Bachelor of Science, Marine Science

The BSc Marine Science and advanced BSc Marine Science advanced degrees are broadly based Marine Science degrees which allow students the option of specialising in Marine Biology / Fisheries Biology or Marine Geosciences in their 2nd and third years. Strong students are encouraged to progress to a 4th year (honours) which provides the opportunity for research on a fundamental or applied Marine Science project.

Marine Science students may complete their honours year within Biological or Earth & Environmental Sciences or through joint supervisory arrangements with any of the science departments. Entry to honours programs is dependent upon reaching suitable entry standards (see Dept. web pages for further details). Students in the BSc Advanced program are guaranteed acceptance into honours subject to satisfactory completion of their normal course work.

The University of Wollongong's latest acquisition: the twin hulled 'Pure Logic'

Course Structure

Because marine science is a very broad field we require students to begin with a broad science degree including Biology, Geosciences and Chemistry. These disciplines underpin both our knowledge of the physical processes that form coastal landforms and mineral deposits and transport nutrients, pollutants and marine organisms, and also the biological processes and diversity that shape marine communities. This has the advantage that you have considerable scope to follow one of a range of interests in later years (including transfer to other science degrees). As you progress through your degree there is increasing opportunity to select specialist Marine Science subjects (MARE prefix in course outlines and other subjects such as Marine and Terrestrial Ecology that have a strong marine emphasis).

Choosing Your Major Strand

Towards the end of first year students usually begin to choose their major strand (Marine Biology or Marine Geosciences) and need to choose 2nd and 3rd year subjects accordingly. Alternatively you may elect to follow the pathway leading to a joint major (see top of page). Even within major strands there is scope to follow your stength and interests. For example within biology many students specialise in marine ecology/physiology but others (especially those with an interest in aquaculture or marine conservation genetics) may elect to strengthen their coursework in biochemistry and biotechnology.

Honours and Further Study

An honours degree (an optional 4th year) provides practical experience of research and is usually an important stepping stone to both higher degrees and employment. We offer a wide range of fundamental and applied project areas (see above). Entry to honours is normally dependent upon a credit average or equivalent.

Employment Opportunities

Marine Science graduates with major programs in biology or geosciences (or the joint major) are qualified for employment with a range of government and industry organizations.

Graduate Case Studies

Although our undergraduate Marine Program is officially in its infancy (commencing in 1998) we have produced many honours and postgraduate students specialising in marine science. These students are widely distributed in the Marine Science area and include for example current postdoctoral fellows now at the University of California, University of Sydney and University of Portugal. Other ex students have found employment with various State Fisheries Departments and as environmental consultants .

For further details contact the coordinator A/Prof Ron West