Bachelor of Marine Science

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Marine Science
Deakin course code	S337
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Online	No
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	0100303 Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
*Students may be required to undertake cross campus study between the Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses for some units depending on the major sequence or electives selected.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Study marine science at Deakin where you will have access to spectacular marine environments teeming with rich biodiversity on your doorstep. Become an expert in ocean systems by exploring a broad range of disciplines, including marine biology and ecology, oceanography, marine mapping, conservation, aquaculture, fisheries, and marine and coastal management. The Bachelor of Marine Science equips you with the skills needed to create a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.

You will learn from expert marine science teaching staff in labs and facilities equipped for exploring and understanding the biological, chemical and physical processes of life underwater. Our facilities are located at the doorstep of the Great Southern Reef where rocky shores, seagrass beds, mangroves and iconic surf beaches become your classroom.

Want to join the growing marine science community to help build a sustainable blue economy?

Our Bachelor of Marine Science is a science-based and interdisciplinary course that aligns closely with the National Marine Science Plan. You will learn from a team of expert marine scientists and draw on the knowledge and experience of Australia’s leading marine research organisations, providing you with the science-based skill set in demand by employers in the marine sector.

You will graduate ready to join the greater marine science community, applying new marine technologies and innovative approaches to manage and protect the world’s marine habitats and ecosystems. A diverse range of career opportunities awaits, in both research and applied fields, including:

biodiversity conservation
fisheries and aquaculture
marine biochemistry and biotechnology
marine biology and ecology
marine management and policy
microbiology and genomics
oceanography
remote sensing and modelling.

If you choose to undertake further postgraduate studies, including research training, you can specialise in a specific field of marine science.

Indicative student workload

Students can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, field trips, practicals and online interaction. Individual unit details in the course structure provide specific information relating to teaching activities in each unit. Students also need to study and complete assessment tasks in their own time.

Career opportunities

As a marine scientist, you will gain skills across multi-disciplinary areas which allow for a diverse range of career opportunities in both research and applied fields. These can be in areas such as oceanography, marine biochemistry and biotechnology, fisheries, remote sensing, marine biology and ecology, microbiology and genomics, mathematics or economics. Further postgraduate studies including research training can lead to students becoming research scientists in a specific field of marine science.

Participation requirements

Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3.

Students enrolled at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus will be required to undertake some of their practical learning experiences at the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Course expenses

In addition to student contribution fees, students should be aware that they may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with travel, food and accommodation while on fieldwork.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Contribute scientific predictions, observations, innovation and knowledge towards a world-wide, sustainable blue economy by integrating and applying well-developed, multidisciplinary knowledge in the marine science field. Apply technical capabilities, including emerging marine technology and innovation and use them in a range of problem solving activities in a professional and/or academic setting within the field of marine science.
Communication	Use appropriate scientific language and formats including written, visual, oral and graphical forms to communicate and engage with a broad spectrum of society, such as those in industry, policy, regulation and the community. Generate, analyse and present key information in a professional manner with evidence from local and global contributions and contexts.
Digital literacy	Use well developed technical skills and judgement to retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information using a variety of tools and techniques. Apply quantitative skills in marine science using software programs associated with computational science and system dynamics.
Critical thinking	Critically evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation, fieldwork investigations. Use analytical thinking and judgement to evaluate, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles in the field of marine science.
Problem solving	Apply traditional, emerging and innovative approaches and information to scope and solve real world (authentic) problems in marine science. Evaluate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions for authentic marine science issues taking in account human dimensions of conservation management.
Self-management	Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices.
Teamwork	Work in various team roles and also work collaboratively in a team to contribute towards achieving team goals. Apply interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate effectively to enhance outcomes in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.
Global citizenship	Recognise the role, relevance and ethical implications of marine science in society and apply cultural, economic and social awareness, including those of indigenous people. Adopt, appreciate and respect scientific morals and ethics, including working with animals.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Marine Science students must pass 24 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
12 credit points of core units
1 major (6 credit points)
6 credit points - one of:
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 2 credit points of open elective units
- 6 credit points of open elective units
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Majors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete at least one major from the following areas:

Marine Science Majors:

Each major is comprised of six (6) credit points - one credit point per unit

Ocean, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Geelong)

Sustainable Marine Management (Warrnambool)

