弗林德斯大学

Get a broad understanding of the biology of marine organisms, their relationships with the physico-chemical marine environment, and their potential responses to changes. The degree provides you with the ability to acquire extensive knowledge in marine biodiversity, ecology, genetics, conservation, fisheries and related areas, and builds transferable skills.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

• core topics in evolution of biological diversity, the molecular basis of life, introduction to marine biology, marine sciences, the nature of science, and biostatistics
• a topic in chemical structure and bonding or general chemistry
• study of chemistry for the life sciences

Second year

A typical second year may include:

• core topics in experimental design and statistics for biology; genetics, evolution and biodiversity; ecology; animal diversity; marine ecology; and coasts and oceans
• a selection of elective topics

Third year

A typical third year may include:

• core topics in conservation biology and restoration ecology; marine and freshwater biology; plant and algal diversity; marine mammals, birds and reptiles; and fisheries biology, science and management
• a biology research project

Honours year

A typical honours year may include:

• a major marine biology research thesis allowing high-performing students to progress to a higher degree by research
• further development of professional skills, particularly those relevant to research and development.

Your career

The range of specialty areas and career opportunities are expansive. There are marine biologists who study the basic biochemistry of marine organisms, or the growth or behaviour of individual plants or animals. Some adopt an even larger perspective and study how entire marine ecosystems function.

Potential occupations include:

• marine biologist
• marine and coastal community education officer
• oceans science project officer
• marine policy officer
• marine parks scientist.

Potential employers include:

• government
• coastal and marine industries
• environmental groups
• fisheries
• research and development organisations
• tourism
• water authorities