues of balancing tourism as a business with conservation.

I am an A grade student and already studying courses which will assist in the step from
college to a Marine Biology course at university. Naturally I am studying biology and through
my course I have been able to practically partake in class work while also understanding the
mechanics within the centre of life, whether individual or as a community. To complement
this I took maths. This provided me with development of my problem solving capabilities
while also developing my knowledge of calculations so I am prepared for whatever numerical
or statistical challenges I may face as a marine biologist. I also decided to take Classical
Civilisations, due to my wish to develop my essay writing skills, which will stand me in good
stead when writing marine biology reports. Classics allows me to appreciate history in the
areas which I prefer and has also developed my understanding of human morals when
compared to Homeric and Augustan Ideals.

I am devoting my EPQ to the ethics of the human population when concerned with
microplastics in the ocean. It questions whether we already have the technology required to
solve the issue of microplastics in the sea and if so whether it is our will which prevents us
from utilising such technology. This topic also presents the opportunity to discuss the benefit
of informing the general public of global issues such as microplastics, commenting on the
ideas behind “the Attenborough effect” and other influences such as the James Dyson Prize:
all of which increase awareness of the situation and encourage action. It was an interesting
study and has only made me more interested in ocean pollution, including the Marine
Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean in Sept 2020 which I became a member of
as a result.

I was accepted onto a week long taster course for marine biology at Southampton
University, but due to Covid was unable to participate in this, so instead began looking at
MOOCs to enhance my learning. My casual use of them has meant that I can support my
academic study at college with my own independent research, meaning I can still learn
about corals in Tropical Coasts and shark’s anatomy. The Tropical Coasts MOOC was my
favourite due to my preference for understanding marine communities and therefore I was
extremely interested in the distinction of corals, especially between Hexacorallia and
Octocorallia, and how coral communities are able to overcome Darwin’s paradox to thrive in
water with a low dissolved mineral content. Through these tools I have been able to satisfy
my thirst for knowledge, but what the course offers makes me excited for what lies ahead.

I am ambitious, but believe that I have the academic ability and strength of character to
achieve my goals. I am particularly keen to learn more about microorganisms during my
university studies, exploring their role in the food chain which sustains marine ecosystems.
Through studying marine biology I plan to take the next step towards a fascinating and
rewarding career in this vital area.