Future Students

Marine Science

The Area of Study

Marine scientists work on the conservation, use and development of the marine and coastal environment. Because of the growing concern for the protection and the wise use of our natural resources, there is an increasing need for skilled personnel who can advise on, organise and control the development of marine resources and activities.

The Bachelor of Marine Science is intended for students interested in the natural sciences as well as the marine environment. It provides a science focused curriculum that will prepare you to go on to graduate studies or directly into employment. A core of marine studies units unifies the marine science program; currently three majors are possible, based on the geosciences, chemical ecology and biology.

A degree in marine science will prepare you for a variety of interesting career opportunities. Federal, state and local government agencies employ marine scientists to regulate and monitor the use of resources, solve problems and conduct research. Private industry provides employment in fields such as exploratory marine geology, satellite imagery, computer-based ecological modelling, underwater archaeology, fisheries and aquaculture. Employment is also found in a growing number of environmental consultancies and numerous non-government organisations.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Marine Science 75.55 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemical Ecology
  • Geoscience

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • marine science
  • atmospheric and oceanographic science
  • marine biology
  • ecology
  • biodiversity and conservation
  • animal behaviour
  • chemistry

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (Band 2), Chemistry (Band 3) or their equivalents are assumed knowledge for biology units. HSC Earth and Environmental Science and HSC Biology or their equivalents are recommended studies. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • environmental consulting
  • teaching and research
  • journalism and broadcasting
  • exploratory geology/ petroleum industry
  • satellite imagery
  • computer-based ecological modelling
  • preparation of impact statements
  • underwater archaeology aquaculture/mariculture
  • pharmacology

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Some Major Employers

  • water boards
  • fisheries
  • Royal Australian Navy
  • parks and wildlife services
  • geological survey organisations
  • scientific research organisations
  • universities
  • law specialising in
    • marine issues
    • ecotourism
    • recreation planning
  • government agencies

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Further information

Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Telephone:  (02) 9850 7970
Fax: (02) 9850 7972
Email: robert.harcourt@mq.edu.au
Web: www.els.mq.edu.au/marinescience

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