The University of Wollongong is located on the NSW South Coast and our science faculty has broad research strengths in marine biology, marine geosciences, marine chemistry and marine environmental management. Other marine research on campus include maritime law and policy.
We offer undergraduate training via a broadly based B. Marine Science degree and B. Marine Science (Advanced degree).
Many marine science projects are interdisciplinary in nature and we encourage cross departmental projects. However, honours and postgraduate degrees are available through each of the Schools of Biological Science, Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Sciences as well as the B. Environmental Science Program.
We offer 'study abroad links' i.e. an exchange program via links with a number of American Universities such as the University of Miami at Coral Gables, the University of North Carolina and the University of California. All of these institutions have strong marine programs and facilities such the Long Marine Laboratory
The south coast has a thriving fishing industry and aquaculture ranges from established activities such as oyster production to a set of emerging industries.
Our Specialist Marine Facilities include the new research vessel "Pure Logic" (see below) and other smaller diving and general purpose.boats, SCUBA facilities and aquarium room, fish netting and sorting facilities, analytical facilities for geochemical and sedimentological samples, GPS, gravity meter, magnetometer, seismograph and resistivity and IP meters, and drilling and coring equipment.
In addition we have modern laboratory facilities within Biological Sciences for molecular genetics and genetic engineering (including an automated DNA sequencer), comparative physiology , immunology and microspcopy and cell biology (including confocal microscope and cell sorter); Chemistry ( mass spectrometers, HPLC, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers) and within Earth 7 Environmental Sciences, facilities for Dating (Thermoluminescence and OSL readers, amino acid racemisation, C14), Geochemistry (Principally a Micromass PRISM III stable-isotope and ICP Mass Spectrometers), Spatial Analysis, Cartography and Microscopy.
Divers on 'research vessel 'Pure logic' prepare for coral sampling in the Solitary Islands, NSW.
The University has several research centres with high level expertise in Marine Studies. The Institute for Conservation Biology and The Centre for Quaternary Environmental Change.
We support intense activity in fundamental research in both temperate and tropical marine ares and have strong industry links. E.g. NSW NPWS, NSW Fisheries, LDWRC, & local Governments.
Major new and continuing research projects are funded through ARC and the Fisheries Industrial Research and Development Corporation. E.g. "Are high latitude corals reefs marginal sinks or self-seeding populations?" and Populations and habitat requirements of garfishes in south-eastern Australia.
For further details contact the coordinator A/Prof Ron West
