Bachelor of Marine Science
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Marine Science |
| Course credit points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | S337 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2023 onwards |
| 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 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS 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 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Majors
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of major sequences
- Details of minor sequences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Marine science at Deakin is the state of Victoria’s only dedicated marine science degree 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.
The course runs across two coastal locations – our Queenscliff Marine Science Centre, where you can observe living marine animals and plants, learn in a state-of-the-art aquarium and enjoy access to the marine and coastal ecosystem on Queenscliff’s doorstep, and our Warrnambool campus, home to cutting-edge labs and facilities. You will graduate ready to make a real contribution to how we understand and protect our oceans.
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 develop multidisciplinary skills that open up diverse 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.
Articulated courses
| Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) (S494) |
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Marine Science you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
*Each minor is comprised of 4 credit points
Course structure
Core units
You are required to complete 12 core units (these are essential units for this degree)
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
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)
Open electives
Choose six open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites) or you have the option to complete one minor sequence from the list below* (this will use four of your six open electives).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Minors*:
*Each minor is comprised of 4 credit points
Work experience
You’ll gain practical experience through a placement of at least 80 hours at a course-related host organisation. This provides you with opportunities for workplace visits, field trips and industry learning, helping you build valuable professional networks and gain insight into your potential career outcomes. 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 will develop the proficiency needed to navigate intricate data sets, paving the way for innovative advancements 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
| SLE243 | Marine Futures |
Level 2 – Trimester 2
| SLE218 | Indigenous Engagement: Natural Resource Management |
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.
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 . It 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 that the placement component of SLE301 must be completed in an international setting to satisfy the requirements of this minor.
Units
| AIS101 | Intercultural Communication |
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
| SLE225 | Global Environmental Placement |
| SLE301 | Professional Practice |
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.