Minors

Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

Indigenous Studies

Global Engagement

*Each minor is comprised of 4 credit points

Course structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SLE107

Marine Environments #

SLE111

Cells and Genes

SLE133

Chemistry in Our World

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SLE108

Ocean Processes

SLE128

Oceans, Coasts and Climate Change

Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SLE238

Marine Biology

SLE251

Research Methods and Data Analysis #

Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SLE244

Marine Ecology

SLE245

Marine Geographic Information Systems

Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 3

SLE350

Marine Wildlife

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE301

Professional Practice #

SLE363

Transdisciplinary Marine Research

Marine Science Major unit (1 credit point)

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

Level 3 - Trimester 2

2 x Marine Science Major units (2 credit points)

Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

Electives

Select 6 open elective units (6 credit points) or complete one of the two minors* listed below. You may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Minors*:

Indigenous Studies

Global Engagement

*Each minor is comprised of 4 credit points

Work experience

The course includes a compulsory professional practice unit that requires you to undertake at least 80 hours of work experience in a course-related host organisation. You’ll gain practical experience by completing a two week placement at a course-related host organisation to provide you with opportunities for workplace visits, field trips, industry learning and to establish valuable networks – giving you better insight into your possible career outcomes.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific industry placement as part of your course. Explore the SEBE WIL program.

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Details of major sequences

Ocean, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

Campuses

Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000090

Overview

Fisheries and aquaculture provide food for millions of people around the world every day. However, marine and aquatic ecosystems are under stress – from climate change, unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, and pollution – leading to ocean acidification and declining biodiversity. This major sequence enhances your understanding of the sciences underpinning fisheries, marine microbiology and genomics, aquaculture and oceanography. With a focus on fostering quantitative skills, students develop the proficiency needed to navigate intricate data sets, paving the way for innovative advancement in marine science.

Units

Six (6) credit points - one credit point per unit

Level 1 – Trimester 1

No major unit

Level 1 – Trimester 2

SLE134

Introduction to Fisheries

Level 2 – Trimester 1

SLE236

Marine Microbiology and Genomics

Level 2 – Trimester 2

SLE240

Quantitative Marine Science

Level 3 – Trimester 1

SLE345

Oceanography

Level 3 – Trimester 2

SLE362

Aquaculture

SLE327

Fisheries Science

Sustainable Marine Management

Campuses

Warrnambool

Unit set code

MJ-S000091

Overview

Marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change, unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, population growth, urban development and pollution leading to ocean acidification and declining biodiversity. The adequate and sustainable management of marine environments requires a complex, comprehensive and ecosystem-based approach. This major sequence provides you with a deep understanding of these complex relationships through the exploration of topics in environmental sustainability, marine disturbance and remediation, and the integration of marine, coastal and catchment management for a sustainable marine future.

Units

Six (6) credit points - one credit point per unit

Level 1 – Trimester 1

No major unit

Level 1 – Trimester 2

SLE121

Environmental Sustainability

Level 2 – Trimester 1

SLE218

Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management

Level 2 – Trimester 2

SLE243

Marine Futures

Level 3 – Trimester 1

SLE305

Integrating Marine, Coastal and Catchment Management

Level 3 – Trimester 2

SLE349

Catchments to Coasts

SLE325

Marine Disturbance and Remediation

Details of minor sequences

Indigenous Studies

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

MN-A000074

Overview

This minor sequence of Indigenous Studies units will build understanding, recognition and validity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing. Completing this sequence of study will facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and Australia's multiple histories to foster productive and meaningful relationships in culturally diverse communities, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Career Outcomes

Completion of the minor sequence of Indigenous Studies will enable graduates to respectfully collaborate and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. Culturally responsive graduates can apply these skills and practices to a wide range of services, including education, creative industries, and health and community services.

Units

1 unit from:

IND101

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

IND102

Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines

Plus 2 units from:

IND203

Caring for Country

IND204

Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing

IND205

Global Indigenous Knowledges and Philosophies

IND206

Indigeneity and the Media

Plus 1 unit from:

IND301

Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia

IND302

Working Alongside Aboriginal Communities

Global Engagement

Campuses

Online

Unit set code

MN-S000022

Overview

Australia is a world leader in the management, conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment and maintains an active interest in ensuring effective and complementary approaches to marine conservation on a regional and global level. This minor sequence gives you a global perspective. You'll gain an introduction to Aboriginal studies and intercultural communication, and have the opportunity to participate in a global environmental placement while exploring topics in conservation and sustainability.

Please note, students considering SLE301 Professional Practice as part of their global engagement minor, the placement component of this unit must be completed in an international setting.

Units

AIS101

Intercultural Communication

IND101

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

And 2 of:

SLE225

Global Environmental Placement

SLE266

International Marine Study Tour ^

SLE353

Asian Conservation and Environment Sustainability: International Study Tour

SLE301

Professional Practice

^Not available in 2025

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.