C10228v3 Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Overview

This course focuses on how the marine environment works and how it can be better managed. This requires a thorough understanding of the way plants, animals and micro-organisms function in marine ecosystems (including estuarine, coastal, oceanic and coral reef ecosystems and Antarctica), as well as the skills required to detect and assess detrimental impacts on these marine environments resulting from anthropogenic sources and climate change.

The course has a strong practical and field-based focus. Students learn important concepts and skills through a combination of theory, laboratory and real-world experience via field trips to a range of marine environments.

Career options

Career options include positions in government departments such as fisheries, national parks and wildlife, state environmental protection authorities and other state departments such as infrastructure, natural resources and planning. Graduates are also employed by local coastal councils as environmental officers, in resource industries and consulting firms, as research officers with CSIRO and at universities, and as teachers at schools and TAFE colleges.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics; any two units of English; and any two units of science.

Course duration and attendance

Students can complete the course over three years full time. Full-time attendance involves approximately 20 hours each week on campus. Students may also be able to complete the course part time, usually at the rate of two subjects a semester (a 50 per cent load), taking six years to complete. Part-time students are required to attend some sessions in daytime hours.

Course structure

Students must complete a total of 144 credit points, made up of 120 credit points of core subjects and 24 credit points of elective subjects. The elective subjects enable students to increase their expertise in other areas of science or other disciplines in the University. This can be in the form of a specialised 24-credit-point sub-major or by a varied selection of subjects.

Students must satisfactorily complete all core subjects and the required number of credit points of elective/second major subjects for award of the degree.

Course program

The program shown assumes full-time attendance, commencing in Autumn semester.

Honours

Honours is available as an additional year to meritorious students.

Professional recognition

Australian Marine Science Association

Other information

Further information is available from: