Marine Biology

A marine biology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers or research in the following areas: marine ecology, fisheries, commercial aquaculture, marine environmental monitoring and assessment, marine science education and tourism. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing specialised knowledge about marine biological systems, as well as practical experience, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in laboratories, or in consulting roles in the marine environmental industry.

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from the biological (botany, zoology) to physical sciences (chemistry, geography, oceanography), by enabling students to complete a sequence of specialist subjects in each, as well as integrated subjects in which the students develop an understanding of the application of ecological principles and environmental management strategies to solving current problems in marine biology. Students will gain relevant workplace training by participating in field-based and group-based research projects.

Marine Biology Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• an integrated understanding of the marine biological (botany, zoology, ecology) and physical (chemistry, geography, oceanography) sciences;
• appreciation for contemporary marine biological issues within a global and Australian context;
• ability to critically interpret, evaluate and synthesise the primary marine scientific literature;
• expertise to properly design and conduct experiments in the marine environment;
• understanding of how to apply statistical methods in the analysis and interpretation of data;
• ability to conduct research as part of a team;
• effective written and oral communication skills in presenting the outcomes of experimental research.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

All three of

Plus one elective selected from

This major is available to new generation Bachelor of Science students (B-SCI). It is also available to Bachelor of Science students who commenced prior to 2008. The published structure of this major includes subjects available in the current year. Pre-2008 Bachelor of Science students who completed one or more Level 3 science subjects towards this major prior to 2010 should contact the Science Student Centre for advice on appropriate subjects to complete this major.