University Marine Biological Station Millport
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Support for Schools at UMBSM
UMBSM is an ideal location for short visits by school groups for field courses or project work towards A-level, Advanced Higher and Scottish Science Baccalaureate qualifications. There is a variety of types of shore and other coastal habitats around the island within walking or cycling distance of the Marine Station. The diversity of species and environmental conditions provides many opportunities for learning and investigations.
Our field and laboratory facilities, and the proximity and accessibility of field sites are ideally suited to successful completion of project work when time is limited.
Please follow the links on the left for further information about the Marine Station and the Isle of Cumbrae, or contact us to enquire about bookings.
Teaching facilities
Our facilities include:
- on-site accommodation for 80 people
- two research vessels
- diving facilities
- flow-through seawater aquarium
- lecture room seating 80 students, with data projector, OHP and whiteboards
- three laboratory classrooms with bench space for 36, 26 and 15 students, respectively
- piped supply of sea water to classrooms
- sinks and plastic aquaria for holding specimens
- large outside seawater tanks
- dissecting and compound microscopes, magnifying glasses, bench lamps
- balances
- drying ovens
- distilled water, filtered sea water, preservatives
- assorted sampling equipment and sample containers
- surveying equipment: e.g. quadrats, tape measures, level instrument, GPS units
- whiteboards
- networked computer in each classroom
- wireless internet access
- minibus, pick-up truck, van and car
Benthos or plankton samples can be pre-collected for you. Other equipment and materials for laboratory or field work are available – please ask!
A selection of books from our library can be delivered to the classroom on request.
Our experienced scientific staff will be happy to provide advice.
What others think:
George Watson's College
An excellent centre for a marine biology field trip
Uddingston Grammar
Provides excellent opportunities to consolidate classroom learning and investigation work for AH Biology
Dollar Academy
A unique experience which benefits the students enormously
Greenock Academy
A quality experience, both academically and socially